Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 11, 2026
10:59
High-resolution Live Imaging of Cell Behavior in the Developing Neuroepithelium
Published on: April 12, 2012
Determining the position of the cell division plane
Julie C Canman1, Lisa A Cameron, Paul S Maddox
1University of North Carolina, Department of Biology, 607 Fordham Hall, CB #3280, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27699-3280, USA.
Nature
|August 9, 2003
Summary
Cell division plane positioning is crucial for development. This study shows that mammalian cell cytokinesis can occur without a bipolar spindle, challenging previous assumptions and revealing new insights into cell division mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Proper cell division plane positioning is critical for development and cell differentiation.
- A bipolar microtubule array was previously thought to be essential for furrow positioning in mammalian cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether a bipolar spindle is required for furrow formation in mammalian cells.
- To explore the mechanisms of cytokinesis in cells with monopolar spindles.
Main Methods:
- Inducing mammalian tissue cells with monopolar spindles to enter anaphase.
- Analyzing microtubule behavior during cytokinesis in both monopolar and bipolar spindles.
- Observing furrow formation and cytokinesis frequency in manipulated cells.
Main Results:
- Cytokinesis occurs at high frequency in cultured mammalian cells with monopolar spindles.
- Furrow formation does not require a bipolar spindle.
- Division consistently occurs at a cortical position distal to the chromosomes.
Conclusions:
- The presence of a bipolar spindle is not a prerequisite for cytokinesis in mammalian cells.
- A subpopulation of stable microtubules extending past chromosomes and interacting with the cell cortex is involved in furrow formation.
- Chromosomes may provide factors that enhance microtubule stability and promote furrowing.
Related Concept Videos
02:03Mitosis and Cytokinesis
In eukaryotes, the cell division cycle is divided into distinct, coordinated cellular processes that include cell growth, DNA replication/chromosome duplication, chromosome distribution to daughter cells, and finally, cell division. The cell cycle is tightly regulated by its regulatory systems as well as extracellular signals that affect cell proliferation.
The processes of the cell cycle occur over approximately 24 hours (in typical human cells) and in two major distinguishable stages. The...
The processes of the cell cycle occur over approximately 24 hours (in typical human cells) and in two major distinguishable stages. The...
02:13Determining the Plane of Cell Division
Positioning the cell division plane is a critical step during development and cell differentiation, particularly during mitosis when the plane is essential for determining the size of the two daughter cells. The cell division plane is perpendicular to the plane of chromosome segregation, but different types of organisms have different cell division mechanisms to suit their morphology and function.
Animal cells
In animal cells, the cleavage furrow forms along the plane of cell division starting...
Animal cells
In animal cells, the cleavage furrow forms along the plane of cell division starting...
01:59The Phragmoplast
Cell division is essential for organismal growth and development. In animal cells, the central spindle and its associated proteins form the midbody, a structure that has an essential role in cytokinesis. In plants, the central spindle, along with the microtubules, actin, and other cell components, matures into the phragmoplast, which is necessary for cytokinesis. Unlike the stationary midbody, the phragmoplast expands centrifugally, eventually leading to the formation of the new cell wall.
The...
The...
02:33Distribution of Cytoplasmic Content
Cytokinesis segregates a cell’s chromosomes and organelles into its daughter cells. Organelles divide and grow prior to cell division but cannot be synthesized de novo; therefore, cells must receive at least one copy of each organelle to survive. Currently, many of the details of how the organelles are distributed are not yet fully elucidated.
Distribution of cytoplasmic determinants
The cytoplasm contains various organelles, as well as salts, proteins, and water. The distribution of small...
Distribution of cytoplasmic determinants
The cytoplasm contains various organelles, as well as salts, proteins, and water. The distribution of small...
01:35Mitosis and Cytokinesis
In eukaryotes, the cell division cycle is divided into distinct, coordinated cellular processes that include cell growth, DNA replication/chromosome duplication, chromosome distribution to daughter cells, and finally, cell division. The cell cycle is tightly regulated by its regulatory systems as well as extracellular signals that affect cell proliferation.
The processes of the cell cycle occur over approximately 24 hours (in typical human cells) and in two major distinguishable stages. The...
The processes of the cell cycle occur over approximately 24 hours (in typical human cells) and in two major distinguishable stages. The...
02:13Determining the Plane of Cell Division
Positioning the cell division plane is a critical step during development and cell differentiation, particularly during mitosis when the plane is essential for determining the size of the two daughter cells. The cell division plane is perpendicular to the plane of chromosome segregation, but different types of organisms have different cell division mechanisms to suit their morphology and function.
Animal cells
In animal cells, the cleavage furrow forms along the plane of cell division starting...
Animal cells
In animal cells, the cleavage furrow forms along the plane of cell division starting...