STRUCTURE OF THE MITOTIC SPINDLE IN L STRAIN FIBROBLASTS
Abstract:
The mitotic spindle of L strain fibroblasts, fixed with glutaraldehyde followed by osmium tetroxide, contains many 150- to 180-A tubules. They appear first in the cytoplasm. They extend from the centrospheres to the kinetochores, and from one centrosphere to the other. Only occasionally can points of continuity between the spindle tubules and the tubules of the centrioles be observed. The chromosomal insertion is by a means of a thin dense plate of the kinetochore. The total number of continuous spindle tubules is between 500 and 600. Occasionally, tubules appear paired. At anaphase, short lengths of individual spindle tubules possess a coating of a substance of high density midway between the poles. These parts of the spindle tubules aggregate to form irregular groups, comprising the stem-body, and, by becoming aligned into a plate, they form the mid-body.
Insights
This study reveals the structure of mitotic spindle tubules in L strain fibroblasts, detailing their origin, connections, and role in forming the mid-body during cell division.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Cytoskeleton Dynamics
- Mitosis
Background:
- The mitotic spindle is crucial for chromosome segregation during cell division.
- Understanding the ultrastructure of spindle components provides insight into cell division mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the morphology and arrangement of mitotic spindle tubules in L strain fibroblasts.
- To elucidate the formation of the stem-body and mid-body during anaphase.
Main Methods:
- Transmission electron microscopy was used to examine fixed L strain fibroblasts.
- Glutaraldehyde and osmium tetroxide fixation preserved cellular structures for ultrastructural analysis.
Main Results:
- Mitotic spindles contain numerous 150- to 180-Å tubules originating in the cytoplasm.
- These tubules extend between centrospheres and to kinetochores, with occasional continuity to centrioles.
- During anaphase, spindle tubules aggregate to form the stem-body and mid-body structures.
Conclusions:
- The study provides detailed ultrastructural evidence of mitotic spindle tubule organization.
- The findings contribute to understanding the physical basis of chromosome movement and cytokinesis.
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