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Mitotic spindle assembly in vitro
Current Protocols in Cell Biology
|January 30, 2008
Summary
This study details protocols for preparing materials to study mitotic spindle assembly in Xenopus egg extracts. Fluorochrome-labeled tubulin aids in visualizing microtubule structures during this process.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Mitotic spindle assembly is crucial for accurate chromosome segregation during cell division.
- Xenopus egg extracts provide a powerful in vitro system for studying fundamental cell division processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe protocols for preparing reagents for in vitro assays of mitotic spindle assembly.
- To enable visualization of microtubule structures using fluorochrome-labeled tubulin.
Main Methods:
- Preparation of Xenopus egg extracts.
- Labeling of tubulin with fluorochromes.
- In vitro assembly of microtubule asters and spindles.
Main Results:
- Established protocols for reagent preparation.
- Successful visualization of microtubule structures, including asters and spindles, using labeled tubulin.
Conclusions:
- The described protocols facilitate the study of mitotic spindle assembly in a controlled in vitro environment.
- Fluorochrome-labeled tubulin is an effective tool for visualizing dynamic microtubule structures.
Related Concept Videos
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In most cells, centrosomes are the primary microtubule nucleation centers. In the centrosome-mediated pathway, the G2-prophase transition triggers centrosome maturation and increased microtubule nucleation. Progressive nucleation results in a microtubule array...
In most cells, centrosomes are the primary microtubule nucleation centers. In the centrosome-mediated pathway, the G2-prophase transition triggers centrosome maturation and increased microtubule nucleation. Progressive nucleation results in a microtubule array...
02:27The Mitotic Spindle
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The bipolar configuration of the mitotic spindle facilitates chromosomal segregation, preparing the cell for division. One mechanism that ensures bipolar mitotic...
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02:27The Mitotic Spindle
The mitotic spindle—or spindle apparatus—is a eukaryotic, cytoskeletal structure made up of long protein fibers called microtubules. Formed during cell division, the spindle separates sister chromatids and moves them to opposite ends of a parental cell, where the now individual chromosomes are distributed to two daughter cell nuclei.
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02:19The Spindle Assembly Checkpoint
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