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Related Concept Videos

Spindle Assembly02:50

Spindle Assembly

Spindle assembly occurs through three, often coexisting, pathways – the centrosome-mediated pathway, the chromatin-mediated pathway, and the microtubule-mediated pathway – collectively contributing to form a robust spindle apparatus.
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...
Spindle Assembly02:50

Spindle Assembly

Spindle assembly occurs through three, often coexisting, pathways – the centrosome-mediated pathway, the chromatin-mediated pathway, and the microtubule-mediated pathway – collectively contributing to form a robust spindle apparatus.
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...
The Mitotic Spindle02:27

The 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.
The bipolar configuration of the mitotic spindle facilitates chromosomal segregation, preparing the cell for division. One mechanism that ensures bipolar mitotic...
The Mitotic Spindle02:27

The 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.
The bipolar configuration of the mitotic spindle facilitates chromosomal segregation, preparing the cell for division. One mechanism that ensures bipolar mitotic...
The Spindle Assembly Checkpoint02:19

The Spindle Assembly Checkpoint

The spindle assembly checkpoint is a molecular surveillance mechanism ensuring the fidelity of chromosome segregation during anaphase. The checkpoint monitors the completion of all the prerequisite steps before chromosome segregation to determine whether the segregation process should proceed or be delayed.
Many proteins function together to control the spindle assembly checkpoint. Mutations affecting these proteins may allow cells to proceed into anaphase prematurely, resulting in the...
The Spindle Assembly Checkpoint02:19

The Spindle Assembly Checkpoint

The spindle assembly checkpoint is a molecular surveillance mechanism ensuring the fidelity of chromosome segregation during anaphase. The checkpoint monitors the completion of all the prerequisite steps before chromosome segregation to determine whether the segregation process should proceed or be delayed.
Many proteins function together to control the spindle assembly checkpoint. Mutations affecting these proteins may allow cells to proceed into anaphase prematurely, resulting in the...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 7, 2026

Reconstitution of Basic Mitotic Spindles in Spherical Emulsion Droplets
10:52

Reconstitution of Basic Mitotic Spindles in Spherical Emulsion Droplets

Published on: August 13, 2016

Mechanisms of mitotic spindle assembly and function.

Claire E Walczak1, Rebecca Heald

  • 1Medical Sciences Program, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, USA.

International Review of Cytology
|February 16, 2008
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

The mitotic spindle, crucial for cell division, uses dynamic microtubules for chromosome segregation. Recent advances reveal key molecular players and intricate movements in spindle assembly and function.

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Last Updated: Jul 7, 2026

Reconstitution of Basic Mitotic Spindles in Spherical Emulsion Droplets
10:52

Reconstitution of Basic Mitotic Spindles in Spherical Emulsion Droplets

Published on: August 13, 2016

Self-Assembly of Microtubule Tactoids
08:49

Self-Assembly of Microtubule Tactoids

Published on: June 23, 2022

Directly Measuring Forces Within Reconstituted Active Microtubule Bundles
07:47

Directly Measuring Forces Within Reconstituted Active Microtubule Bundles

Published on: May 10, 2022

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • The mitotic spindle is essential for accurate chromosome segregation during cell division.
  • Microtubules, with their polarity and dynamics, are the primary structural components of the spindle.
  • Spindle assembly involves centrosomes, chromosomes, molecular motors, and microtubule-regulating factors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a historical overview of key observations in mitotic spindle assembly.
  • To present an updated status report on the field of spindle assembly research.
  • To elucidate the molecular mechanisms and dynamics governing spindle organization and function.

Main Methods:

  • Review of historical literature and key experimental observations.
  • Analysis of recent high-resolution data on spindle microtubule and chromosome dynamics.
  • Synthesis of current models of spindle assembly and function.

Main Results:

  • Significant progress has been made in identifying molecular players critical for spindle assembly.
  • High-resolution imaging has revealed intricate movements and dynamics of spindle microtubules and chromosomes.
  • Understanding of bipolar spindle organization and function has been greatly enhanced.

Conclusions:

  • The field has advanced significantly, providing a detailed view of mitotic spindle assembly.
  • Current models integrate diverse molecular players and dynamic processes.
  • Ongoing research continues to unravel the complexities of chromosome segregation machinery.