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Related Concept Videos

Spindle Assembly02:50

Spindle Assembly

4.5K
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...
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The Mitotic Spindle02:27

The Mitotic Spindle

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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...
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Studying the Cytoskeleton01:17

Studying the Cytoskeleton

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The cytoskeletal architecture can be studied using different microscopic and biochemical techniques. Electron microscopy was instrumental in discovering the cytoskeletal architecture around the 1960s, which allowed obtaining structural information at a high-resolution level. However, the sample preparation procedure often limits this ability in biological samples. Several protocols have been developed over the years to optimize sample preparation. In one of the protocols known as rotary...
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The Spindle Assembly Checkpoint02:19

The Spindle Assembly Checkpoint

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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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Anaphase A and B01:39

Anaphase A and B

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Microtubules form through the end-to-end polymerization of tubulin heterodimers. Kinetochore microtubules originate from the spindle poles, and their plus-ends connect with the kinetochores on sister-chromatids. Ndc80 protein complexes, present on the kinetochore, form low-affinity links with the plus end of these kinetochore microtubules.
Plus-end depolymerization releases tubulin heterodimers from the terminal region of the microtubule. As tubulin subunits are lost, the Ndc80 complexes detach...
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Forces Acting on Chromosomes02:11

Forces Acting on Chromosomes

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During mitosis, chromosome movements occur through the interplay of multiple piconewton level forces. In prometaphase, these forces help in chromosome assembly or congression at the equatorial plane, eventually leading to their alignment at the metaphase plate. The forces acting on the chromosomes are space and time-dependent; therefore, they vary with the position of the chromosomes as the cell progresses through mitosis. 
Microtubules and motor proteins exert two types of forces on...
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 31, 2026

Live Cell Imaging to Assess the Dynamics of Metaphase Timing and Cell Fate Following Mitotic Spindle Perturbations
07:14

Live Cell Imaging to Assess the Dynamics of Metaphase Timing and Cell Fate Following Mitotic Spindle Perturbations

Published on: September 20, 2019

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Data harvesting from fields of spindles.

Jesse C Gatlin1, E D Salmon

  • 1Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 607 Fordham Hall, CB# 3280, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA. jgatlin@email.unc.edu

Cell
|August 12, 2009
PubMed
Summary

Researchers explored how cell division machinery, the mitotic spindle, scales with the amount of genetic material (chromatin). They grew spindle "fields" to study assembly mechanisms and chromatin-spindle size relationships.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • The mitotic spindle is crucial for accurate chromosome segregation during cell division.
  • Spindle size must scale appropriately with the cell's chromatin content.

Discussion:

  • Dinarina et al. (2009) developed a method to grow fields of mitotic spindles on coverslips.
  • This approach allows for the investigation of the relationship between chromatin and spindle size.
  • The study examines intrinsic mechanisms governing spindle assembly.

Key Insights:

  • Investigating the physical constraints and regulatory mechanisms that determine mitotic spindle size.
  • Understanding how chromatin influences spindle assembly and overall dimensions.
  • Exploring the fundamental principles of spindle formation in dividing cells.

More Related Videos

Examination of Mitotic and Meiotic Fission Yeast Nuclear Dynamics by Fluorescence Live-cell Microscopy
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Examination of Mitotic and Meiotic Fission Yeast Nuclear Dynamics by Fluorescence Live-cell Microscopy

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Reconstitution of Basic Mitotic Spindles in Spherical Emulsion Droplets
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Reconstitution of Basic Mitotic Spindles in Spherical Emulsion Droplets

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Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Mar 31, 2026

Live Cell Imaging to Assess the Dynamics of Metaphase Timing and Cell Fate Following Mitotic Spindle Perturbations
07:14

Live Cell Imaging to Assess the Dynamics of Metaphase Timing and Cell Fate Following Mitotic Spindle Perturbations

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Examination of Mitotic and Meiotic Fission Yeast Nuclear Dynamics by Fluorescence Live-cell Microscopy
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Examination of Mitotic and Meiotic Fission Yeast Nuclear Dynamics by Fluorescence Live-cell Microscopy

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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

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Outlook:

  • Potential implications for understanding aneuploidy and developmental disorders.
  • Further research into the molecular players involved in spindle size regulation.
  • Applications in developing novel cancer therapeutics targeting cell division.