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Related Concept Videos

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...
Forces Acting on Chromosomes02:11

Forces Acting on Chromosomes

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...
Forces Acting on Chromosomes02:11

Forces Acting on Chromosomes

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...
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...
Anaphase A and B01:39

Anaphase A and B

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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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 18, 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

Force and length in the mitotic spindle.

Sophie Dumont1, Timothy J Mitchison

  • 1Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA. sdumont@hms.harvard.edu

Current Biology : CB
|November 13, 2009
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

The mitotic spindle achieves steady-state length via integrated molecular forces. Further research is needed on how these forces interact and regulate spindle assembly and disassembly.

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Last Updated: Jun 18, 2026

Reconstitution of Basic Mitotic Spindles in Spherical Emulsion Droplets
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Directly Measuring Forces Within Reconstituted Active Microtubule Bundles

Published on: May 10, 2022

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Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Biophysics

Background:

  • The mitotic spindle (cell division structure) assembles to a steady-state length during metaphase.
  • This assembly relies on molecular mechanisms generating and responding to mechanical forces.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current understanding of metaphase spindle architecture, dynamics, and force-producing mechanisms.
  • To discuss models of force integration and spindle length determination.
  • To highlight critical missing data for understanding spindle mechanics.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing research on mitotic spindle assembly and mechanics.
  • Analysis of current models for force integration and length regulation.
  • Identification of key data gaps in the field.

Main Results:

  • Force-generating mechanisms within the mitotic spindle are known, but their integration is poorly understood.
  • Models for force integration and spindle length determination are discussed.
  • Significant data gaps exist, particularly regarding absolute force values and their spatial variation.

Conclusions:

  • A comprehensive understanding of mitotic spindle assembly requires integrating force generation, response, and length regulation mechanisms.
  • Further experimental data on force dynamics within the spindle is crucial for advancing the field.