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Related Concept Videos

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...
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...
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 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: May 31, 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

Might makes right: Using force to align the mitotic spindle.

Oscar M Lancaster, Buzz Baum

    Nature Cell Biology
    |July 5, 2011
    PubMed
    Summary
    This summary is machine-generated.

    Mitotic spindle positioning relies on environmental cues. A new study reveals that retraction fibers guide spindle alignment by exerting forces on the cell body, crucial for cell division.

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    Directly Measuring Forces Within Reconstituted Active Microtubule Bundles
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    Directly Measuring Forces Within Reconstituted Active Microtubule Bundles

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    Related Experiment Videos

    Last Updated: May 31, 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

    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

    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
    • Mechanobiology
    • Cytoskeleton Dynamics

    Background:

    • Cell division requires precise mitotic spindle orientation.
    • Environmental cues typically guide spindle positioning.
    • The precise mechanisms by which cells interpret these cues remain incompletely understood.

    Discussion:

    • This study identifies load-bearing retraction fibers as key environmental cues.
    • Mitotic spindles actively 'read' the force map generated by these fibers.
    • This force-sensing mechanism dictates spindle positioning during both symmetric and asymmetric cell divisions.

    Key Insights:

    • Load-bearing retraction fibers provide spatial information for spindle alignment.
    • Cellular force perception is critical for accurate cell division.
    • A novel mechanism for interpreting mechanical cues in cell division is revealed.

    Outlook:

    • Further investigation into the molecular players involved in force sensing.
    • Exploring the role of this mechanism in tissue development and disease.
    • Potential therapeutic targets for manipulating cell division through mechanical cues.