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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...
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...
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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 25, 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

Imaging the mitotic spindle.

Paul S Maddox1, Anne-Marie Ladouceur, Rajesh Ranjan

  • 1Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC), Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada.

Methods in Enzymology
|February 1, 2012
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

This chapter explores modern light microscopy for imaging the dynamic mitotic spindle, a key cellular machine. Discover techniques and protocols for studying microtubule and protein regulation during cell division.

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Techniques for Imaging Prometaphase and Metaphase of Meiosis I in Fixed Drosophila Oocytes

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Last Updated: May 25, 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

Live Imaging of Mitosis in the Developing Mouse Embryonic Cortex
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Published on: June 4, 2014

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Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Microscopy
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • The mitotic spindle, crucial for cell division, has been studied for over a century.
  • It comprises microtubules, chromosomes, and regulatory proteins, essential for mitosis.
  • Its transient and dynamic nature necessitates advanced imaging techniques.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To discuss modern light microscopy techniques for visualizing the mitotic spindle.
  • To provide practical examples and protocols for spindle imaging.
  • To describe biological preparations and experimental approaches for spindle investigation.

Main Methods:

  • Focus on advanced light microscopy techniques.
  • Includes detailed protocols and experimental designs.
  • Utilizes biological sample preparation methods.

Main Results:

  • Highlights the utility of light microscopy in studying spindle dynamics.
  • Offers practical guidance for researchers.
  • Provides a foundation for further mitotic spindle investigations.

Conclusions:

  • Modern light microscopy is indispensable for understanding the mitotic spindle.
  • The chapter equips researchers with tools and methods for spindle research.
  • Advances in imaging continue to reveal the complexities of cell division.