Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 22, 2026

High-resolution Imaging and Analysis of Individual Astral Microtubule Dynamics in Budding Yeast
Published on: April 20, 2017
Astral microtubule asymmetry provides directional cues for spindle positioning in budding yeast
Steven M Markus1, Katelyn A Kalutkiewicz, Wei-Lih Lee
1Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 221 Morrill South, 611 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA 01003, USA.
Abstract:
Cortical force generators play a central role in the orientation and positioning of the mitotic spindle. In higher eukaryotes, asymmetrically localized cortical polarity determinants recruit or activate such force generators, which, through interactions with astral microtubules, position the mitotic spindle at the future site of cytokinesis. Recent studies in budding yeast have shown that, rather than the cell cortex, the astral microtubules themselves may provide polarity cues that are needed for asymmetric pulling on the mitotic spindle. Such asymmetry has been shown to be required for proper spindle positioning, and consequently faithful and accurate chromosome segregation. In this review, we highlight results that have shed light on spindle orientation in this classical model of asymmetric cell division, and review findings that may shed light on similar processes in higher eukaryotes.
Related Concept Videos
Spindle Assembly
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 Spindle
The bipolar configuration of the mitotic spindle facilitates chromosomal segregation, preparing the cell for division. One mechanism that ensures bipolar mitotic...
The Mitotic Spindle
The bipolar configuration of the mitotic spindle facilitates chromosomal segregation, preparing the cell for division. One mechanism that ensures bipolar mitotic...
Attachment of Sister Chromatids
Determining the Plane of Cell Division
Animal cells
In animal cells, the cleavage furrow forms along the plane of cell division starting...
Forces Acting on Chromosomes
Microtubules and motor proteins exert two types of forces on...

