Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 15, 2026

Measurement of Microtubule Dynamics by Spinning Disk Microscopy in Monopolar Mitotic Spindles
Published on: November 15, 2019
Mitotic spindles revisited - new insights from 3D electron microscopy
Thomas Müller-Reichert1, Robert Kiewisz2, Stefanie Redemann1
1Technische Universität Dresden, Experimental Center, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Fiedlerstraße 42, 01307 Dresden, Germany mueller-reichert@tu-dresden.de SZ5j@virginia.edu.
Abstract:
The mitotic spindle is a complex three-dimensional (3D) apparatus that functions to ensure the faithful segregation of chromosomes during cell division. Our current understanding of spindle architecture is mainly based on a plethora of information derived from light microscopy with rather few insights about spindle ultrastructure obtained from electron microscopy. In this Review, we will provide insights into the history of imaging of mitotic spindles and highlight recent technological advances in electron tomography and data processing, which have delivered detailed 3D reconstructions of mitotic spindles in the early embryo of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans Tomographic reconstructions provide novel views on spindles and will enable us to revisit and address long-standing questions in the field of mitosis.
Related Concept Videos
The Mitotic Spindle
The bipolar configuration of the mitotic spindle facilitates chromosomal segregation, preparing the cell for division. One mechanism that ensures...
Overview of Electron Microscopy
Scanning Electron Microscopy
Fundamental Principles
Accelerated...
Transmission Electron Microscopy
Immunogold Electron Microscopy
Cryo-electron Microscopy

