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Updated: Jan 22, 2026
11:19
Spatiotemporal Analysis of Cytokinetic Events in Fission Yeast
Published on: February 20, 2017
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Investigations into multiple fission yeast chromosome size determinants
Pei-Shang Wu1, Todd Fallesen2, Frank Uhlmann1
1Chromosome Segregation Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK.
Journal of Cell Science
|January 21, 2026
Summary
Chromosome size varies, but cell size and mitosis duration aren't key factors. Instead, the amount of the chromosomal condensin complex directly impacts chromosome dimensions, revealing an intrinsic control mechanism.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Genetics
- Microscopy
Background:
- Chromosome dimensions exhibit species- and stage-specific variations.
- The physiological factors governing chromosome size are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the determinants of chromosome size in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe.
- To elucidate the relationship between cellular/mitotic parameters and chromosome dimensions.
Main Methods:
- Utilized super-resolution microscopy for detailed imaging.
- Employed semi-automated measurements to quantify chromosome dimensions.
- Analyzed the impact of varying condensin complex levels on chromosome size.
Main Results:
- Cellular or nuclear volume in interphase showed minimal influence on chromosome dimensions.
- The duration of mitosis had little effect on resultant chromosome size.
- Increasing levels of the chromosomal condensin complex led to more compact, shorter, and thinner chromosomes.
Conclusions:
- Chromosome size is primarily determined by an intrinsic mechanism, specifically the levels of the chromosomal condensin complex.
- Environmental factors like cell volume or mitosis duration play a lesser role in setting chromosome dimensions.
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