ANASTRAL Meaning and
Definition
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"Anastral" is an adjective used in various scientific contexts, particularly in the field of biology, to describe the absence or lack of astral microtubules. In cellular biology, microtubules are part of the cell's cytoskeleton - a network of protein filaments that provides structural support and facilitates movement within the cell. Astral microtubules are a specific type of microtubules that radiate from the centrosome (a specialized cellular structure) towards the cell periphery during cell division.
When a cell is described as "anastral," it means that it does not possess these astral microtubules. This could occur naturally in certain types of cells, or it may refer to a deliberate manipulation or experimental condition where astral microtubules have been disrupted or removed.
The absence of astral microtubules can have significant effects on cell division and cell structure, as these microtubules play important roles in the positioning and orientation of the mitotic spindle during mitosis. The mitotic spindle is responsible for the separation of chromosomes into daughter cells during cell division, guiding their movement accurately and ensuring proper distribution. Cells lacking astral microtubules may exhibit altered spindle formation, which can impact the fidelity of chromosome segregation and subsequent cellular processes.
Overall, "anastral" refers to the lack or absence of astral microtubules in cells and is primarily used within the scientific community to characterize cellular structures and processes.
Common Misspellings for ANASTRAL
