MITOTIC SPINDLE Meaning and
Definition
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The mitotic spindle is a cellular structure that forms during cell division in eukaryotic cells and plays a critical role in ensuring the accurate distribution of chromosomes to daughter cells. It is composed of microtubules, which are long, slender protein fibers that serve as tracks for the movement of chromosomes. The mitotic spindle is responsible for separating the replicated chromosomes and ensuring that each daughter cell receives the correct number of chromosomes.
The process of forming the mitotic spindle begins during prophase, when pairs of centrosomes, which are small organelles that serve as microtubule-organizing centers, start moving to opposite ends of the cell. As the centrosomes separate, they begin to extend microtubules towards the center of the cell, forming the bipolar structure of the mitotic spindle.
During metaphase, the replicated chromosomes align along an imaginary plane called the metaphase plate, which lies between the two centrosomes. The microtubules of the mitotic spindle then attach to specific regions of the chromosomes called kinetochores, which are protein structures associated with the centromeres of chromosomes.
In anaphase, the mitotic spindle fibers contract, pulling the sister chromatids of each chromosome apart to opposite poles of the cell. Finally, during telophase, the mitotic spindle disassembles, and the nuclear envelope re-forms around the separated sets of chromosomes, leading to the formation of two genetically identical daughter nuclei.
In summary, the mitotic spindle is a complex structure composed of microtubules that facilitates the precise separation and distribution of chromosomes during cell division.
Common Misspellings for MITOTIC SPINDLE
- nitotic spindle
- kitotic spindle
- jitotic spindle
- mutotic spindle
- mjtotic spindle
- mktotic spindle
- mototic spindle
- m9totic spindle
- m8totic spindle
- mirotic spindle
- mifotic spindle
- migotic spindle
- miyotic spindle
- mi6otic spindle
- mi5otic spindle
- mititic spindle
- mitktic spindle
- mitltic spindle
- mitptic spindle
- mit0tic spindle
Etymology of MITOTIC SPINDLE
The word "mitotic spindle" is derived from two main components: "mitotic" and "spindle".
The word "mitotic" comes from the Latin word "mitosis", which means "a thread" or "a thread-like structure". It is derived from the Greek word "mitos", meaning "a thread" or "a warp thread". It was first used in the late 19th century to describe the process of cell division.
The term "spindle" originates from the Old English word "spindel", which referred to a pointed tool used for spinning thread or yarn. The word can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "spindlo", which also meant "a pointed object". Spindle was first used in the late 14th century to denote a long, slender, and pointed device used in spinning.
