3. During Mitosis, Microtubules Attach To Chromosomes At The Blank

  1. During Mitosis, Microtubules Attach To Chromosomes At The Blank.

3. During Mitosis, Microtubules Attach To Chromosomes At The Blank

Answer: During mitosis, microtubules attach to chromosomes at the kinetochore. The kinetochore is a protein structure located on the centromere of each chromosome. It serves as the attachment point for spindle fibers — the dynamic structures that are essential for moving chromosomes during cell division.

Here’s a brief step-by-step explanation of the process:

  1. Prophase: Chromosomes condense and become visible. The mitotic spindle, composed of microtubules, begins to form outside the nucleus.

  2. Prometaphase: The nuclear envelope breaks down. Microtubules extend toward the chromosomes and attach to the kinetochores.

  3. Metaphase: Chromosomes align at the cell’s equatorial plate. The attached microtubules help to hold them in place and facilitate their correct alignment.

  4. Anaphase: The microtubules pull sister chromatids apart, moving them to opposite poles of the cell.

  5. Telophase: The chromosomes arrive at the poles, and the nuclear envelope re-forms around the separated sister chromatids.

Summary: Microtubules attach to chromosomes during mitosis at a special structure called the kinetochore. This attachment is critical for moving chromosomes during cell division, ensuring accurate segregation into daughter cells.