- 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:
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Prophase: Chromosomes condense and become visible. The mitotic spindle, composed of microtubules, begins to form outside the nucleus.
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Prometaphase: The nuclear envelope breaks down. Microtubules extend toward the chromosomes and attach to the kinetochores.
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Metaphase: Chromosomes align at the cell’s equatorial plate. The attached microtubules help to hold them in place and facilitate their correct alignment.
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Anaphase: The microtubules pull sister chromatids apart, moving them to opposite poles of the cell.
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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.