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Spindle Structure and the Mechanisms of Chromosome Movement

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Aneuploidy

Part of the book series: Basic Life Sciences ((BLSC,volume 36))

Abstract

The mitotic spindle is a dynamic and transient structure; it forms to segregate the duplicate chromosomes and disappears at the completion of its task. This dynamism is complex because spindle formation includes both the polymerization of fibrous components, such as microtubules, and the organization of these components into the familiar metaphase structure. The actions of the spindle fibers on chromosomes may conveniently be divided into 2 parts: an organizational phase that precedes metaphase and a segregational phase thereafter. To discuss either of these dynamic stages with clarity, it is important to have a good view of metaphase in mind. We therefore begin our discussion of chromosome movement with a description of the metaphase spindle.

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McIntosh, J.R. (1985). Spindle Structure and the Mechanisms of Chromosome Movement. In: Dellarco, V.L., et al. Aneuploidy. Basic Life Sciences, vol 36. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-2127-9_14

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