Kinetochore
Kinetochore
Kinetochore (/kɪˈnɛtəkɔːr/; from the Greek words for "motion" and "place") is a complex of proteins assembled on the centromere, a region of the chromosome where the microtubules of the spindle apparatus attach during cell division.
Etymology
The term "kinetochore" is derived from the Greek words kinesis meaning "movement" and choros meaning "place". It was first used in the early 20th century to describe the structure in the cell that is responsible for the movement of chromosomes during cell division.
Function
The primary function of the kinetochore is to mediate the binding of the chromosome to the spindle microtubules. It achieves this through a number of protein complexes that recognize and bind to specific sites on the microtubules. The kinetochore also plays a crucial role in the mitotic checkpoint, a safety mechanism that ensures that all chromosomes are properly attached to the spindle before the cell proceeds to anaphase.
Structure
The kinetochore is composed of a number of different proteins, including CENP-A, CENP-B, and CENP-C. These proteins form a complex that is capable of binding to the centromere of the chromosome and to the microtubules of the spindle.
Related Terms
- Centromere: The region of the chromosome where the kinetochore assembles.
- Microtubule: A component of the cell's cytoskeleton that the kinetochore binds to during cell division.
- Spindle apparatus: The structure that separates the chromosomes during cell division.
- Mitotic checkpoint: A safety mechanism that ensures all chromosomes are properly attached to the spindle before the cell divides.
- Anaphase: The stage of cell division where the chromosomes are pulled apart.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Kinetochore
- Wikipedia's article - Kinetochore
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