Spindle apparatus

Spindle Apparatus

The Spindle Apparatus (pronunciation: /ˈspɪndl əˌpærətəs/), also known as the mitotic spindle, is a structure of the eukaryotic cell that forms during cell division. It is involved in organizing and segregating the chromosomes during mitosis and meiosis.

Etymology

The term "spindle" is derived from the Old English spinnel, which refers to a small, thin device used for spinning. The term "apparatus" comes from the Latin apparatus, meaning equipment or machinery. The name reflects the structure's function in the cell as a machinery for chromosome segregation.

Structure and Function

The Spindle Apparatus is composed of microtubules, motor proteins, and chromosomes. The microtubules, which are part of the cell's cytoskeleton, form the main structure of the spindle. The motor proteins move along the microtubules, helping to pull the chromosomes apart.

During cell division, the Spindle Apparatus forms between the two daughter nuclei. The microtubules attach to the chromosomes at structures called kinetochores, and the motor proteins move along the microtubules, pulling the chromosomes apart and ensuring that each daughter cell receives a complete set of chromosomes.

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Spindle apparatus

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