Multiple Choice
In animal cells, the mitotic spindle arises primarily from which cell structure?
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15. Cytoskeleton and Cell Movement
Microtubules and Cell Division
Multiple Choice
During mitosis, what is the primary role of spindle fibers (microtubules) in cell division?
A
They synthesize the nuclear envelope and reassemble it around chromosomes at the start of mitosis.
B
They form a rigid cell wall plate that separates the cytoplasm into two daughter cells.
C
They replicate the cell’s DNA during S phase to ensure each daughter cell receives a complete genome.
D
They attach to kinetochores and move sister chromatids to opposite poles of the cell.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that spindle fibers are composed of microtubules, which are dynamic structures involved in chromosome movement during mitosis.
Recognize that during mitosis, spindle fibers attach specifically to kinetochores, which are protein complexes located at the centromere of each sister chromatid.
Know that the primary function of these spindle fibers is to exert forces that align the chromosomes at the metaphase plate and then separate the sister chromatids during anaphase.
Realize that by pulling sister chromatids toward opposite poles of the cell, spindle fibers ensure that each daughter cell receives an identical set of chromosomes.
Distinguish this role from other processes such as nuclear envelope reassembly, DNA replication, or cell wall formation, which are not functions of spindle fibers during mitosis.
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