Table of contents
- 1. Introduction to Genetics51m
- 2. Mendel's Laws of Inheritance3h 37m
- 3. Extensions to Mendelian Inheritance2h 41m
- 4. Genetic Mapping and Linkage2h 28m
- 5. Genetics of Bacteria and Viruses1h 21m
- 6. Chromosomal Variation1h 48m
- 7. DNA and Chromosome Structure56m
- 8. DNA Replication1h 10m
- 9. Mitosis and Meiosis1h 34m
- 10. Transcription1h 0m
- 11. Translation58m
- 12. Gene Regulation in Prokaryotes1h 19m
- 13. Gene Regulation in Eukaryotes44m
- 14. Genetic Control of Development44m
- 15. Genomes and Genomics1h 50m
- 16. Transposable Elements47m
- 17. Mutation, Repair, and Recombination1h 6m
- 18. Molecular Genetic Tools19m
- 19. Cancer Genetics29m
- 20. Quantitative Genetics1h 26m
- 21. Population Genetics50m
- 22. Evolutionary Genetics29m
9. Mitosis and Meiosis
Meiosis
Problem 4
Textbook Question
Cohesion between sister chromatids, as well as tension created by the pull of kinetochore microtubules, is essential to ensure efficient separation of chromatids at mitotic anaphase or in meiotic anaphase II. Explain why sister chromatid cohesion is important, and discuss the role of the proteins cohesin and separase in sister chromatid separation.

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Sister chromatid cohesion is important because it ensures that the replicated chromatids remain attached to each other until the appropriate stage of cell division. This cohesion prevents premature separation, which could lead to unequal distribution of genetic material and aneuploidy.
The protein complex cohesin plays a critical role in maintaining sister chromatid cohesion. Cohesin forms a ring-like structure that encircles the sister chromatids, physically holding them together after DNA replication in the S phase of the cell cycle.
During the metaphase stage of mitosis or meiosis II, tension is created by the pull of kinetochore microtubules on the sister chromatids. This tension is essential for proper alignment of chromosomes at the metaphase plate and ensures that chromatids are correctly oriented for separation.
The enzyme separase is activated at the onset of anaphase. Separase cleaves a subunit of the cohesin complex, specifically the SCC1 (also known as RAD21) subunit, which leads to the release of sister chromatids from each other.
Once the cohesin complex is cleaved by separase, the sister chromatids are free to move toward opposite poles of the cell, driven by the shortening of kinetochore microtubules. This ensures accurate segregation of genetic material into the daughter cells.

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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Sister Chromatid Cohesion
Sister chromatid cohesion refers to the physical connection between sister chromatids, which are identical copies of a chromosome formed during DNA replication. This cohesion is crucial during cell division, as it ensures that the chromatids remain attached until the appropriate stage of mitosis or meiosis, preventing premature separation and ensuring accurate distribution of genetic material to daughter cells.
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Chromatin
Cohesin Proteins
Cohesin is a protein complex that plays a vital role in maintaining sister chromatid cohesion. It encircles the chromatids, holding them together from the time of DNA replication until anaphase. The regulated release of cohesin at the onset of anaphase is essential for allowing the chromatids to separate and move to opposite poles of the cell, ensuring proper chromosome segregation.
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Proteins
Separase
Separase is an enzyme that is crucial for the separation of sister chromatids during cell division. It cleaves the cohesin proteins, thereby releasing the tension that holds the chromatids together. The activation of separase is tightly regulated to ensure that it only occurs at the correct stage of cell division, preventing errors in chromosome segregation that could lead to aneuploidy.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question
Write a short essay that contrasts mitosis and meiosis, including their respective roles in organisms, the mechanisms by which they achieve their respective outcomes, and the consequences should either process fail to be executed with absolute fidelity.
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