Cell Cycle and Regulation
During cell division, this structure ensures chromosomes are properly aligned and attached to spindle fibers before separating into daughter cells. Failure of this process can lead to aneuploidy. Name the structure, describe its function, and explain how cell cycle checkpoints regulate its activity.
What is the kinetochore?
Function: The kinetochore is a protein complex that forms at the centromere of each chromosome, attaching it to spindle microtubules to facilitate proper chromosome alignment and segregation during mitosis.
Regulation: The cell cycle’s M-phase checkpoint ensures that all kinetochores are properly attached to spindle fibers before anaphase proceeds, preventing errors like aneuploidy. If errors are detected, the checkpoint halts the cycle to allow corrections.