kinetochore

biology

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July 20, 2026

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The term "kinetochore" can refer to the centromere itself, or more specifically, to a specialized structure on the centromere. This structure is crucial for cell division, as it serves as the attachment point for spindle fibers (microtubules) during mitosis and meiosis. The centromere is the region of a chromosome that holds together the two sister chromatids. During metaphase, the stage of cell division, chromosomes align at the cell's midline, with their kinetochores attached to spindle microtubules. This ensures that when the cell divides, each daughter cell receives a complete set of chromosomes.123

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Mitosis and cytokinesis
…specialized chromosomal region called the kinetochore. In metaphase the condensed chromosomes align in a plane across the equator of the mitotic spindle. Anaphase follows as the separated chromatids move abruptly toward opposite spindle poles. Finally, in telophase a new nuclear envelope forms around each set of unraveling chromatids.
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…specialized chromosomal region called the kinetochore. In metaphase the condensed chromosomes align in a plane across the equator of the mitotic spindle. Anaphase follows as the separated chromatids move abruptly toward opposite spindle poles. Finally, in telophase a new nuclear envelope forms around each set of unraveling chromatids.
Read More