The spindle assembly checkpoint is a crucial regulatory mechanism in cell division that ensures chromosomes are properly attached to the spindle microtubules before anaphase proceeds, preventing chromosome missegregation and aneuploidy. This checkpoint acts as a safeguard by delaying the onset of anaphase until all chromosomes are correctly aligned, thus maintaining genomic stability during mitosis.

Spindle Assembly Checkpoint

spindle assembly checkpoint

Cell division is a fundamental biological process where a single cell divides into two or more daughter cells, essential for growth, development, and repair in multicellular organisms. This process occurs through two main types: mitosis, which results in identical daughter cells, and meiosis, which leads to the production of gametes with half the number of chromosomes of the parent cell.

cell division

Chromosomes are thread-like structures located within the nucleus of animal and plant cells, made of protein and a single molecule of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). They play a crucial role in cell division, ensuring that DNA is accurately copied and distributed in the vast majority of cell divisions.

chromosomes

Spindle microtubules are essential components of the mitotic spindle apparatus that facilitate chromosome segregation during cell division. They dynamically assemble and disassemble to attach to chromosomes via kinetochores, ensuring accurate distribution of genetic material to daughter cells.

spindle microtubules

Anaphase is a critical stage of mitosis where sister chromatids are pulled apart toward opposite poles of the cell, ensuring that each daughter cell receives an identical set of chromosomes. This process is facilitated by the shortening of microtubules attached to the kinetochores and the elongation of polar microtubules, which help separate the chromatids efficiently.

anaphase

chromosome missegregation

Aneuploidy refers to the presence of an abnormal number of chromosomes in a cell, which can lead to various genetic disorders and is a hallmark of many cancers. It arises from errors in cell division and can result in conditions such as Down syndrome, Turner syndrome, and Klinefelter syndrome.

aneuploidy

regulatory mechanism

safeguard

Genomic stability refers to the maintenance of DNA sequence and chromosomal integrity across cell divisions, ensuring proper cellular function and preventing diseases such as cancer. It is achieved through a range of cellular mechanisms that repair DNA damage, regulate cell cycle checkpoints, and maintain telomere length.

genomic stability

Mitosis is a fundamental process of cell division in eukaryotic organisms that results in two genetically identical daughter cells from a single parent cell, essential for growth, repair, and asexual reproduction. This process ensures the equal distribution of chromosomes and involves distinct phases: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase, followed by cytokinesis.

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