NEETBotanyCell Cycle and Cell Division
What is the purpose of the kinetochores in mitosis?
Options
- ATo hold the chromosomes together
- BTo align the chromosomes along the metaphase plate
- CTo serve as the site of attachment of spindle fibres to the chromosomes
- DTo initiate the condensation of chromosomal material
Correct answer
C. To serve as the site of attachment of spindle fibres to the chromosomes
Step-by-step solution
Small disc-shaped structures at the surface of the centromeres are called kinetochores. These structures serve as the sites of attachment of spindle fibres (formed by the spindle fibres) to the chromosomes that are moved into position at the centre of the cell. hence, the metaphase is characterised by all the chromosomes coming to lie at the equator with one chromatid of each chromosome connected by its kinetochore to spindle fibres from one pole and its sister chromatid connected by its kinetochore to spindle fibr