Spindle fibers are important during mitosis for several reasons:
1. Chromosome movement: Spindle fibers attach to the centromeres of chromosomes and facilitate their movement. They create tension that allows the chromosomes to separate and move towards opposite ends of the dividing cell.
2. Chromosome alignment: Spindle fibers also play a role in aligning the chromosomes at the cell's equator during metaphase. This ensures that each daughter cell receives the correct number of chromosomes.
3. Chromosome separation: Once the chromosomes are aligned, spindle fibers contract and pull the sister chromatids apart during anaphase. This ensures that each daughter cell receives a complete set of chromosomes.
4. Cytokinesis: In animal cells, spindle fibers also contribute to cytokinesis, the physical separation of the cytoplasm into two daughter cells. They help in forming the contractile ring, which pinches the cell in the middle to divide it.
Overall, spindle fibers are crucial for the accurate distribution of chromosomes during mitosis, ensuring the formation of genetically identical daughter cells.
why are spindle fibers important during mitosis
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