Question
A cell is exposed to radiation that damages the spindle fibers. Which phase of mitosis would most likely be disrupted first?
Anaphase
Telophase
Metaphase
Prophase
Anaphase
Telophase
Metaphase
Prophase
Answers
GPT-4o mini
If the spindle fibers are damaged due to radiation, the phase of mitosis that would most likely be disrupted first is **metaphase**.
During metaphase, the chromosomes align at the metaphase plate and are attached to the spindle fibers, which are crucial for properly segregating the chromosomes to the daughter cells. If the spindle fibers are not functioning correctly, this alignment and attachment cannot occur properly, preventing the cell from proceeding to anaphase, where the chromosomes are pulled apart.
During metaphase, the chromosomes align at the metaphase plate and are attached to the spindle fibers, which are crucial for properly segregating the chromosomes to the daughter cells. If the spindle fibers are not functioning correctly, this alignment and attachment cannot occur properly, preventing the cell from proceeding to anaphase, where the chromosomes are pulled apart.