Every time a eukaryotic cell divides, it faces a monumental challenge: It must carefully duplicate and divide its genetic ...

As the cell proceeds through the stages of cell division (from left to right: interphase, prometaphase, metaphase, and anaphase), chromosomes become progressively more compact through a combination of ...

Researchers have discovered key mechanisms and structural details of a fundamental biological process -- how a cell nucleus and its chromosomal material reorganizes itself after cell division. The new ...

Most nucleated human cells have 46 chromosomes visible during cell division – this is called the diploid number (see part 1). During mitosis, the diploid number is rigorously maintained and, provided ...

Chromosomes continuously develop their shape during cell divisions. Mitotic chromosomes gradually shorten and thicken. Longer ...

Accurate chromosome segregation and cell division are central to maintaining genomic integrity and ensuring proper development and tissue homeostasis. These processes rely on a complex network of ...

When a sperm meets an egg, a lot has to go right for an embryo to develop into a complete organism. One critical step of ...

New findings shed light on how chromosomes manage the various pushing and pulling forces generated when cells divide. Specifically, researchers show that chromosomes resist being punctured by the ...

Cell biologists have found a key clue in the mystery of how chromosomes are inherited correctly every time a cell divides. Using a novel cell probe, they unraveled how a 'matchmaker' molecule stops ...

For a living cell to divide successfully, each daughter cell must inherit the correct genetic material. In eukaryotes, segregation of duplicated chromosomes is performed by the mitotic spindle, a ...