The distribution of polar ejection forces determines the amplitude of chromosome directional instability.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Polar ejection forces have often been hypothesized to guide directional instability of mitotic chromosomes, but a direct link has never been established. This has led, in part, to the resurgence of alternative theories. By taking advantage of extremely precise femtosecond pulsed laser microsurgery, we abruptly alter the magnitude of polar ejection forces by severing vertebrate chromosome arms.

Results

Reduction of polar ejection forces increases the amplitude of directional instability without altering other characteristics, thus establishing a direct link between polar ejection forces and the direction of chromosome movements. We find that polar ejection forces limit the range of chromosome oscillations by increasing the probability that motors at a leading kinet

SUBMITTER: Ke K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2712573 | biostudies-literature | 2009 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature