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| Normal Cell Division and Microtubule Dynamics |
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| Division of Cultured Normal Rat Kidney Epithelial Cells. |
| Phase Images of a Normal Dividing Cell |
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Size = 220 x 236 pixels.| This sequence started with chromosomes already congregated into the "metaphase plate". Upon anaphase onset, the chromosomes separated into two groups, followed by cleavage of the cell into two daughter cells between the two groups of chromosomes, which then decondensed. |
| Microtubule Organization in Dividing Cells |
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Size = 360 x 240 pixels.| Microtubules are the main structural component of the mitotic spindle. They guide the movement of chromosomes and the transmission of signals for cell cleavage. Two cells here were microinjected during prometaphase with rhodamine-labeled tubulin, which became incorporated into the spindle microtubules. After chromosomal separation, a set of interzonal microtubules formed in the central region and subsequently condensed into bright bundles. Cleavage took place along a plane defined by these microtubule bundles. Toward the end of division interzonal microtubule bundles condensed into a bright "midbody". |