Kinetochore

Definition

A kinetochore is a protein structure on chromatids where the spindle fibers attach during cell division to pull sister chromatids apart. It plays a crucial role in the accurate segregation of chromosomes into daughter cells.

Related terms

Chromatid: One half of a duplicated chromosome, which is separated from its sister chromatid during cell division.

Spindle fibers: Microtubules that form during mitosis or meiosis, and help separate chromosomes by pulling them apart to opposite poles of the cell.

Cell division: The process by which a parent cell divides into two or more daughter cells, including mitosis and meiosis