Kinetochore

Definition

The kinetochore is a protein structure located on each side of a centromere during cell division. It serves as an attachment site for spindle fibers (microtubules), allowing them to pull apart sister chromatids.

Related terms

Centromere: The region of DNA where sister chromatids are joined together before they separate during cell division.

Chromosome Segregation: The process by which replicated chromosomes are divided equally between daughter cells during mitosis or meiosis.

Mitotic Spindle: The entire apparatus composed of microtubules and associated proteins responsible for separating chromosomes during mitosis.