Cell Division Problems and Solutions

Various aspects of cell division in the eukaryotic cell, the cell with a nucleus are discussed. A brief history of research in mitosis is followed by an account of mitosis as part of the cell cycle and its characteristic events. The control of cell division in unicellular organism is compared to that in the differentiated cells of higher organisms. Essential differences between the two types of cells are illustrated by a short description of cellular differentiation. Mitosis in multicellular organisms is initiated by external signals. Several examples of mitosis-inducing substances, especially those whIch interact with cell surface proteins are presented.An analysis of the components of the mitotic spindle is accompanied by a discussion of the current theories of chromosome movement and the assembly of microtubules, the main structural components of the mitotic spindle. Unlike the random polymerization of microtubules in vitro, the assembly of spindle microtubules is directed by microtubule-orientating centres. Attempt to study the mitotic process in vitro, by isolating mitotic spindles which are still capable of chromosome transport, are also described.