During cell division, microtubules capture and pull chromosomes apart into two equal sets. Without the establishment of proper chromosome-microtubule attachment, microtubules cannot impart the pulling forces needed to separate sister chromatid pairs. How are chromosomes captured along microtubule walls? How is the attachment of chromosomes to dynamic microtubule-ends achieved and monitored? We discuss these key questions by considering the roles of kinetochore-bound microtubule regulating proteins and also the complex regulatory loops of kinases and phosphatases that control chromosome-microtubule attachment and ensure the accurate segregation of chromosomes.
Part of the book: Cytoskeleton