In the process of chromosome separation, how do microtubules maintain contact with the kinetochores and shorten at the same time?
A) Motor proteins move chromosomes down the microtubular structures of the mitotic spindle.
B) The centrosomes move apart, so the microtubular proteins do not need to shorten.
C) Actin microfilaments cause the microtubular proteins to slide past each other.
D) The centrosomes cause the shortening and depolymerization of the microtubular proteins.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Motor proteins, such as dynein and kinesin, move along the microtubules and pull the chromosomes towards the poles of the spindle. As the motor proteins move, they also cause the microtubules to shorten by depolymerizing the tubulin subunits. This allows the microtubules to maintain contact with the kinetochores while also shortening at the same time.

In the Process of Chromosome Separation, How Do Microtubules Maintain