Question

How do chromosomes arrive at the center of the cell?

1) Through the microtubules of the same pole
2) Through the microtubules of different poles
3) Through the microtubules of the same pole and different poles
4) Through the microtubules of the opposite pole

Answer 1

Chromosomes move to the cell center during metaphase through microtubules extending from the centrioles of opposite poles, with each sister chromatid attaching to a microtubule from a different pole, which means the correct option is (2).

Step-by-step explanation:

Chromosomes arrive at the center of the cell, known as the metaphase plate, during metaphase of cell division. This process is facilitated by the microtubules that extend from the centrioles or microtubule-organizing centers (MTOCs) at opposite poles of the cell.

The connection of chromosomes to these microtubules occurs during prometaphase, where the protein structures known as kinetochores on the centromeric regions of chromosomes attract and bind the mitotic spindle microtubules. Each sister chromatid is attached via its kinetochore to microtubules coming from opposing poles, ensuring that when the sister chromatids are later pulled apart during anaphase, they are drawn toward opposite ends of the cell.

Therefore, in response to the question, chromosomes arrive at the center of the cell "Through the microtubules of different poles", which is the correct option (2) from the provided choices.