Abstract / Description of output
The intrinsic polarity of microtubules within cells is exploited each time cells divide, Kinesins, microtubule-associated motor proteins, are required to execute the dramatic events of mitosis: bipolar spindle assembly, metaphase chromosome alignment, anaphase chromosome segregation, and separation of spindle poles prior to cytokinesis. Surprisingly kinesin-related proteins have been found to move in either "plus-ward" or "minus-ward" directions along microtubules. Evidence from genetic analyses of simple eukaryotes and in vitro activity assays supports the notion that certain subfamilies of kinesin-related proteins provide antagonistic activities necessary to balance mitotic forces. A recent study by Sharp et al.((1)), sheds further light on the subject by exploiting the genetics and cytology of the fruit fly embryo. BioEssays 21:985-990, 1999. (C) 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 985-990 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | BioEssays |
Volume | 21 |
Issue number | 12 |
Publication status | Published - Dec 1999 |