cell division

The third lecture presents evidence, largely from McIntosh's lab, that shows how microtubule depolymerization can move chromosomes in vitro and explores the nature of some of the protein complexes that can couple chromosomes to microtubules and take advantage of this reaction.

The second lecture describes some key experiments showing the dynamics of a formed mitotic spindle and the ways these may contribute to accurate chromosome motion. Experiments that reveal aspects of the processes by which chromosomes attach to the spindle are presented. Mitotic motors are introduced and discussed in the light of what they probably do and do not accomplish to effect chromosome motion, including acting to improve the accuracy of chromosome segregation.

Oscillation of MinD (orange), MinDE (purple) and MinE (cyan) with transient membrane attachment of MinE after being recruited to the membrane by MinD.

Oscillations of MinD (orange), MinDE (purple) and MinE (cyan) with transient membrane attachment of MinE after being recruited to the membrane by MinD.

An overview of the biology of algae and microorganisms.