Spindle fibers form a protein structure that divides the genetic material in a cell. The spindle is necessary to equally divide the chromosomes in a parental cell into two daughter cells during both types of nuclear division: mitosis and meiosis. During mitosis, the spindle fibers are called the mitotic spindle.

What does mitotic spindle do in mitosis?

The mitotic spindle is the macromolecular machine that segregates chromosomes to two daughter cells during mitosis. The major structural elements of the spindle are microtubule polymers, whose intrinsic polarity and dynamic properties are critical for bipolar spindle organization and function.

How do mitotic spindles work?

The centromere is also known as the microtubule organizing center. The spindle fibers provide a framework and means of attachment that keep chromosomes organized, aligned and assorted during the entire process of mitosis, lessening the occurrence of aneuploidy, or daughter cells with incomplete sets of chromosomes.