Human Cell in Prometaphase

Cerys Currie

Prometaphase is the second stage during cell division. This is where the cell organizes the duplicated chromosomes before separating them into two new daughter cells. The chromosomes (in blue) must become attached to the microtubules (in red). This occurs via a structure called the kinetochore (in green). Once chromosomes are attached, they are moved to the middle of the cell. The cell must complete this process in order to divide successfully. Unsuccessful cell division can cause genomic instability, which could lead to cancer.

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