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Pulling into Place
12 June 2012

Pulling into Place

Chromosomes need to be properly aligned before they can be pulled apart. Each panel in this picture shows how DNA (stained purple) within chromosomes tries to align in the centre of a cell ready for division. Over time, (time flows from top to bottom) the chromosomes in the left panel are tugged back and forth around a spindle [structure that helps anchor chromosomes] by a protein called dynein (shown in white). Eventually this oscillation slows down and the DNA lines up in the right place. Scientists changed spindle oscillations by either blocking the activity of dynein (second panel) or adding a drug to hamper spindle activity (third and fourth panels). Understanding how to stop cells from dividing paves the way for halting the growth of tumours.

Written by John Ankers

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BPoD stands for Biomedical Picture of the Day. Managed by the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences until Jul 2023, it is now run independently by a dedicated team of scientists and writers. The website aims to engage everyone, young and old, in the wonders of biology, and its influence on medicine. The ever-growing archive of more than 4000 research images documents over a decade of progress. Explore the collection and see what you discover. Images are kindly provided for inclusion on this website through the generosity of scientists across the globe.

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