What structure is produced when spindle fibers radiate from centrioles?

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When spindle fibers radiate from centrioles, they form a structure known as the mitotic spindle. The mitotic spindle is a key component of the cell division process called mitosis.

To understand how spindle fibers form and what their role is, let's briefly go over the process of mitosis. During mitosis, a cell divides into two identical daughter cells. This process consists of several stages, including prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.

In prophase, the chromatin (a combination of DNA and proteins) condenses into distinct structures called chromosomes. During this stage, the centrioles, which are small organelles found near the nucleus of animal cells, migrate to opposite poles of the cell.

In metaphase, the nuclear membrane dissolves, and the chromosomes align at the center of the cell. It is at this stage that the mitotic spindle, composed of spindle fibers, is fully formed. The spindle fibers extend from the centrioles to the chromosomes, forming a network of microtubules that connect the two poles of the cell.

During anaphase, the spindle fibers start to contract and pull the sister chromatids of each chromosome apart, towards opposite poles of the cell. This ensures that each daughter cell will receive the same number and type of chromosomes.

Finally, in telophase, the spindle fibers disassemble, and the nuclear membrane reforms around the separated chromosomes. The cell then divides into two daughter cells during a process called cytokinesis.

So, to summarize, when spindle fibers radiate from centrioles, they form the mitotic spindle, which plays a crucial role in separating the chromosomes during cell division.