A scientist adds colchicine, a microtube polymerization inhibitor, to a cell entering mitosis. At metaphase, the chromosomes of the cell were arranged as shown below. Explain why this arrangement is consistent with the application of colchicine. Predict how colchicine would affect the cell as it attempts mitosis. A circle representing a cell membrane contains six chromosomes in random orientations inside the circle.
The arrangement of the chromosomes in random orientations inside the cell membrane circle is consistent with the application of colchicine because colchicine inhibits microtubule polymerization. During mitosis, microtubules are responsible for the movement and alignment of chromosomes at the metaphase plate.
In the absence of colchicine, microtubules normally form and attach to the chromosomes, allowing for proper alignment and segregation of chromosomes during mitosis. However, when colchicine is applied, it prevents microtubule formation by binding to tubulin, a protein necessary for microtubule assembly.
As a result, without functional microtubules, the chromosomes cannot align properly at the metaphase plate. Instead, they remain in random orientations within the cell membrane circle. This is due to the lack of microtubules guiding their movement and positioning.
Colchicine would affect the cell as it attempts mitosis by preventing proper chromosome alignment and segregation. Without the microtubules forming, the cell would not be able to progress through mitosis, leading to a failed or arrested mitotic process. Additionally, the lack of proper alignment and separation of chromosomes could result in aneuploidy, where the daughter cells would have an abnormal number of chromosomes.