The mechanical process of cell division exerts powerful, if microscopic, forces. How do the molecular machines that power it manage the strain?
As the mitotic spindle tightens to separate chromosomes during cell division, it produces and absorbs forces.
Ada Zejun Shen/Quanta Magazine
Introduction
The cells of animals, plants, and fungi start their lives by being torn apart. Cells are born by division, and just before a parent cell becomes two daughters, it doubles its nuclear DNA and carefully condenses it into X-shaped chromosomes. The nucleus disassembles, letting these crucial genetic instructions float free in the cell’s soupy interior. Then the cell performs an astounding, microscopic feat of strength.
