Skip to main content

Thank you for visiting nature.com. You are using a browser version with limited support for CSS. To obtain the best experience, we recommend you use a more up to date browser (or turn off compatibility mode in Internet Explorer). In the meantime, to ensure continued support, we are displaying the site without styles and JavaScript.

  • Letter
  • Published:

The Spindle at Metaphase

Abstract

OSTERGREN1 suggested that, before and during metaphase, the mitotic and meiotic chromosomes are subjected to pole-directed forces α, which orient the chromosomes at the equator of the spindle and separate them at anaphase. He also postulated a centrifugal force, γ, moving the chromosomes to the periphery of the metaphase plate; but he could suggest no physical explanation for γ. McIntosh et al.2 developed Ostergren's hypothesis, but failed to account for several important features of mitotic and meiotic spindles, including γ.

This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution

Access options

Buy this article

USD 39.95

Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Ostergren, G., Hereditas, 37, 85 (1951).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  2. McIntosh, J. R., Hepler, P. K., and Van Wie, D. G., Nature, 224, 659 (1969).

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  3. Forer, A., Chromosoma, 19, 55 (1966).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  4. Lima-da-Faria, A., Hereditas, 42, 87 (1956).

    Google Scholar 

  5. Carlson, J. G., Science, 124, 203 (1956).

    Article  ADS  CAS  Google Scholar 

  6. Mitchison, J. M., and Swann, M. M., Quart. J. Microsc. Sci., 94, 381 (1953).

    Google Scholar 

  7. Forer, A., in Handbook of Molecular Cytology (edit. by Lima-da-Faria, A.), 554 (1969).

    Google Scholar 

  8. Nicklas, R. B., and Staehly, C. A., Chromosoma, 21, 1 (1967).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  9. Izutzsu, K., Mie. Med. J., 11, 213 (1961).

    Google Scholar 

  10. Tilney, L. G., and Porter, K. R., J. Cell Biol., 34, 327 (1967).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  11. Tilney, L. G., J. Cell Sci., 3, 549 (1968).

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  12. Behnke, O., and Zelander, T., J. Ultrastruct. Res., 19, 147 (1967).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  13. Gall, J. G., J. Cell Biol., 31, 639 (1966).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  14. Bajer, A., and Mole-Bajer, J., Exp. Cell Res., 25, 251 (1961).

    Article  ADS  CAS  Google Scholar 

  15. Robbins, E., and Gonatas, N. K., J. Cell Biol., 21, 429 (1964).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  16. Mazia, D., in The Cell, 3 (edit. by Brachet, J., and Mirsky, A. E.), 77 (Academic Press, New York, 1961).

    Book  Google Scholar 

  17. Jacquez, J. A., and Biesele, J. J., Exp. Cell Res., 6, 17 (1954).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  18. Ris, H., Biol. Bull., 96, 90 (1949).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  19. Metz, C. W., Science, 163, 190 (1926).

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  20. Dietz, R., Z. Naturforsch., 14, 749 (1959).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  21. Belar, K. H., and Huth, W., Z. Wiss. Biol., 17, 51 (1933).

    Google Scholar 

  22. Bajer, A., Exp. Cell Res., 15, 370 (1958).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  23. Bajer, A., and Mole-Baker, J., Chromosoma, 7, 558 (1956).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  24. Henderson, S. A., Nicklas, R. B., and Koch, C. A., J. Cell Sci., 6, 323 (1970).

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  25. Huberman, J. A., and Attardi, G., J. Cell. Biol., 31, 95 (1966).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  26. Geitler, L., Ergeb. Biol., 18, 1 (1941).

    Google Scholar 

  27. Ford, C. E., and Hamerton, J. L., Stain Tech., 31, 247 (1956).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

GAWADI, N. The Spindle at Metaphase. Nature 232, 61–62 (1971). https://doi.org/10.1038/232061a0

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Issue date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/232061a0

This article is cited by

Search

Quick links

Nature Briefing

Sign up for the Nature Briefing newsletter — what matters in science, free to your inbox daily.

Get the most important science stories of the day, free in your inbox. Sign up for Nature Briefing