What do motor proteins require to effectively move chromosomes toward the poles of the mitotic spindle?

What do motor proteins require to effectively move chromosomes toward the poles of the mitotic spindle?

• A. GTP as an energy source
• B. ATP as an energy source
• C. ADP as an energy source
• D. CreATP as an energy source

Answer: (B)

Motor proteins are essential for the movement of chromosomes during cell division, particularly in the process known as mitosis. These proteins, which include kinesins and dyneins, facilitate the transport of chromosomes along the microtubules of the mitotic spindle. To effectively power their movement, motor proteins utilize ATP as an energy source. ATP hydrolysis provides the necessary energy for conformational changes in the motor proteins, allowing them to "walk" along the microtubules and pull the chromosomes toward the poles of the cell. This ATP-dependent action is crucial for the proper segregation of genetic material into the daughter cells. While GTP is involved in the dynamics of microtubule formation and stability, it is not directly used by motor proteins for movement. ADP is a product of ATP hydrolysis and would not serve as the energy source needed for motor activity. CreATP is not a recognized form of ATP and would not be relevant in this context. Therefore, ATP's role as the primary energy source for motor proteins during chromosome movement is what confirms its selection as the correct answer.

Motor proteins are essential for the movement of chromosomes during cell division, particularly in the process known as mitosis. These proteins, which include kinesins and dyneins, facilitate the transport of chromosomes along the microtubules of the mitotic spindle.

To effectively power their movement, motor proteins utilize ATP as an energy source. ATP hydrolysis provides the necessary energy for conformational changes in the motor proteins, allowing them to "walk" along the microtubules and pull the chromosomes toward the poles of the cell. This ATP-dependent action is crucial for the proper segregation of genetic material into the daughter cells.

While GTP is involved in the dynamics of microtubule formation and stability, it is not directly used by motor proteins for movement. ADP is a product of ATP hydrolysis and would not serve as the energy source needed for motor activity. CreATP is not a recognized form of ATP and would not be relevant in this context. Therefore, ATP's role as the primary energy source for motor proteins during chromosome movement is what confirms its selection as the correct answer.