What key process is prevented if the centromere proteins do not function properly during mitosis?

What key process is prevented if the centromere proteins do not function properly during mitosis?

• A. Cytokinesis
• B. Cell cycle progression
• C. Separation of sister chromatids
• D. Chromatin unraveling

Answer: (C)

The correct answer highlights the essential role of centromere proteins in the proper separation of sister chromatids during mitosis. The centromere is a specialized region of a chromosome that serves as the attachment point for spindle fibers during cell division. It is crucial for ensuring that sister chromatids, which are identical copies formed during DNA replication, are evenly divided between the two daughter cells. If centromere proteins do not function correctly, the spindle apparatus cannot properly attach to the centromeres. This malfunction leads to the inability to segregate sister chromatids effectively; they may not be pulled apart, resulting in errors in chromosome distribution. Such errors can lead to aneuploidy, where cells receive an improper number of chromosomes, which can have serious implications for cell function and organismal health. The other processes mentioned, like cytokinesis or cell cycle progression, are related but are not directly impacted by issues with centromere proteins. Cytokinesis, which is the division of the cytoplasm following mitosis, can still occur even if the sister chromatids fail to separate properly. Similarly, cell cycle progression can continue to some extent, but it is largely influenced by checkpoints that may be bypassed due to improper chromatid separation. Chromatin

The correct answer highlights the essential role of centromere proteins in the proper separation of sister chromatids during mitosis. The centromere is a specialized region of a chromosome that serves as the attachment point for spindle fibers during cell division. It is crucial for ensuring that sister chromatids, which are identical copies formed during DNA replication, are evenly divided between the two daughter cells.

If centromere proteins do not function correctly, the spindle apparatus cannot properly attach to the centromeres. This malfunction leads to the inability to segregate sister chromatids effectively; they may not be pulled apart, resulting in errors in chromosome distribution. Such errors can lead to aneuploidy, where cells receive an improper number of chromosomes, which can have serious implications for cell function and organismal health.

The other processes mentioned, like cytokinesis or cell cycle progression, are related but are not directly impacted by issues with centromere proteins. Cytokinesis, which is the division of the cytoplasm following mitosis, can still occur even if the sister chromatids fail to separate properly. Similarly, cell cycle progression can continue to some extent, but it is largely influenced by checkpoints that may be bypassed due to improper chromatid separation. Chromatin