Canadian Health Information Management Association Practice Exam

What is the main role of the miotic spindle during cell division?

1. a. to store genetic material.

2. b. to separate sister chromatids.

3. c. to synthesize DNA.

4. d. to facilitate cytokinesis.

The correct answer is: b. to separate sister chromatids.

The main role of the mitotic spindle during cell division is to separate sister chromatids. The mitotic spindle is a structure made up of microtubules that forms during mitosis. It is crucial for ensuring that each daughter cell receives an equal and accurate distribution of chromosomes. During the metaphase stage of mitosis, chromosomes align at the cell's equatorial plane, and the mitotic spindle fibers attach to the centromeres of the sister chromatids. As the cell progresses to anaphase, the mitotic spindle's fibers contract and pull the sister chromatids apart towards opposite poles of the cell. This precise separation prevents errors in chromosome number, which could lead to conditions such as aneuploidy in the resultant cells. The successful operation of the mitotic spindle is essential for the fidelity of cell division, making it a critical component of the process. The other options focus on different cellular processes. Storing genetic material pertains to the function of the nucleus, synthesizing DNA is part of the S phase of the cell cycle, and facilitating cytokinesis occurs after the mitotic spindle has completed its role in chromosome separation. Each of these activities is important but does not relate directly to the primary function of the mitotic spindle