Publication: Is mitotic chromatid segregation random?
Authors
Bell, C.D.
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Publisher
Murcia : F. Hernández
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DOI
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info:eu-repo/semantics/article
Description
Abstract
The question of whether mitotic segregation
of chromatids is random or programmed assumes great
significance for cellular differentiation if one recognizes
that sister chromatids may have epigenetic differences
and carry them from one generation into the next.
The literature was examined for evidence of nonrandom
chromosomal and chromatid segregation. Many
organisms were described as undergoing non-random
homologue segregation in meiosis I. The explanations
for these phenomena were attributed in some instances,
to peculiarities of the meiotic spindle, though in some
convincing experiments, the epigenetic heterochromatin
of the kinetochores was implicated. The few existing
descriptions of non-random mitotic segregation were
also described.
Existing literature on ultrastructural, immunohistochemical,
and physiological features of the chromatid
kinetochores during the mitotic process was searched for
evidence of asymmetry or structural differences between
sister chromatids, which is presented. Also reported are
descriptions of how epigenetic changes and cell
differentiation can influence centromeric function and
ultimately, kinetochore function.
Fundamental to the hypothesis of gene regulation presented here, is the assumption that genetic foci on
different chromosomes interact, and must be proximate
to each other and stereologically compatible for
interactions to occur. Also described are spatial changes
in chromosomal territories associated with function and
differentiation. These territories can be in varying
nuclear locations depending on gene function, and may
show asymmetry between daughter cells.
Despite evidence presented for the possibility of
non-random chromatid segregation at mitosis, this
question will remain unanswered until the matter is
specifically addressed by experiment.
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