Weaving a cell
Scientists have observed a new spindle structure, formed during cell division, says a report on a science news site on the web. Researchers at the Iowa State University in the US say the discovery could lead to better insight into how abnormal cells divide, for example in different forms of cancer. When a cell divides into two, the chromosomes are pulled apart and segregated into two daughter nuclei. This allows genetic material to be passed on from cell to cell. Scientists already know that a previously discovered spindle-like structure, formed from cytoplasm, plays an important role in accomplishing this. Researchers used a high-resolution microscope and three dimensional reconstruction techniques to study the newly found spindle structure. It is made up of proteins found in the cell nucleus. This discovery will help unravel the mystery of molecular interactions during cell formation.