Question

A scientist adds colchicine, a microtubule polymerization inhibitor, to a cell entering mitosis. At metaphase, the chromosomes of the cell were arranged as shown below. Explain why this arrangement is consistent with the application of colchicine. Predict how colchicine would affect the cell as it attempts mitosis.

Answer 1

Answer:

Colchicine is also known as mitotic poison. When it is added the separation of chromosomes of daughter cells are stopped.

Explanation:

This is because the formation of spindle fiber is not allowed in the mitosis phase. Basically it is the process of arresting the mitosis at metaphase to study the chromosomes properly.

The addition of colchicine prevents the chromosomes to move to opposite poles. It makes the cell polyploidy. Hence the of addition of colchicine is the polyploidy of the cell.