A plant-derived protein known as colchicine can be used to poison cells by blocking the formation of the spindle. Which of the following would result if colchicine is added to a sample of cells in G₂?
A)The cells would immediately die.
B)The cells would be unable to begin M and stay in G₂.
C)The chromosomes would coil and shorten but have no spindle to attach to.
D)The chromosomes would segregate but in a disorderly pattern.
E)Each resultant daughter cell would also be unable to form a spindle.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Colchicine blocks the formation of the spindle, which is required for the proper alignment and segregation of chromosomes during mitosis. Therefore, if it is added to cells in G₂, the chromosomes would have already replicated, and without a spindle to attach to, they would coil and shorten but be unable to properly align and separate during mitosis. This would result in abnormal segregation of chromosomes and potentially lead to cell death or genetic abnormalities in daughter cells.

A Plant-Derived Protein Known as Colchicine Can Be Used to Poison