1. A protein structure on a chromosome where spindle fibers attach during cell division, enabling the movement of chromosomes to opposite poles of the cell.
Usage: biology; cell biology; technical term

Examples

• The kinetochore is essential for proper chromosome segregation during mitosis.
• During anaphase, the kinetochore pulls sister chromatids toward opposite ends of the cell.
• Mutations affecting kinetochore proteins can lead to chromosomal instability.
• Scientists use fluorescent markers to visualize kinetochores under the microscope.
• The kinetochore assembles on the centromeric DNA region of each chromosome.
• Without a functional kinetochore, chromosomes cannot be distributed correctly to daughter cells.