What structure is responsible for forming spindle fibres during cell division?

The centrosome is crucial in forming spindle fibers during cell division. Spindle fibers are essential components of the mitotic spindle, which is responsible for the separation of chromosomes during both mitosis and meiosis. The centrosome contains two centrioles that help organize the microtubules needed to form these fibers. As the cell prepares to divide, the centrosome duplicates, and each centrosome moves to opposite poles of the cell. This arrangement allows for the spindle fibers to stretch across the cell and attach to the kinetochores on the chromosomes, facilitating their alignment and separation.

Understanding the role of the centrosome in this process emphasizes its function beyond mere structural support; it is a key player in ensuring that genetic material is accurately distributed to the daughter cells, thereby maintaining the proper chromosome number in somatic cells.