Question

When the cell moves from interphase to mitosis, what changes must occur in the chromatin?

Answer 1

In eukaryotes, during cell division marked changes takes place in nuclear chromatin with respect to shape as well as degree of compaction. However already remarkably compacted in interphase, after enter into mitosis chromatin moreover condenses and particularised to distinct chromosomes which are captured also moved separately by the mitotic spindle apparatus. Once separated by the spindle, chromatin contracted to reorganize its interphase structure suitable for DNA replication as well as transcription. However, a long time ago explained cytologically, the hidden molecular mechanisms of mitotic chromatin condensation also decondensation are still imprecise.

Mechanism of formation of mitotic chromosome. Condensation (left) takes place by condensin in prophase causes loop formation, that are succedingly compacted in axial as well as lateral direction. Condensation driven by histone (right) assist local compaction of chromatin transmited by interactions between neighbouring nucleosomes also mediated by post-translational modifications.