Mitosis/Cytokinesis provides a comprehensive discussion of the various aspects of mitosis and cytokinesis, as studied from different points of view by various authors. The book summarizes work at different levels of organization, including phenomenological, molecular, genetic, and structural levels. The book is divided into three sections that cover the premeiotic and premitotic events; mitotic mechanisms and approaches to the study of mitosis; and mechanisms of cytokinesis. The authors used a uniform style in presenting the concepts by including an overview of the field, a main theme, and a conclusion so that a broad range of biologists could understand the concepts. This volume also explores the potential developments in the study of mitosis and cytokinesis, providing a background and perspective into research on mitosis and cytokinesis that will be invaluable to scientists and advanced students in cell biology. The book is an excellent reference for students, lecturers, and research professionals in cell biology, molecular biology, developmental biology, genetics, biochemistry, and physiology.

List of ContributorsPrefaceI Premeiotic/Premitotic Events 1 The Genetic Approach to the Study of the Cell Cycle I. Introduction II. The Nature of Cell Cycle Mutants III. The Uses of Cell Cycle Mutants IV. General Conclusions References 2 Calcium Regulation of Cell Cycle Events I. Introduction II. Activation of Quiescent Cells and Entry into the Division Cycle III. Determination of Structural Patterns IV. Basis for the Mitotic Oscillator V. Conclusions References 3 The Movements of the Nuclei during Fertilization I. Fertilization: Requirements, Consequences, and Prospectives II. Sperm Incorporation III. Pronuclear Movements during Fertilization IV. Motility during Fertilization V. Summary References 4 The Architecture of and Chromosome Movements within the Premeiotic Interphase Nucleus I. Introduction: An Overview II. Centromere and Nucleolar Organizer Positions and Movements III. From the Rabl Configuration to the Bouquet IV. Prospectives References 5 Chromosome Movements within Prophase Nuclei I. Introduction II. Scope III. Categories of Prophase Chromosome Movements IV. Rabl Orientation and the Bouquet V. Late Prophase Polarizations VI. Relevance, Explanations, and Implications VII. The Motile Mechanism: Facts and Current Personal Views VIII. Conclusions and Prospects ReferencesII Mitotic Mechanisms and Approaches to the Study of Mitosis 6 Light Microscopic Studies of Chromosome Movements in Living Cells I. Introduction II. Descriptive Studies III. Experimental Studies IV. Overview: Limitations and Potential V. Concluding Remarks References 7 Chromosome Micromanipulation Studies I. Intracellular Chromosome Micrurgy II. Methodology for Chromosome Micrurgy References 8 Mitotic Mutants I. Introduction II. The Advantages of Genetic Approaches III. Isolating Mitotic Mutants IV. Mitotic Mutants Defective in ß-Tubulin V. The Phenotypes of Mitotic Mutants VI. Isolating the Products of Defective Genes VII. Conclusion References 9 Mutants as an Investigative Tool in Mammalian Cells I. Introduction II. Temperature-Sensitive (ts) Cell Division Mutants III. Drug-Resistant Mutants IV. Concluding Remarks References 10 Immunofluorescence Studies of Cytoskeletal Proteins during Cell Division I. Introduction II. Historical View of Immunofluorescence of Mitotic Cells III. The Problems IV. Recent Advances V. Conclusion References 11 Mitosis through the Electron Microscope I. Introduction II. Technical Considerations III. Microtubules IV. Actin Filaments V. Interactions of Cytoskeletal Components VI. Conclusions and Future Questions References 12 Mitosis: Studies of Living Cells-A Revision of Basic Concepts I. Introduction II. Theoretical Framework III. Unpublished Observations IV. Overall Conclusions References 13 Studies of Mitotic Events Using Lysed Cell Models I. Introduction II. Use of in Vitro Microtubule Polymerization to Study the Mitotic Apparatus III. Use of the Lysed Cell Model to Study Spindle Assembly IV. Use of the Lysed Cell System for Investigation of Chromosome Motion V. Models for Cytokinesis Using Lysed Cells VI. Summary and the Future of the Lysed Cell Model in Studying Mitotic Events References 14 The Isolated Mitotic Apparatus: A Model System for Studying Mitotic Mechanisms I. Introduction II. Isolation of Mitotic Apparatus, 1954-1970 III. Isolation of Mitotic Apparatus Since 1970 IV. Overview and Perspectives V. Concluding Remarks References 15 Calmodulin and ATPases in the Mitotic Apparatus I. Introduction II. Calmodulin and the Mitotic Apparatus III. Calcium and the Mitotic Apparatus IV. Calmodulin and ATPases in the Sea Urchin Mitotic Apparatus ReferencesIII Mechanisms of Cytokinesis 16 Mechanisms of Cytokinesis in Animal Cells I. Overview II. Investigational Results References 17 Mechanical Properties of Dividing Cells I. Furrowing and Growth of the Cell Surface during Cytokinesis II. Structure of the Dividing Cell III. The Site of Generation of the Motive Force of Cytokinesis IV. Morphological and Physical Changes in the Cell Cortex during Cytokinesis V. Methods for Determining Mechanical Properties of the Cell VI. Changes in Mechanical Properties of the Cell before and during Cytokinesis VII. Mechanical Properties of the Cleavage Furrow VIII. Rigidity Change of Non-Nucleated Fragments IX. Structural Changes Underlying Cytokinesis References 18 Electron Microscope Studies of Cytokinesis in Metazoan Cells I. Observation, or: Which Organelles Might Be Essential for Cytokinesis? II. Experiment, or: Are the Candidate Organelles Really Essential? III. Future, or: How Are the Essential Organelles Essential? References 19 Inhibitors and Stimulators in the Study of Cytokinesis I. Introduction II. Results of Studies with Selected Agents III. Conclusions References 20 Cell Division: A Commentary Text ReferencesIndex