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🔬 Biology  ·  Cell Cycle and Cell Division  ·  NEET

Merotelic attachment is dangerous in cell division because:

  • A It physically prevents the completion of DNA replication occurring at the start of every single S phase cycle
  • B One kinetochore is attached to microtubules from BOTH poles, risking lagging chromosomes in anaphase
  • C It physically blocks formation of the mitotic spindle by sequestering free tubulin subunits in the cytoplasm
  • D It causes cytokinesis to begin prematurely before anaphase triggering furrow ingression while chromosomes are still moving

Correct answer: B. One kinetochore is attached to microtubules from BOTH poles, risking lagging chromosomes in anaphase

Explanation: Merotelic attachment: one kinetochore attached to both spindle poles. Not detected by SAC. Can lead to lagging chromosomes and aneuploidy. Corrected by Aurora B kinase.

Concept context

Mitosis and meiosis: how cells divide for growth, repair, and reproduction.

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