If a chromosome contains a mutation such that it cannot bind to the kinetochore complex, what would be the consequence?

Question

A.  That chromosome would not be able to be replicated.
B.  That chromosome would not be able to condense.
C.  That chromosome would not be able to bind to the mitotic spindle.
D.  That chromosome would not be able to interact with histone proteins.

Clarify Question
 · What is the key concept addressed by the question?
· What type of thinking is required?
· What key words does the question contain and what do they mean?

  Gather Content
  · What do you know about the kinetochore complex? How does it relate to the question?

  Consider Possibilities
  · What other information is related to the question? Which information is most useful?

  Choose Answer
  · Given what you now know, what information and/or problem solving approach is most likely to produce the correct answer?

  Reflect on Process
  · Did your problem-solving process lead you to the correct answer? If not, where did the process break down or lead you astray? How can you revise your approach to produce a more desirable result?

Answer 1

C.  That chromosome would not be able to bind to the mitotic spindle.

Clarify Question
  · What is the key concept addressed by the question?
        o The question asks about the kinetochore complex.
· What type of thinking is required?
        o You are being asked to apply your knowledge of the kinetochore complex to predict what would happen if a chromosome could not bind to it.
· What key words does the question contain and what do they mean?
        o Kinteochore complex – a complex of proteins that allow a chromosome to bind to the mitotic spindle.

  Gather Content
  · What do you know about the kinetochore complex? How does it relate to the question?
        o It allows the chromosome to bind to the mitotic spindle.

  Consider Possibilities
  · What other information is related to the question? Which information is most useful?
        o Microtubules do not affect chromosome replication, condensation, or binding to histones.

  Choose Answer
  · Given what you now know, what information and/or problem solving approach is most likely to produce the correct answer?
        o Without being able to bind to the kinetochore complex a chromosome cannot bind to the mitotic spindle.

  Reflect on Process
  · Did your problem-solving process lead you to the correct answer? If not, where did the process break down or lead you astray? How can you revise your approach to produce a more desirable result?
        o This question asked you to apply your knowledge of the function of the kinetochore complex. If you got the correct answer, great job! If you got an incorrect answer, where did the process break down? Did you recall that the kinetochore complex binds to the mitotic spindle?  Did you think that it was involved in replication of the chromosome or binding to histones?