Cell in Mitosis © The Entangled Bank

Researchers have discovered how sister chromatids stay together during mitosis.

Mitosis is a process that enables organisms to grow and reproduce.

During mitosis the genetic material from a parent cell is divided equally between two cells.

The research team from Oxford University has discovered that a protein ring is responsible for holding sister chromatids together until they are ready to be separated into two new cells.

This discovery is a key step to uncovering the mechanisms by which chromosomes separate during mitosis.

By gaining better insight into this process, future treatments for conditions such as Down's syndrome may be developed.

Learn more about this study, see:

• Puzzle In The Control Of Cell Division Unraveled (Science Daily)