kinetokor

Kinetokor is a term that appears in a minority of scientific texts as an alternative spelling of kinetochore, the proteinaceous structure assembled at the centromere of each chromosome. The kinetochore mediates attachment to spindle microtubules and converts microtubule dynamics into directed chromosome movement during cell division.

Structure and function: The kinetochore comprises inner and outer regions linked to centromeric chromatin. The inner kinetochore binds to centromeric nucleosomes containing CENP-A; the outer kinetochore engages microtubules via the KMN network and associated motor proteins. This arrangement supports capture and stabilization of microtubules and generates forces through polymerization and depolymerization of microtubules, enabling chromosome movement toward opposite poles.

Role in mitosis and meiosis: The kinetochore serves as the primary interface between chromosomes and the spindle apparatus. It helps align chromosomes, ensures proper bi-orientation, and activates the spindle assembly checkpoint to delay anaphase until all kinetochores are properly attached and under tension, ensuring accurate chromosome segregation.

Terminology and usage: The standard term in modern literature is kinetochore; kinetokor is relatively uncommon and may reflect translational variants or historical usage. When precision is required, most sources will use kinetochore to describe this chromosome-associated complex.

See also: Kinetochore, spindle apparatus, spindle assembly checkpoint, mitosis, meiosis.