Aster-like microtubule centers establish spindle polarity during interphase - Mitosis transition in higher plant cells

Abstract

Transformation of interphase microtubular cytoskeleton into initial mitotic spindle in early prophase and the reverse process in telophase were analysed with immunofluorescence techniques in endosperm cells of higher plants, Haemanthus Katherinae Bak. and Clivia nobilis Lindl. We have identified aster-like centers as intermediate basic microtubular structures directly involved in the reorganization of microtubules arrays both at the onset of mitosis and during telophase-interphase transition. These transitory microtubule converging centers determine spindle polarity in early prophase, they are replaced by diffuse poles during metaphase, and form again in anaphasetelophase. We conclude that rearrangement of microtubules during interphase-mitosis involves three superimposed processes: microtubule assembly/disassembly, active transport and reorientation of microtubules, changes in microtubule properties reflected in their lateral interaction during spindle development.