How is Colchicine Useful for Studying Chromosomal Mutations

Question

How is colchicine useful for studying chromosomal mutations?
A)Colchicine inhibits microtubule polymerization, which stalls cells in metaphase with condensed chromosomes that can be observed with a microscope.
B)Colchicine induces chromosome condensation during interphase, which allows the visualization of interphase chromosomes.
C)Colchicine causes chromosomal breakage, leading to inversions and translocations that can be observed with a microscope.
D)Colchicine aids in the formation of microtubules during mitosis, which promotes anaphase and completion of the cell cycle.
E)Colchicine is an inhibitor of oxidative phosphorylation.Reduced mitochondrial function slows down mitosis and increases the number of metaphase cells.

Accepted Answer

Colchicine inhibits microtubule polymerization, which prevents spindle formation during cell division, causing the cells to stall in metaphase. This results in condensed chromosomes that can be easily visualized with a microscope, making it a useful tool for studying chromosomal mutations.