What is the function of the centrosome?

The centrosome plays a critical role in cell division, specifically during the process of mitosis. It is an organelle that serves as the main microtubule organizing center in animal cells. During cell division, the centrosome duplicates and the two centrosomes move to opposite poles of the cell, organizing the mitotic spindle that separates chromosomes into the daughter cells. This process ensures that each daughter cell receives the correct number of chromosomes.

Understanding the centrosome's role in facilitating the formation and organization of the spindle fibers is crucial. These microtubules anchor to kinetochores of chromosomes and are essential for the alignment and separation of chromosomes during cell division. Without the proper functioning of the centrosome, cell division would be erratic or could fail altogether, highlighting its critical role in maintaining genetic stability across generations of cells.