Question

Colchicine prevents

• A. Condensation of chromosomes
• B. Completion of metaphase
• C. Interphase
• D. Replication of chromosomes

Answer 1

The correct option is B Completion of metaphase

Colchicine is a water-soluble alkaloid found in the autumn crocus flower (acaolchivum autumnale) or meadow saffron or naked lady. Colchicine blocks or suppresses cell division by inhibiting mitosis, the division of a cell's nucleus. Specifically, it inhibits the development of spindles as the nuclei are dividing. Normally, the cell would use its spindle fibers to line up its chromosomes, make a copy of them, and divide into two new cells. With colchicine present, the spindle fibers don't form, and so the cell can't move its chromosomes around. The cell may end up copying some or all of the chromosomes anyway, but can't parcel them out into new cells, and so it never divides.

Therefore, the correct answer is option B.