What is the role of centrioles during mitosis?

Centrioles play a crucial role during mitosis by forming the asters, which are star-shaped structures that help organize the mitotic spindle. The mitotic spindle is essential for the proper segregation of chromosomes during cell division. Centrioles are located at the poles of the spindle apparatus, and their function includes helping to anchor the spindle fibers that attach to chromosomes via their kinetochores. This anchoring is vital for ensuring that each daughter cell receives the correct number of chromosomes as the cell divides.

The correct formation of asters by the centrioles ensures that the spindle fibers are correctly oriented and aligned, facilitating smooth and efficient chromosome movement. Without the proper function of centrioles and the formation of asters, the distribution of genetic material during mitosis could be disrupted, potentially leading to errors in the daughter cells.