Where do spindle fibers originate during cell division?

Spindle fibers play a crucial role during cell division, specifically in the processes of mitosis and meiosis, by ensuring the accurate separation of chromosomes. These fibers originate from centrosomes, which are specialized structures within the cell that serve as the primary microtubule organizing centers. During cell division, the centrosomes duplicate and move to opposite poles of the cell, where they anchor the spindle fibers.

As the cell prepares to divide, the spindle fibers, composed mainly of microtubules, extend from the centrosomes to attach to the kinetochores on the chromosomes. This attachment is critical for the proper alignment and separation of chromosomes as the cell divides. Thus, the origin of spindle fibers from centrosomes is essential for maintaining genetic integrity during cell division, facilitating the even distribution of chromosomes to the daughter cells.