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What is an Aster Ray?

Published in Cell Biology 1 min read

An aster ray, also known as an astral ray, is a component of the aster, a star-shaped cellular structure critical in animal cell division.

Understanding Aster Rays

Asters are structures formed during the early stages of mitosis in animal cells, playing a crucial role in organizing the cell's machinery for division. Plants, however, do not form asters during mitosis.

  • Definition: An aster consists of a centrosome and its associated microtubules.
  • Astral Rays: These rays are composed of microtubules that radiate outward from the centrosphere (the region surrounding the centrosome).
  • Appearance: They resemble a cloud-like structure extending from the centrosome.

In essence, aster rays are the microtubule "beams" that project from the centrosome, forming the star-like appearance of the aster and guiding chromosome movement during cell division.