Forces Behind Cytokinesis

Kevin Burton and D. Lansing Taylor, Center for Light Microscope Imaging and Biotechnology, Carnegie Mellon University

A fibroblast cell is shown dividing on a thin sheet of transparent silicone rubber that is deformed into wrinkles by forces generated during formation of the cleavage furrow in the middle of the cell. Each daughter cell is about 15 micrometers in diameter. The images were acquired on an automated microscope under software control and further processed to reduce shading and enhance contrast.