Theory 29/Cellular/Chromosome segregation
Segregation Needs Spindle Length
The claim
Segregation fidelity is set by the ratio of spindle length to kinetochore number, so a crowded spindle mis-segregates even with correct attachments.
01Mechanism
Each kinetochore must reach its own microtubule; crowding raises the chance of simultaneous attachment to both poles.
02Prediction
Error rate should rise as the ratio falls.
03Refutation
Error rate tracking attachment quality alone would remove crowding.