Chromosome distribution, molecular motors and the claret protein.

Recently, proteins have been identified that are required for proper distribution of chromosomes in meiosis and mitosis. Unexpectedly, several of these are microtubule motor proteins. This finding has prompted further investigation into the basis of meiotic and mitotic chromosome movement. The claret protein, or ncd, is one of the new motor proteins that may perform several functions in meiosis and early mitosis in Drosophila.