What structure in animal cells contains centrioles and is involved in mitosis?

The centrosome is a crucial structure within animal cells that plays a pivotal role during mitosis, the process of cell division. It functions as the main microtubule-organizing center, helping to manage the cytoskeleton and facilitating the proper separation of chromosomes during cell division.

Centrosomes contain a pair of centrioles, which are cylindrical structures that are essential for the formation of spindle fibers. These spindle fibers are instrumental in pulling the chromosomes apart, ensuring that each daughter cell receives the correct number of chromosomes. As the cell enters mitosis, the centrosome duplicates, and the two centrosomes move to opposite poles of the cell, forming the spindle apparatus that orchestrates the movement of chromosomes.

In summary, the centrosome, by housing centrioles and organizing microtubules, is integral to the successful completion of mitosis in animal cells.