Problem:
Question: How is colchicine useful for studying chromosomal mutations?
a. Colchicine is an inhibitor of oxidative phosphorylation. Reduced mitochondrial function slows down mitosis and increases the number of metaphase cells.
b. Colchicine induces chromosome condensation during interphase, which allows the visualization of interphase chromosomes.
c. Colchicine causes chromosomal breakage, leading to inversions and translocations that can be observed with a microscope.
d. Colchicine inhibits microtubule polymerization, which stalls cells in metaphase with condensed chromosomes.
e. Colchicine aids in the formation of microtubules during mitosis, which promotes anaphase and completion of the cell cycle.
Provide the correct answer and justification for your choice.