When inhibitors of microtubule synthesis are present, they prevent the proper formation and function of the spindle during mitosis. The spindle is a vital structure involved in the separation of chromosomes during cell division.
Here's a breakdown:
1) **Centrioles:** Centrioles are structures located near the nucleus that play a role in organizing the spindle fibers, but they are not directly affected by inhibitors of microtubule synthesis. Therefore, the inhibitors do not primarily inhibit mitosis by affecting centrioles.
2) **Spindle:** The spindle is made up of microtubules that attach to and help move chromosomes during cell division. Inhibitors of microtubule synthesis disrupt the formation and function of the spindle, leading to errors in chromosome segregation and ultimately inhibiting mitosis.
3) **Chromosomes:** While inhibitors of microtubule synthesis indirectly affect the movement and positioning of chromosomes by disrupting the spindle, they do not directly inhibit mitosis by affecting the chromosomes themselves.
In conclusion, the correct answer is that inhibitors of microtubule synthesis inhibit mitosis by preventing the formation and function of the spindle.
