Chromosome-microtubule attachment, error correction, and tension sensing
Kinetochores are large protein assemblies (>100 proteins) that link chromosomes to spindle microtubules. The NDC80 complex forms the core microtubule-binding interface, while Aurora B kinase localizes to the inner centromere and phosphorylates outer kinetochore substrates when tension is low, destabilizing incorrect attachments. Syntelic (both kinetochores to same pole) and merotelic (one kinetochore to both poles) errors are selectively eliminated through this tension-based error correction mechanism.