Just as you make sure your socks are on before your shoes, cells make sure that their chromosomes are properly aligned before they divide. However, every time a cell divides, it runs the risk of generating cells with too few or too many chromosomes. These mistakes can cause Down Syndrome and play a role in the growth of cancers. In his Science Center Lecture Series presentation, professor Andrew Murray looks at a mysterious cellular process that may provide clues to understanding chromosomal abnormalities such as the higher incidence of children with Down Syndrome born to older women.

The Science Center Research Lecture Series, designed for interested laypersons, is free and open to the public. Initiated in 1973, the Public Research Lecture Series offers six lectures a year and features Harvard science professors discussing their latest research and innovations. This program offers over one hour of video, slides and animation, and questions from the audience.

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