Effect of colcemid on CHO cells progression: computer simulation

A computer model has been constructed to simulate the effects of the mitotic inhibitor colcemid on the Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells progression through the cell cycle. The simulation was implemented on personal computer. Colcemid treatment severely inhibits the progression of cells in mitosis and causes enrichment of cells into the M phase of the cell cycle. This blockage in M phase was reversible at the drug concentration used, and cells resumed cycle traverse following colcemid removal without any delay. The drug has no effect on the progression of cells from mitosis to G1 G1 to S, S to G2 and from G2 to mitosis.