Simple centromere, complex kinetochore

Although the budding yeast centromere is extremely short (125 bp) compared to those of other eukaryotes, the kinetochore that assembles on this DNA displays a rich molecular complexity. Here, we describe recent advances in our understanding of kinetochore function in budding yeast and present a model describing the attachment that is formed between spindle microtubules and centromeric DNA. This analysis may provide general principles for kinetochore function and regulation.