Table 2.

Identifiable differences of chromosome fragmentation and PCC

Chromosome fragmentation	PCC
Morphologic
Single cell involvement	If fusion induced, normal, intact mitotic cells will be in close proximity to fragmented cells
Can affect single chromosomes	Impacts entire genome regularly, except in limited multinucleated cells
Results in chromosome degradation	Unknown, may activate chromosome breakdown
Chromosome morphology lost as process progresses	Chromosome morphology dependant on position in cell cycle
Differential cut size	Differential condensation states
Mechanistic
Occurs during mitosis	Occurs in interphase cells exposed to active MPF
Not inhibited by roscovitine	Inhibited by roscovitine
Induced by stress during mitosis	Induced by cell fusion or activation of MPF
γ-H2AX positive	γ-H2AX negative
No active DNA incorporation	Actively incorporating DNA