In which direction does kinesin transport cargo and at what stage of mitosis does this activity begin?

Kinesin is a motor protein that primarily transports cargo along microtubules in a process involving ATP hydrolysis, and it typically moves in the direction of the plus end of the microtubules. This is particularly important during cellular processes, including mitosis.

During mitosis, specifically in prophase, the mitotic spindle begins to form as the microtubules extend and rearrange. Kinesin transports various cellular components necessary for proper spindle formation and function. This movement of cargo occurs away from the microtubule-organizing center (MTOC), which is pivotal for organizing the spindle apparatus.

The correct answer highlights that kinesin's role in transporting cargo by moving away from the MTOC happens during prophase. This transport is critical for the preparation needed in subsequent stages of mitosis as the cell organizes itself for chromosome segregation. Understanding these dynamics helps illustrate how kinesin contributes to mitosis and the overall cellular organization during cell division.