The diagram below shows cells in various phases of the cell cycle. Note that the cells are not arranged in the order in which the cell cycle occurs. Use the diagram to answer questions 1-7. Phases of the Cell Cycle: 1. List the diagrams in order from first to last in the cell cycle. 2. What is the process by which a cell’s nucleus divides to form two identical nuclei? 3. Cells A & F show different stages of the same part of the cell cycle. What phase is it? 4. Which cell is in metaphase? 5. Which cell is in anaphase? 6. Which cell is in the first phase of mitosis? 7. Are the cells depicted plant or animal cells? 8. What is the longest phase of the cell cycle? 9. Why is the cell cycle important? 10. At the end of mitosis, how do the number of chromosomes in the daughter cell compare to the parent cell?
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Answers:
- The correct order of the diagrams in the cell cycle is: C, A, F, B, D, E
- The process by which a cell’s nucleus divides to form two identical nuclei is called mitosis
- Cells A and F are in different stages of mitosis
- Cell B is in metaphase
- Cell D is in anaphase
- Cell A is in the first phase of mitosis, which is prophase
- The cells are animal cells
- The longest phase of the cell cycle is interphase
- The cell cycle is important because it allows organisms to grow, replace damaged cells, and reproduce
- At the end of mitosis, the number of chromosomes in the daughter cells is identical to the parent cell
Explanation
The cell cycle is a fundamental process that cells undergo to grow and reproduce. It consists of interphase, mitosis, and cytokinesis. Interphase is the longest phase and includes three parts: G1 (cell growth), S (DNA replication), and G2 (preparation for mitosis). During this time, the cell grows, carries out normal functions, and prepares for division.
Mitosis is the process by which the cell’s nucleus divides. It ensures that each daughter cell receives an exact copy of the parent cell’s DNA. Mitosis occurs in several stages: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. In prophase, chromatin condenses into visible chromosomes, and the nuclear envelope begins to break down. Metaphase is when chromosomes line up in the center of the cell. Anaphase follows, where the sister chromatids are pulled apart to opposite ends. In telophase, the nuclear membranes reform around each set of chromosomes.
Cell A is in prophase, Cell B is in metaphase, Cell D is in anaphase, and Cell E is in telophase. Cell F is also in mitosis, likely during the transition from prophase to metaphase. Cell C represents interphase, the longest and most active phase in the cycle.
These cells are identified as animal cells because they appear rounded and lack a rigid cell wall or visible chloroplasts, which are features of plant cells. The purpose of the cell cycle is to enable organisms to grow, repair damaged tissues, and reproduce. At the end of mitosis and cytokinesis, two genetically identical daughter cells are formed. Each daughter cell contains the same number of chromosomes as the original parent cell, ensuring genetic continuity.
