Cell division - Mitosis

Question 1

Interphase

Answer 1

Interphase is the phase that prepares the cell for mitosis. During interphase, the cell grows rapidly and the cell’s DNA is copied exactly.

Question 2

Prophase

Answer 2

Prophase is the phase when the chromatin merges into visible chromosomes and the cell appears bigger.

During prophase, the nuclear membrane and the nucleus fade as well and the centrioles start moving toward the poles.

Question 3

Metaphase

Answer 3

During metaphase, the chromosomes move toward the middle of the cell and the spindle fibers attach to the centromere.

(Spindlefibers attach to the middle/centromere of the sister chromatids)

The spindle fibers are networks of filaments that are created during cell division to help the chromosomes move along the cell.

Question 4

Anaphase

Answer 4

Anaphase is when the centromere splits apart and the sister chromatids move towards the opposite poles.

Centromere gose away and they split half and half on each side.

Question 5

Telophase

Answer 5

when the chromatids unwind into chromatin.

At this point, spindle fibers start to break down and the nuclear membrane regenerates around each chromosome.

(after the chromatids have arrived at the opposite poles)

Question 6

Cytokinesis

Answer 6

Cytokinesis is the division of the cytoplasm to complete the creation of two new daughter cells.

In animal cells indentation forms in the cell membrane along the cell equator until the cell is split in two.

In plant cells, a cell plate extends across the diameter of the cell to create a new cell wall.

Question 7

From what structures do the spindles originate?

Answer 7

During prophase the spindle fibers are first seen in the cytoplasm.

Question 8

When does the cytoplasm divide?

Answer 8

The division of the cytoplasm occurs during cytokinesis to complete the creation of two new daughter cells.

Question 9

Anatomy of a Chromosome:
Chromatids

Answer 9

Chromosomes are made up of two matching chromatids.

The chromatids are attached by a centromere.

Chromatids are made up of condensed chromatin (protein and DNA)

Question 10

Anatomy of a Chromosome: Centromere

Answer 10

The centromere holds the two chromatids together.

Question 11

Telomeres

Answer 11

Caps are found at the end of each chromosome. Every time a cell divides its telomeres shorten. When the telomeres are too short the chromosomes die.