Stages Of Mitosis

Question 1

Explain Prophase.

Answer 1

This happens after Interphase (where chromosomes are duplicated). Here, chromosomes condense and the mitotic spindles start to develop.

Question 2

Explain Metaphase.

Answer 2

Chromosomes aligned in the centre of the mitotic spindle, and are held in position by MICROTUBULES. This can last a while.

Question 3

Explain Anaphase.

Answer 3

Here, mitotic spindles are pushed further apart, and chromatids (separated when the centromere pulls away) are pulled to opposite ends of the cell.

Question 4

Explain Telophase

Answer 4

Chromatids decondense, a nucleus forms in each end, and microtubules disassemble.

Question 5

Explain Cytokinesis.

Answer 5

A cleavage furrow is formed by the formation of an actin filament ring, which separates the cells. This produces two identical daughter cells.

Question 6

When talking about the overall cell cycle, what are the four stages? Describe.

Answer 6

G0 stage - A resting stage
S stage - a rapid growth stage when genetic information is duplicated
G2 stage - a ‘checkpoint’
M stage - When cell separates into 2 identical daughter cells