Which of the following best describes how mitosis is important for the processes described above

Mitosis is a process where a single cell divides into two identical daughter cells (cell division).

During mitosis one cell divides once to form two identical cells.
The major purpose of mitosis is for growth and to replace worn out cells.
If not corrected in time, mistakes made during mitosis can result in changes in the DNA that can potentially lead to genetic disorders.

Mitosis is divided into five phases:

1. Interphase:

The DNA in the cell is copied in preparation for cell division, this results in two identical full sets of chromosomes.
Outside of the nucleus are two centrosomes, each containing a pair of centrioles, these structures are critical for the process of cell division.
During interphase, microtubules extend from these centrosomes.

2. Prophase:

The chromosomes condense into X-shaped structures that can be easily seen under a microscope.
Each chromosome is composed of two sister chromatids, containing identical genetic information.
The chromosomes pair up so that both copies of chromosome 1 are together, both copies of chromosome 2 are together, and so on.
At the end of prophase the membrane around the nucleus in the cell dissolves away releasing the chromosomes.
The mitotic spindle, consisting of the microtubules and other proteins, extends across the cell between the centrioles as they move to opposite poles of the cell.

3. Metaphase:

The chromosomes line up neatly end-to-end along the centre (equator) of the cell.
The centrioles are now at opposite poles of the cell with the mitotic spindle fibres extending from them.
The mitotic spindle fibres attach to each of the sister chromatids.

4. Anaphase:

The sister chromatids are then pulled apart by the mitotic spindle which pulls one chromatid to one pole and the other chromatid to the opposite pole.

5. Telophase:

At each pole of the cell a full set of chromosomes gather together.
A membrane forms around each set of chromosomes to create two new nuclei.
The single cell then pinches in the middle to form two separate daughter cells each containing a full set of chromosomes within a nucleus. This process is known as cytokinesis.

Illustration showing the five stages of mitosis.
Image credit: Genome Research Limited

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anaphase: the stage of mitosis during which sister chromatids are separated from each other

cell cycle: the ordered sequence of events that a cell passes through between one cell division and the next

cell cycle checkpoints: mechanisms that monitor the preparedness of a eukaryotic cell to advance through the various cell cycle stages

cell plate: a structure formed during plant-cell cytokinesis by Golgi vesicles fusing at the metaphase plate; will ultimately lead to formation of a cell wall to separate the two daughter cells

centriole: a paired rod-like structure constructed of microtubules at the center of each animal cell centrosome

cleavage furrow: a constriction formed by the actin ring during animal-cell cytokinesis that leads to cytoplasmic division

cytokinesis: the division of the cytoplasm following mitosis to form two daughter cells

G0 phase: a cell-cycle phase distinct from the G1 phase of interphase; a cell in G0 is not preparing to divide

G1 phase: (also, first gap) a cell-cycle phase; first phase of interphase centered on cell growth during mitosis

G2 phase: (also, second gap) a cell-cycle phase; third phase of interphase where the cell undergoes the final preparations for mitosis

interphase: the period of the cell cycle leading up to mitosis; includes G1, S, and G2 phases; the interim between two consecutive cell divisions

kinetochore: a protein structure in the centromere of each sister chromatid that attracts and binds spindle microtubules during prometaphase

metaphase plate: the equatorial plane midway between two poles of a cell where the chromosomes align during metaphase

metaphase: the stage of mitosis during which chromosomes are lined up at the metaphase plate

mitosis: the period of the cell cycle at which the duplicated chromosomes are separated into identical nuclei; includes prophase, prometaphase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase

mitotic phase: the period of the cell cycle when duplicated chromosomes are distributed into two nuclei and the cytoplasmic contents are divided; includes mitosis and cytokinesis

mitotic spindle: the microtubule apparatus that orchestrates the movement of chromosomes during mitosis

prometaphase: the stage of mitosis during which mitotic spindle fibers attach to kinetochores

prophase: the stage of mitosis during which chromosomes condense and the mitotic spindle begins to form

quiescent: describes a cell that is performing normal cell functions and has not initiated preparations for cell division

S phase: the second, or synthesis phase, of interphase during which DNA replication occurs

telophase: the stage of mitosis during which chromosomes arrive at opposite poles, decondense, and are surrounded by new nuclear envelopes

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You need to know the differences and similarities in the processes of mitosis and meiosis and relate these to the processes of sexual and asexual reproduction.
You need to know how mitosis and meiosis lead to genetic variation.
You need to know the relationship between mutation, cell cycle, and uncontrolled cell growth potentially resulting in cancer.
You need to know the cell cycle, including the process of mitosis and be able to explain the role of mitosis in the formation of new cells and its importance in maintaining chromosome number during sexual reproduction.

Mitosis and meiosis are processes involved in cellular reproduction. Which of the following describes and event that results from mitosis but NOT meiosis?

A. two stages of cell division

B. replication of cellular genetic material

C. daughter cells that are identical to the parent cell

D. four daughter cells that are produced from each parent cell

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How are sexual reproduction and asexual reproduction different from each other?

A. sexual reproduction requires two parents and asexual reproduction requires only one parent

B. asexual reproduction requires two parents and sexual reproduction requires only one parent

C. mutation rates are lower in sexual reproduction than in asexual reproduction

D. asexual reproduction occurs only in multicellular organisms

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Which type of reproduction leads to increased genetic variation on a population?

A. Parthenogenesis

B. asexual reproduction

C. Sexual reproduction

D. Vegetative reproduction

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Which of the following phrases best describes cancer?

A. absence of cyclins in the DNA

B. miltiple gene mutations on a chromosome of DNA

C. uncontrolled cell growth caused by mutations in genes that control the cell cycle

D. presence of genetic defects caused by hereditary disorders

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Which of the following phases of mitosis is represented by the diagram below?

A. prophase

B. metaphase

C. anaphase

D. telophase

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A scientist wants to change the DNA of a sexually reproducing organism and have the new DNA present in every cell of the organism. In order to do this after fertilization, she would change the DNA in which of the following?

A. zygote

B. placenta

C. testes of the father

D. ovaries of the mother

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Which row in the chart below indicates the correct process for each event indicated?

A. row 1

B. row 2

C. row 3

D. row 4

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The diagram below shows a cellular process that occurs in organisms.

What is the name of this process?

A. meiosis

B. mitosis

C. endocytosis

D. phagocytosis

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The diagram below shows homologous chromosomes during prophase I of meiosis.

Which of the following correctly describes the process being illustrated?

A. mutation in which the DNA content of the gene is altered

B. segregation of sister chromatids

C. condensation and segregation of alleles

D. crossing-over in which alleles are exchanged

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Which of the following best describes meiosis?

A. It is carried out in all tissues that require cell replacement.

B. It occurs only in cells in the reproductive structures of organisms.

C. It happens in all tissues except the brain and spinal cord.

D. It is the first stage of mitosis.

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The diagram below shows two strawberry plants.

Plant 2 is produced asexually from Plant 1. If the leaf cells of Plant 1 have 56 chromosomes, how many chromosomes will be found in the leaf cells of Plant 2?

A. 14

B. 28

C. 56

D. 112

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