Mitosis: Identifying and Understanding Key Phases

1. During which phase of the cell cycle is the cell engaged in metabolic activity and preparing for mitosis?

Metaphase

Anaphase

Interphase

Prophase

Interphase is the phase of the cell cycle in which a cell is actively engaged in metabolic activities and preparing for mitosis. During interphase, the cell grows, replicates its DNA, and prepares for cell division. Prophase, Metaphase, and Anaphase are all stages of mitosis, which comes after interphase in the cell cycle.

Explanation

Interphase is the phase of the cell cycle in which a cell is actively engaged in metabolic activities and preparing for mitosis. During interphase, the cell grows, replicates its DNA, and prepares for cell division. Prophase, Metaphase, and Anaphase are all stages of mitosis, which comes after interphase in the cell cycle.

2. Which phase of the cell cycle is described by the following events: chromatin condensing into visible chromosomes, nucleolus disappearing, centrioles moving to opposite ends of the cell, and fibers extending from the centromeres to form the mitotic spindle?

Anaphase

Prophase

Metaphase

Interphase

During prophase, the chromatin condenses into visible chromosomes, the nucleolus disappears, centrioles move to opposite ends of the cell, and fibers extend from the centromeres to form the mitotic spindle. Therefore, the correct answer is Prophase.

Explanation

During prophase, the chromatin condenses into visible chromosomes, the nucleolus disappears, centrioles move to opposite ends of the cell, and fibers extend from the centromeres to form the mitotic spindle. Therefore, the correct answer is Prophase.

3. What marks the beginning of prometaphase during cell division?

Telophase

Prometaphase

Metaphase

Anaphase

Prometaphase is characterized by the breakdown of the nuclear membrane, attachment of proteins to centromeres forming kinetochores, attachment of microtubules to kinetochores, and movement of chromosomes, differentiating it from other phases such as Metaphase, Anaphase, and Telophase.

Explanation

Prometaphase is characterized by the breakdown of the nuclear membrane, attachment of proteins to centromeres forming kinetochores, attachment of microtubules to kinetochores, and movement of chromosomes, differentiating it from other phases such as Metaphase, Anaphase, and Telophase.

4. What is the stage referred to as when spindle fibers align the chromosomes along the middle of the cell nucleus?

Metaphase

Telophase

Anaphase

Prophase

During metaphase, chromosomes are aligned along the metaphase plate in preparation for separation in the next phase.

Explanation

During metaphase, chromosomes are aligned along the metaphase plate in preparation for separation in the next phase.

5. During which phase of cell division do the paired chromosomes separate at the kinetochores and move to opposite sides of the cell?

Interphase

Anaphase

Prophase

Telophase

In anaphase, the paired chromosomes separate and move to opposite sides of the cell, facilitated by kinetochore and polar microtubules. This process is crucial for the equal distribution of genetic material to the daughter cells.

Explanation

In anaphase, the paired chromosomes separate and move to opposite sides of the cell, facilitated by kinetochore and polar microtubules. This process is crucial for the equal distribution of genetic material to the daughter cells.

6. During which stage of cell division do chromatids arrive at opposite poles of the cell, new membranes form around the daughter nuclei, chromosomes disperse, and spindle fibers disperse?

Telophase

Metaphase

Anaphase

Prophase

Telophase is the stage where these specific events occur, marking the end of cell division. Prophase is the initial stage where chromosomes condense, Metaphase is when chromosomes line up in the middle of the cell, and Anaphase is when chromatids are pulled apart to opposite poles.

Explanation

Telophase is the stage where these specific events occur, marking the end of cell division. Prophase is the initial stage where chromosomes condense, Metaphase is when chromosomes line up in the middle of the cell, and Anaphase is when chromatids are pulled apart to opposite poles.

7. What process involves the contraction of a fiber ring composed of actin around the center of the cell to pinch it into two daughter cells, with the formation of a cell plate in plant cells?

Meiosis

Cytokinesis

Interphase

Mitosis

Cytokinesis is the specific process that involves the actual division of the cell into two daughter cells, following the completion of mitosis or meiosis. This process is essential for the growth and development of multicellular organisms.

Explanation

Cytokinesis is the specific process that involves the actual division of the cell into two daughter cells, following the completion of mitosis or meiosis. This process is essential for the growth and development of multicellular organisms.