Question

Given below is a diagram representing a stage during mitotic cell division in an animal cell Examine it carefully and answer the questions which follow.

 

1. Identify the stage. Give one reason in support of your answer.
2. Name the cell organelle that forms the ‘aster’.
3. Name the parts labelled 1, 2 and 3.
4. Name the stage that follows the one shown above; how is that stage identified?
5. Mention two differences between mitosis and meiosis with regards to:
   1. The number of daughter cells produced.
   2. The chromosome number in the daughter cells.

Answer 1

1. Prophase: The nuclear membrane disappears.
2. Centrioles
3. 1. Centromere
   2. Sister chromatids.
   3. Spindle fibre.
4. Metaphase: The centromeres of chromosomes are drawn to the equator by the equal pull of two chromosomal spindle fibres that connect each centromere to the opposite poles.
   forming a metaphasic plate.
5. • Mitosis:
     1. Two daughter cells are produced.
     2. The number of chromosomes is the same as that of the parent cell.
   • Meiosis:
     1. Four daughter cells are produced.
     2. Half the number of chromosomes as that of the parent cell.