Biology, Eighth Edition (Raven)

Chapter 10: How Cells Divide

Mitosis

How are the stages of mitosis related to the creation of identical daughter cells? The primary function of the stages of mitosis is to make certain that each daughter cell is genetically identical to the mother cell. The mother cell’s DNA is copied during interphase. During mitosis the chromosomes condense from long strands to highly coiled structures. The two copies of each DNA strand, called sister chromatids, are physically attached to one another. The chromosomes are moved to the center of the cell and split apart in a highly coordinated fashion. The condensation of the chromosomes, the physical connection of the sister chromatids, and the precise movement of the chromosomes are all important in making sure that each daughter cell has one copy of each chromosome and is genetically identical to the mother cell.

View the animation below, then complete the quiz to test your knowledge of the concept.



1.

The sister chromatids separate during ________ of mitosis.
A)telophase
B)metaphase
C)anaphase
D)interphase
E)prophase
2.

The chromosomes start to condense as the cell enters ________ of mitosis.
A)interphase
B)S phase
C)anaphase
D)metaphase
E)cytokinesis
3.

The _______ serve(s) to identify the two poles of the cell during mitosis.
A)kinetochores
B)centromeres
C)metaphase plate
D)nuclear envelope
E)centrosomes
4.

The kinetochore connects the microtubules to the centromere of the sister chromatids.
A)True
B)False
5.

Replication of the DNA occurs prior to the start of mitosis.
A)True
B)False
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