Biology MCAT: Mitosis
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Questions and Answers

What does the term 'mitosis' primarily refer to?

  • The division of somatic cells into two identical cells (correct)
  • The division of gametes in sexual reproduction
  • The process of DNA replication
  • The exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes
  • Which of the following phases is NOT a part of mitosis?

  • Prophase
  • Telophase
  • G2 phase (correct)
  • Anaphase
  • What is the end product of mitosis in terms of chromosome number?

  • Two haploid cells
  • One diploid cell
  • Four haploid cells
  • Two diploid cells (correct)
  • In which phase do chromosomes align at the cell's equatorial plane?

    <p>Metaphase</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes cytokinesis?

    <p>The separation of daughter cells after mitosis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The term 'meta' in metaphase refers to which concept?

    <p>Change or transition</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens during prophase?

    <p>The nuclear membrane dissolves and chromosomes condense</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is meant by the term 'anaphase'?

    <p>The stage where chromatids are pulled apart</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the context of mitosis, what does 'telophase' signify?

    <p>The end of cell division and formation of new membranes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is DNA replicated in the S phase of the cell cycle?

    <p>To prepare for cell division</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characterizes the metaphase of cell division?

    <p>Alignment of chromosomes along the equatorial plate</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The term 'cyto' in cytokinesis refers to what?

    <p>Cell</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During which phase do sister chromatids separate?

    <p>Anaphase</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to the mitotic spindle during telophase?

    <p>It disappears</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of cells undergo mitosis?

    <p>Somatic cells</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What significant change occurs during metaphase?

    <p>Chromosomes align at the cell's equator</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are cleavage furrows indicative of?

    <p>End of cytokinesis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which structures are responsible for connecting the centromere to the centriole?

    <p>Kinetochore fibers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following correctly describes haploid cells?

    <p>Have half the number of chromosomes of diploid cells</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What process completes cell division after telophase?

    <p>Cytokinesis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What event occurs first during prophase?

    <p>Condensation of chromatin into chromosomes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of the kinetochore?

    <p>To anchor the centromere to spindle fibers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During which phase is the nuclear membrane reformed?

    <p>Telophase</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of the mitotic spindle?

    <p>To pull sister chromatids apart</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term apoptosis refer to?

    <p>Natural cell death</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following occurs last during the process of mitosis?

    <p>Cytoplasmic separation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about interphase is correct?

    <p>It is the time when the cell prepares for division</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to chromosomes at the telophase stage?

    <p>They uncoil and revert to interphase form</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Cell Cycle Overview

    • The cell cycle consists of interphase (G0, G1, S, G2) and the M phase (mitosis).
    • M phase is uniquely designated for cell division, while interphase includes growth and DNA replication.

    Mitosis Definition and Purpose

    • Mitosis results in two identical daughter cells from one parent cell.
    • It is critical for growth and repair, involving somatic cells, not sex cells.
    • End result: two diploid (2n) cells, maintaining the chromosome number of 46.

    Mitosis vs. Meiosis

    • Mitosis produces two identical diploid cells; meiosis produces four haploid cells.
    • Meiosis is essential for sexual reproduction, occurring in gonads (ovaries and testes).

    Phases of Mitosis

    • Four distinct phases: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase.

    Prophase

    • Chromatin condenses into chromosomes, with each consisting of sister chromatids joined at the centromere.
    • Centrosomes with centrioles move to opposite poles, facilitating spindle formation.
    • Nuclear membrane dissolves, allowing mitotic spindle to interact with chromosomes.

    Metaphase

    • Chromosomes align at the metaphase plate, an equatorial plane in the center of the cell.
    • The term 'meta' indicates change, reflecting the alignment and organization of chromosomes.
    • Microtubules from the spindle apparatus anchor to the kinetochore on the centromere.

    Anaphase

    • Sister chromatids are separated and pulled to opposite poles of the cell.
    • The centromere splits, allowing the kinetochore fibers to shorten and facilitate movement of chromatids.
    • 'Ana' signifies upward or apart, emphasizing the separation process.

    Telophase

    • Essentially the reverse of prophase, with reformation of the nuclear membrane around each set of chromosomes.
    • Chromosomes decondense back to chromatin.
    • Cleavage furrows begin to form, indicating the onset of cytokinesis.

    Cytokinesis

    • Occurs after telophase, separating the cytoplasm and organelles between the two newly formed daughter cells.
    • The purpose is to ensure each daughter cell gets a complete set of organelles and cellular machinery.

    Cues for Understanding Mitosis

    • Prophase: preparation, condensing DNA, centriole migration, and spindle formation.
    • Metaphase: alignment, important for ensuring equal distribution of chromatids.
    • Anaphase: separation and movement of chromatids to poles.
    • Telophase: reformation of nuclear envelopes and preparation for cytokinesis.

    Additional Concepts

    • Microtubule organization centers: centrosomes are crucial in mitosis.
    • Kinetochore functions as an anchor for spindle fibers during chromatid movement.
    • Apoptosis: programmed cell death, contrasting with necrosis (cell damage due to pathology).

    Study Tips

    • Create comparative tables of each mitosis phase, detailing events and structural changes.
    • Visual aids can help reinforce the spatial relationships of chromosomal alignment and movement.

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    Quiz Team

    Description

    Join us in this quiz focused on the M phase of the cell cycle, specifically mitosis. We will explore how one parent cell divides to form two identical daughter cells. This quiz is part of our broader MCAT biology playlist, aimed at helping you excel in your studies.

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