Mitosis and Cytokinesis Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is the role of the spindle during mitosis?

The role of the spindle in mitosis is to move the correct pieces of DNA to the correct end of the cell, to make sure that the new cell has the DNA it needs to function properly.

Compare and contrast mitosis and cytokinesis.

Mitosis is when the cell prepares itself and the DNA to divide, and cytokinesis is when the cell is completely divided.

Compare and contrast cytokinesis in plant and animal cells.

In an animal cell during cytokinesis, there is a cleavage furrow where the cell 'squishes' and divides, while in a plant cell a cell plate forms to divide the cell with a 'wall.'

What evidence did we find that mitosis is a continuous process?

We observed many cells in a small part of the onion root were between stages, indicating that the process of mitosis never stops and keeps going. Signup and view all the answers

Why did we see more cells in mitosis near the tip of the root?

We saw more cells in mitosis near the tip of the root because that is where the growth happens. Signup and view all the answers

Which phases of the cell life cycle were longest and shortest? How did we determine that?

Interphase is the longest phase and cytokinesis is the shortest; we determined that because interphase involves normal life functions and DNA replication, while cytokinesis is just the division. Signup and view all the answers

What happens during mitosis?

Chromosomes are pulled to opposite ends of the cell, chromosomes wind up tightly, and the spindle forms. Signup and view all the answers

What happens during cytokinesis?

The cell membrane pinches together in the middle, and the cytoplasm and organelles are divided. Signup and view all the answers

What are both mitosis and cytokinesis a part of?

Cell division Signup and view all the answers

What evidence is proven when we saw more cells in mitosis at the tip of the onion root in the onion root lab?

The most root growth happens in this area. Signup and view all the answers

What kind of process is mitosis?

Continuous process Signup and view all the answers

What is the best explanation for the differences in cytokinesis between plant and animal cells?

Plants have a cell wall and animal cells do not. Signup and view all the answers

What would happen to the daughter cell if the spindle broke during anaphase in the parent cell?

Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the phase where chromosomes align in the center of the cell during mitosis?

metaphase Signup and view all the answers

What phase of the cell cycle follows mitosis and is primarily for growth and normal function?

interphase Signup and view all the answers

What phase of mitosis involves the chromosomes de-condensing and the nuclear envelope reforming?

telophase Signup and view all the answers

During which phase do the sister chromatids separate and move towards opposite ends of the cell?

anaphase Signup and view all the answers

What is the first phase of mitosis where chromosomes condense and the nuclear envelope breaks down?

prophase Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Role of Spindle in Mitosis

The spindle apparatus is essential for correct DNA distribution during mitosis.
It moves chromosomes to opposite ends of the cell, ensuring each new cell gets the necessary genetic material.

Mitosis vs. Cytokinesis

Mitosis involves preparing and dividing DNA, while cytokinesis refers to the actual separation of the cytoplasm and cell membrane into two distinct cells.

Cytokinesis in Plant vs. Animal Cells

Animal cells form a cleavage furrow that constricts and separates the two cells.
Plant cells develop a cell plate that forms between the nuclei, creating a new cell wall to divide the cells.

Evidence of Continuous Mitosis

Observations of onion root cells showed many cells in various stages of mitosis, demonstrating that it is a seamless, ongoing process.

Mitosis Activity Near Root Tip

Higher mitotic activity is found near the root tip due to rapid growth and cell division occurring in this area.

Duration of Cell Cycle Phases

Interphase is the longest phase, as the cell undergoes growth and DNA replication.
Cytokinesis is the shortest phase since it primarily involves the physical splitting of the cell.

Events During Mitosis

Chromosomes condense and align, spindle fibers form, and then chromosomes are pulled apart to opposite ends.

Events During Cytokinesis

The cell membrane pinches together at the center, dividing the cytoplasm and organelles between the two daughter cells.

Nature of Mitosis and Cytokinesis

Both processes are integral to cell division, crucial for growth and tissue repair.

Explanation for Increased Mitosis at Root Tips

The region of the onion root tip is where active growth occurs, leading to a higher concentration of dividing cells.

Characteristics of Mitosis

Mitosis is characterized as a continuous process, without clear start or stop points.

Differences in Cytokinesis Between Cell Types

Cytokinesis varies due to structural differences; plant cells possess a cell wall, while animal cells lack this feature.

Impact of Spindle Failure During Anaphase

If the spindle apparatus breaks during anaphase, daughter cells may end up with an incorrect number of chromosomes, leading to serious developmental issues.

Key Phases of Mitosis

Phases include:
- Metaphase: Chromosomes align at the cell's equatorial plate.
- Interphase: Cell grows and prepares for division.
- Telophase: Chromosomes begin to de-condense, and the nuclear envelope re-forms.
- Anaphase: Sister chromatids are pulled apart toward opposite poles.
- Prophase: Chromatin condenses into visible chromosomes, and the spindle apparatus begins to form.

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Description

Test your understanding of mitosis and cytokinesis with these flashcards. Each card defines key concepts and roles involved in cell division processes. Perfect for students looking to reinforce their knowledge on these fundamental biological topics.