Question

A cell enters M-Phase with only half of the required amount of genetic material. In complete sentences, explain the role of S-Phase in this error.

Answer 1

The S-Phase, or synthesis phase, is a crucial part of the cell cycle where DNA replication occurs. During this phase, the cell duplicates its genetic material to ensure that each daughter cell receives a complete set of chromosomes during cell division. If a cell enters M-Phase with only half of the required amount of genetic material, it indicates that DNA replication did not occur properly during the S-Phase. This could happen due to various reasons, such as DNA damage, replication stress, or a failure in the regulatory mechanisms that ensure the cell only enters mitosis after successful DNA synthesis. Consequently, without the complete set of genetic material, the cell risks undergoing improper division, which could lead to genetic abnormalities or cell death. Thus, the S-Phase plays a vital role in ensuring that a cell has the necessary and complete DNA content before it divides during the M-Phase.