.

Question

The diagram shows cells in different phases of mitosis. A student is trying to find a cell in a particular phase of mitosis. The student is looking for evidence that spindle fibers are separating the chromosomes to ensure that each new nucleus has one copy of each chromosome.

Which cell is in the phase of mitosis that the student is searching for?
Cell 2
Cell 3
Cell 1
Cell 4

Answer 1

The cell that the student is searching for is likely Cell 2, as this is the phase of mitosis known as anaphase. During anaphase, the spindle fibers pull the sister chromatids apart toward opposite poles of the cell, ensuring that each new nucleus will receive one copy of each chromosome.

Here’s a brief overview of the phases of mitosis to help clarify:

• Prophase: Chromosomes condense and become visible; the mitotic spindle begins to form.
• Metaphase: Chromosomes align at the metaphase plate, and spindle fibers attach to the centromeres.
• Anaphase: Sister chromatids are pulled apart by spindle fibers towards opposite poles.
• Telophase: Chromatids reach the poles, the nuclear envelope re-forms around each set, and chromosomes begin to de-condense.

If Cell 2 exhibits evidence of chromosomes being pulled apart by spindle fibers, then it is indeed in anaphase, the phase the student is looking for.