Arthur made a mistake labeling the diagram of the three stages of the cell cycle.

Question

Where is the error in the diagram?

DNA is copied during the shortest stage.
The cytoplasm divides during the longest stage.
The nucleus divides in the stage before the cytoplasm divides.
Both the nucleus and the cytoplasm divide in the same stage.

Answer 1

To identify the error in Arthur's diagram of the cell cycle, let's analyze the stages:

1. Interphase: This is the longest stage, where the cell prepares for division, and DNA is copied (synthesis phase represents the copying of DNA).

2. Mitosis: This stage involves the division of the nucleus and is typically short compared to interphase.

3. Cytokinesis: This follows mitosis and involves the division of the cytoplasm.

Now, let's evaluate the statements:

1. "DNA is copied during the shortest stage": This statement is incorrect. DNA is copied during the synthesis phase, which occurs within interphase, the longest stage.

2. "The cytoplasm divides during the longest stage": This statement is incorrect. Cytokinesis (the division of the cytoplasm) occurs after mitosis, not during interphase.

3. "The nucleus divides in the stage before the cytoplasm divides": This statement is correct. The nucleus divides during mitosis (the stage before cytokinesis).

4. "Both the nucleus and the cytoplasm divide in the same stage": This statement is incorrect. The nucleus divides during mitosis, and the cytoplasm divides during cytokinesis, which are two distinct stages.

Based on the analysis, the primary error in the diagram is the first statement: "DNA is copied during the shortest stage." DNA copying occurs in the longest stage (interphase), not the shortest.