Cell Cycle Secrets
What is the phase of the cell cycle when a cell grows and carries out normal functions?
What is interphase (G1)?
This type of cell division produces two identical cells.
What is mitosis?
What type of reproduction requires only one parent?
What is asexual reproduction?
What do we call the cells produced by meiosis?
What are gametes?
In this phase of mitosis, chromosomes line up in the middle of the cell.
What is metaphase?
During which phase of the cell cycle does DNA replication occur?
What is the S phase?
This process produces gametes with half the number of chromosomes.
What is meiosis?
What is one advantage of sexual reproduction?
It increases genetic variation among offspring.
How many chromosomes are found in human gametes?
23 chromosomes (haploid number).
During which phase of mitosis do sister chromatids separate and move to opposite poles?
What is anaphase?
What are the two main stages of the cell cycle?
What are interphase and mitosis?
Name one way meiosis differs from mitosis.
Possible answers: Meiosis has two divisions / produces 4 cells / cells are not identical / results in haploid cells.
Identify one organism that reproduces asexually.
Examples: bacteria, yeast, hydra, some plants.
During meiosis, homologous chromosomes exchange pieces of DNA. What is this process called?
What is crossing over?
Explain the difference between mitosis and cytokinesis.
During mitosis, the nucleus divides into two nuclei; during cytokinesis, the cytoplasm divides to form two independent cells
Explain the main purpose of the mitosis in multicellular organisms.
Explain the main purpose of the cell cycle in multicellular organisms.
Explain why meiosis is important for sexual reproduction.
It creates gametes with half the chromosome number so fertilization restores the full set.
Explain why asexual reproduction produces offspring identical to the parent.
There is no exchange or mixing of genetic material—DNA is copied directly.
Explain how crossing over increases genetic diversity.
It creates new combinations of genes that weren’t present in either parent.
Compare the end results of mitosis and meiosis in terms of cell number and genetic content.
Mitosis forms 2 identical diploid cells; meiosis forms 4 unique haploid cells.
Predict what might happen to an organism if cells stopped completing the cell cycle.
The organism would stop growing, lose the ability to repair itself, and eventually die.
Compare the outcomes of mitosis and meiosis in terms of chromosome number and genetic variation.
Mitosis produces 2 diploid, identical cells; meiosis produces 4 haploid, genetically unique cells.
Evaluate which type of reproduction—sexual or asexual—would be more beneficial in a changing environment and explain why.
Sexual reproduction, because genetic variation helps species adapt to change.
Predict what could happen if crossing over did not occur during meiosis.
Offspring would have less genetic variation, leading to reduced adaptability.
Distinguish between metaphase I and metaphase II in meiosis.
In metaphase I, homologous chromosome pairs line up side by side in the middle of the cell; in metaphase II, individual chromosomes (with sister chromatids) line up single file at the center.