Divide & Conquer
What is the main purpose of mitosis?
To produce identical cells for growth and repair.
During which phase do chromosomes line up in the middle of the cell?
Metaphase
What is the longest phase of the cell cycle?
Interphase
What does “cell differentiation” mean?
Cells become specialized for specific functions.
What type of cell division produces body (somatic) cells?
Mitosis
In which part of the cell cycle does DNA replicate?
S phase (synthesis).
Which phase is the reverse of prophase, with nuclei reforming?
Telophase
What is the G1 phase responsible for?
Cell growth and normal functions.
Give one example of a specialized cell in the human body.
Neuron, muscle cell, red blood cell, etc.
What type of cell division produces gametes?
Meiosis
Compare mitosis and cytokinesis.
Mitosis divides the nucleus; cytokinesis divides the cytoplasm.
Explain what happens to chromosomes during anaphase.
Sister chromatids are pulled apart to opposite sides.
How do checkpoints help regulate the cell cycle?
They ensure DNA is copied correctly and the cell is ready to divide.
Explain how stem cells are different from specialized cells.
Stem cells can become many cell types; specialized cells have one function.
Compare the roles of mitosis in single-celled vs. multicellular organisms.
Single-celled: reproduction; multicellular: growth/repair.
Why is it important that DNA is copied before mitosis?
Each daughter cell needs a complete set of genetic information.
Compare what happens to the nuclear membrane in prophase vs. telophase.
Breaks down in prophase, reforms in telophase.
Predict what happens if a cell skips a checkpoint.
Damaged DNA or uncontrolled division may occur.
Why is cell differentiation important in multicellular organisms?
It allows division of labor and complex functions.
Predict what would happen if muscle cells stopped dividing.
The body couldn’t repair or replace damaged muscle tissue.
Explain how errors in mitosis can lead to health problems.
Mistakes cause missing or extra chromosomes → can result in cancer or genetic disorders.
Argue why metaphase is the best stage for creating a karyotype.
Chromosomes are condensed and aligned, making them easy to view and count.
Explain how disruptions in cell cycle regulation can cause cancer.
Faulty checkpoints → uncontrolled cell division → tumor growth.
Explain how identical DNA can produce many different types of cells.
Different genes are expressed in different cells, creating specialization.
Argue how the processes of mitosis and differentiation together support the survival of complex organisms.
Mitosis provides more cells; differentiation gives them specialized roles → together maintain structure and function.