AP BIOLOGY

CELL DIVISION

THE CELL CYCLE

Please wait while the activity loads.
If this activity does not load, try refreshing your browser. Also, this page requires javascript. Please visit using a browser with javascript enabled.

If loading fails, click here to try again

Question [CLICK ON ANY CHOICE TO KNOW THE RIGHT ANSWER]

A student was told to count the number of chromosomes of a cell by observing it under a microscope. What phase of the cell cycle would the student have to observe?

A	G1
B	G2
C	S
D	M

Explanation:

Detailed explanation-1: -So, the correct answer is ‘Metaphase’.

Detailed explanation-2: -Metaphase During metaphase, the nucleus dissolves and the cell’s chromosomes condense and move together, aligning in the center of the dividing cell. At this stage, the chromosomes are distinguishable when viewed through a microscope.

Detailed explanation-3: -It is very simple to count number of DNA molecules or chromosome during different stages of cell cycle. Rule of thumb: The number of chromosome = count the number of functional centromere. The number of DNA molecule= count the number of chromatids.

Detailed explanation-4: -The chromosomes are most easily seen and identified at the metaphase stage of cell division and most of the chromosome images in this gallery are pictures of metaphase chromomosomes.

Detailed explanation-5: -So it is easier to count the chromosomes during metaphase than in any other phase.

There is 1 question to complete.