Kyle Isabelle P.

Francisco October 19, 2020

SCI 11-E

Activity 4.1

1. Describe each stage of cell cycle

-The cell cycle consists of the interphase, mitosis, and cytokinesis. Interphase is the
various periods which the cell is preparing to divide, including the G1 (first gap), S
(synthesis), and G2 (second gap). Followed by mitosis or the M stage, which refers to
the phases where the nucleus of the cell divides into daughter nuclei through the
stages: prophase, metaphase anaphase, and telophase. And lastly, cytokinesis, takes
place right after mitosis and is considered to be the last step of the cycle before it
repeats itself.
2. What type of cells undergo the G0 aspect of the cell cycle?
-Not all cells adhere to the classic cell cycle wherein the newly formed daughter cell
immediately proceeds to interphase in preparatory for repeating the cycle. Some
type of cells, such as nerve and heart cells, enter the G0 stage. This is because when
they reach maturity, they do not divide again, and stay in the G0 phase.
3. What is the importance of the centrosome during mitosis?
-The centrosome is made up of microtubules and centrioles. The microtubules,
forming a spindle, will allow the chromosomes to equally divide to both sides. The
centrioles on the other hand, centrioles organize the microtubules and the spindle.
4. Why is Interphase not a stage of Mitosis?

-Interphase is not a stage of Mitosis, rather it is a preparatory stage for mitosis. It

encompasses the stages G1, S, and G2 of the cell cycle. It is not a stage of Mitosis
because it simply replicates the DNA and does not take part in the actual dividing of
cells.

5. Describe each of the phases of Mitosis.

-In Prophase, chromatins condense making the chromosomes visible. Prometaphase
then follows where the nuclear envelope breaks down. Afterwards, the
chromosomes become aligned at the equatorial plane during Metaphase. In
Anaphase, sister chromatids separate and the resulting daughter chromosomes
 move toward the poles. And finally, the daughter chromosomes reach the poles and
form two new nuclei during Telophase.
6. How does mitosis maintain the chromosome number in each generation of the cell cycle?
-The chromosome number remains constant: 46 total chromosomes or 23 pairs of
chromosomes. During interphase, chromatids replicate to produce a total of 92
chromatids, but they are only found in pairs and remain connected at the center by
the centromere. After mitosis, the chromatid pairs separate, so each daughter cell
gets 46 chromatids.