1

4: Cell division: Mitosis

Mind map The Role of Mitosis

Introduction
Activity 3: Phases of Mitosis
Activity 1: Mitosis and Meiosis
Cytokinesis (difference in telophase
Key terminology between plant and animal cells)
Chromosomes Activity 4: PRACTICAL
INVESTIGATION OF MITOSIS
The Cell Cycle
Cancer
The Process of Mitosis

Activity 2: The Process of Mitosis What is cancer?

Types of cancer
Stages of Mitosis
Causes of cancer
Prophase
Treatment of cancer
Metaphase
Activity 5: Cancer
Anaphase
End of topic exercises
Telophase
 2

CHAPTER 3: CELL DIVISION: MITOSIS

chromatids Repair
centromere Development
and growth

Reproduction
Chromosomes

Role of mitosis

Cell division:
Cytokinesis Mitosis
types
Mitosis The cell Cancer
cycle

Interphase causes
treatments

Introduction
Cells have the ability to divide continuously. There are two types of cell division: mitosis
and meiosis.
In Mitosis (nuclear division) In Meiosis (reduction division)
• • One cell (mother cell) undergoes division
One cell (mother cell) undergoes division
to form two identical cells (daughter to form four dissimilar cells (daughter
cells) cells)
• • The daughter cells have half the
There is no change in the chromosome
number chromosome number as the mother
cell
This usually takes place to form new This usually takes place to form
somatic/body cells gametes

For now, we will only focus on mitosis. In Grade 12, meiosis will be studied in detail.
 3

Activity 1:
1.1 The nuclei of human liver cells contain 46 chromosomes. Complete the table below
to show how many chromosomes would be present in the cells listed.

Type of cell Number of Explanation

chromosomes
Ciliated cell trachea
Ovum
Red blood cell

1.2 Describe a difference, other than the number of chromosomes, between nuclei
produced by mitosis and those produced by meiosis.

Key Terminology

Chromosomes are present in the nuclei of all cells and consist of two identical
strands called chromatids joined by a centromere.
Mitosis is the process by which cells distribute their replicated DNA to
two daughter cells.
Cytokinesis Division of the cytoplasm, organelles and cell membrane
Centrioles Cell structures that form the spindle during cell division
Centromere The structure that joins two chromatids to form a chromosome
Metaphase The phase of mitosis where chromosomes arrange themselves
in a single row on the equator
Cancer The growth or tumour that forms as a result of uncontrolled
mitosis
 4

Chromosomes:
• Chromosomes are thread-like structures found in the nucleus of a cell.
• Most body cells have two copies of each chromosome.
• We describe these cells as diploid.
• When cells are not dividing the chromosomes appear as a mass of threads, the
chromatin network.
• A chromosome consists of the nucleic acid DNA and proteins
• Before a cell divides, the DNA (chromosomes) has to be duplicated.
• This ensures that when the cell splits in two, each new cell still has two copies of each
chromosome (is still diploid). The process during which a DNA molecule makes an
identical replica (copy) of itself is known as DNA replication
• After replication has taken place the single - stranded chromosome consists of two
strands which are called chromatids.
• The two chromatids of a double-stranded chromosome are joined by a centromere.

Unreplicated Chromosome Replicated Chromosome

Single-stranded chromosome before Double-stranded chromosome after

DNA replication DNA replication
 5

THE CELL CYCLE

The cell cycle is the series of events that takes place in a cell that results in DNA
replication and cell division.

The cell cycle has three steps: Interphase, Mitosis and Cytokinesis

CELL CYCLE
 6

The Process of Mitosis

Mitosis is the process of nuclear division by which two genetically identical daughter
nuclei are produced that are also genetically identical to the parent cell nucleus (they
have the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell)

(Descriptions with diagrams to show chromosome changes so that one parent cell
forms two identical daughter cells)
 7

Activity 2: The process of Mitosis

2.1 Complete the missing words in the passage below:
The process of mitosis produces two ________________ cells for each cell
entering the process. Each new cell contains _________________ number of
chromosomes as the original cell, which in humans is _________________
chromosomes. The new cells are genetically ____________________ to the
parent cell. Before mitosis can occur, the cell’s__________________ has to
replicate; this period of time is known as ___________________.
2.2 Each cell in an embryo is undergoing mitosis at a rapid rate as the embryo
grows in its mother’s womb.
The table below gives approximate numbers of cells in a human body at
various stages of its development

Time after fertilisation Number of cells (approximate)

7 days 130
10 days 490
140 days (a 20-week foetus) 130 000 000 000
Newborn baby 1 400 000 000 000
Adult 37 000 000 000 000

2.2.1. Using the data from the table, calculate the rate per day of new cell
production between 7 and 10 days after fertilisation
2.2.2. Referring to the data in the table, calculate the percentage increase in
number of cells between a 20-week foetus and a newborn baby
2.3 The diagram shows the chromosomes in the nucleus of a cell that divides by
mitosis

Which diagram shows the chromosomes in the nucleus of one of the daughter cells
produced?
 8

The Stages of Mitosis

Although mitosis is, in reality, one continuous process, it can be divided into four main
stages
These stages are:
• Prophase
• Metaphase
• Anaphase
• Telophase
Most organisms contain many chromosomes in the nuclei of their cells (eg. humans
have 46) but the diagrams below show mitosis of an animal cell with only four
chromosomes, for simplicity
The different colours of the chromosomes are just to show that half are from the female
parent and half from the male parent
Prophase
• Chromosomes condense and are now visible when stained
• The chromosomes consist of two identical chromatids called sister chromatids
(each containing one DNA molecule) that are joined together at the centromere
• The two centrosomes (replicated in the G2 phase just before prophase) move
towards opposite poles (opposite ends of the nucleus)
• Spindle fibres (protein microtubules) begin to emerge from the centrosomes
(consists of two centrioles in animal cells)
• The nuclear envelope (nuclear membrane) breaks down into small vesicles
 9

Metaphase
• Centrosomes reach opposite poles
• Spindle fibres (protein microtubules) continue to extend from centrosomes
• Chromosomes line up at the equator of the spindle (also known as the metaphase
plate) so they are equidistant to the two centrosome poles
• Spindle fibres (protein microtubules) reach the chromosomes and attach to the
centromeres
• Each sister chromatid is attached to a spindle fibre originating from opposite
poles

Anaphase
• The sister chromatids separate at the centromere (the centromere divides in
two)
• Spindle fibres (protein microtubules) begin to shorten
• The separated sister chromatids (now called chromosomes) are pulled to
opposite poles by the spindle fibres (protein microtubules)
 10

Telophase
• Chromosomes arrive at opposite poles and begin to decondense
• Nuclear envelopes (nuclear membranes) begin to reform around each set of
chromosomes
• The spindle fibres break down

THE ROLE OF MITOSIS

Mitosis is important to organisms for:
1. Growth (getting bigger): multi cellular living organisms need cell division to grow;
they start as a single cell and divide to form many cells. An individual cell can grow
a certain amount, but not indefinitely. Once a cell gets to a certain size, it becomes
difficult for all parts of the cell to obtain oxygen and nutrients by division. In order
to grow any more, the cell divides to form two smaller cells, each of which can then
grow and divide again.
2. Repair: worn out or dead cells are replaced through cell division. Eg. Your body
makes new skin cells all the time.
3. Reproduction: single celled organisms (algae and protists) reproduce by cell
division.
 11

Activity 3: Phases of Mitosis

3.1 Provide the correct term for each of the following statements
3.1.1 In which phase of mitosis does the cell develop an invagination to split the
cytoplasm resulting in daughter cells to become visible?
3.1.2 During which phase of mitosis does centromeres divide and the chromosomes
move toward their respective poles?
3.1.3 What is the phase called where chromatin condenses to form chromosomes?
3.1.4 What is the name of the structure that connects the two sister chromatids?
3.1.5 In a chromosome pair connected by a centromere, what is each individual
chromosome half called?
3.1.6 What is the step of cell division where 2 identical daughter cells are formed?
3.1.7 In which phase of the cell cycle does the cell prepare itself to grow in size
making organelles and copying DNA?
3.1.8 What forms across the center of a plant cell near the end of telophase?
3.1.9 What is the division of the cytoplasm called?
3.1.10 During this phase chromosomes line up in the middle of the cell.

3.2 Study the diagrams below which represent different phases of mitosis.

3.2.1 Identify parts A, B, D and E.

3.2.2 By making use of NUMBERS ONLY (1 to 5), arrange the phases into the correct
sequence.
3.2.3 Write down the number of chromosomes in a cell at the end of the process
shown above.
3.2.4 Name ONE difference between plant and animal cells with regard to the
process taking place at C.
3.2.5 State TWO reasons why mitosis is a biologically important process.
 12

3.3 Study the diagram below and answer the questions that follow:

3.3.1 A and D is the beginning and the end of cell division Mitosis. Name the two
phases. (2)
3.3.2 Which cell represents metaphase? Give a reason for your answer. (2)
3.3.3 Name structure X in diagram A. (1)
3.3.4 Place the diagrams in the correct sequence from first to last. Only use the
letters. (6)
3.3.5 Is the above mitosis taking place in a plant or animal cell? Give a reason for
your answer. (2)
3.3.6 Why is mitosis biologically important? (3)

3.4. The root of an onion is a rapidly growing part of the onion. Many cells will be in
different stages of mitosis. A sample of an onion tip was stained and studied
under a microscope. The various phases of mitosis were identified and the
number of cells counted in each phase. The results are recorded in the table
below.

3.4.1 Which phase produced the highest number of cells? (1)

3.4.2 Calculate the percentage of cells produced during prophase. Show ALL
calculations. (3)
3.4.3 Assuming a cell takes 24 hours to complete one cycle. Calculate the duration
of interphase. Show ALL calculations. (3)
3.4.4 Briefly describe what happens during anaphase of mitosis. (4)
3.4.5 Draw a bar graph to represent the total number of cells in each phase of the
cell cycle. (6)
3.4.6 Draw a labelled diagram of a chromosome. (4)
 13

CYTOKINESIS (difference in telophase between plant and animal cells)

Cytokinesis is not a stage of mitosis; it is a process that occurs after mitosis. Although
not regarded as a phase of mitosis, cytokinesis is an important final step in the cell
cycle because during this stage the cytoplasm is divides forming two genetically
identical cells and it takes place after the telophase stage of mitosis
This is the physical separation of the parent cell into two genetically identical
daughter cells and occurs once a new nucleus has completely re-formed at each pole
of the parent cell at the end of telophase
The process differs slightly in animal and plant cells:
How does cytokinesis in plants differ from cytokinesis in animals?

• In animal cells, a ‘cleavage furrow’ forms and separates the daughter cells

• In plants, a ‘cell plate’ (the precursor to a new cell wall) forms at the site of the
metaphase plate. Once the cell plate reaches the cell walls of the parent cell,
new cell walls are produced, separating the new daughter cells
 14

Activity 4: PRACTICAL INVESTIGATION OF MITOSIS

4.1 Observe and draw cells in different phases of mitosis with descriptions of
each phase.
▪ Use suitable resources to examine cell division, e.g., microscope slides,
micrographs, posters and models.
▪ Record observations as drawings.
▪ Use micrographs of the dividing cells and rearrange them, from the first
phase to the last. Write reasons next to the identified micrograph.
▪ Indicate the difference in telophase between plant and animal cells.

Cell
plat
 15

4.2 Complete the practical investigating of mitosis in onion cells.

METHOD:
o Put the base of the onion bulb in a beaker of water.
o Put a beaker in a dark cupboard until the roots have grown 30mm.
o Cut off 5mm of the root tips and put them in the saucer.
o Cover the tips with drops of aceto-orcein solution and a drop of diluted
hydrochloric acid. Warm the saucer gently.
o Place 1mm of the root tip on the slide.
o Cover it with the drop of the acetoorcein.
o Cover the tip with cover slip.
o Gently tap on the cover slip until the tip spreads to form a thin rose-
coloured layer.
o Remove excess fluid with a paper tissue.
o Study the cell under low magnification.
o Identify chromosomes and try to see the various stages of cell division.
o Draw and label the stages of mitosis you are observing.
o Explain what is happening to the chromatin material in each of the cells.

What is cancer?
Cell division usually takes place in a controlled way but sometimes it can go out of
control. When dividing cells divide too quickly, a lump of cells called a tumour can
develop.
The dividing cells that form a tumour, divide so quickly that they take the space of
normal cells. The normal cells begin to die because the tumour cells use all the oxygen
and nutrients and produce large amounts of waste products.
There are two main types of tumours:
• Benign tumours – are growths cells that are enclosed in a membrane or
capsule. The cells cannot escape and spread to other parts of the body.
Benign tumours can usually be removed surgically and the person is cured.
• Malignant tumours – are growths of cells that are not enclosed in a
membrane or capsule. The cells can break away from the tumour. They are
carried in the blood or lymph to other parts of the body where they grow and
form new malignant tumours. This growth of tumours is a disease called
cancer.
Types of cancer
Cancers are named for the area in which they begin and the type of cell they are made
of, even if they spread to other parts of the body. For example, a cancer that begins in
the lungs and spreads to the liver is still called lung cancer.
There are also several clinical terms used for certain general types of cancer:
• Carcinoma is a cancer that starts in the skin or the tissues that line other organs.
 16

• Sarcoma is a cancer of connective tissues such as bones, muscles, cartilage, and

blood vessels.
• Leukemia is a cancer of the bone marrow, which creates blood cells.
• Lymphoma and myeloma are cancers of the immune system.
What causes cancer?
The main cause of cancer is mutations, or changes to the DNA in your cells. Genetic
mutations can be inherited. They can also occur after birth as a result of environmental
forces.
These external causes, called carcinogens, can include:
• physical carcinogens like radiation and ultraviolet (UV) light
• chemical carcinogens like cigarette smoke, high alcohol consumption, asbestos,
hormonal imbalances, exposure to certain pollutants, pesticides, contaminated (or
processed) food and drinking water
• biological carcinogens like viruses, bacteria, and parasites
Treatment of cancer
Cancer treatment can include different options, depending on the type of cancer and
how advanced it is.
The most common types of treatment are:
Surgery - is often used in combination with some other therapy in order to make sure
all of the cancer cells are gone.
Chemotherapy - is a form of aggressive cancer treatment that uses medications that
are toxic to cells to kill rapidly dividing cancer cells. It may be used to shrink the size
of a tumor or the number of cells in your body and lower the likelihood of the cancer
spreading.
Radiation (Radio) therapy - uses powerful, focused beams of radiation to kill cancer
cells. Radiation therapy done inside of your body is called brachytherapy, while
radiation therapy done outside of your body is called external beam radiation.
Stem cell (bone marrow) transplant - This treatment repairs diseased bone marrow
with healthy stem cells. Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that can have a variety of
functions. These transplants allow doctors to use higher doses of chemotherapy to
treat the cancer. A stem cell transplant is commonly used to treat leukemia.
Immunotherapy (biological therapy) - uses your body’s own immune system to
attack cancer cells. These therapies help your antibodies recognize the cancer, so
they can use your body’s natural defenses to destroy cancer cells.
Hormone therapy - removes or blocks hormones that fuel certain cancers to stop
cancer cells from growing. This therapy is a common treatment for cancers that may
use hormones to grow and spread, such as certain types of breast cancer and prostate
cancer.
 17

Targeted drug therapy - uses drugs to interfere with certain molecules that help
cancer cells grow and survive. Genetic testing may reveal if you are eligible for this
type of therapy. It may depend on the type of cancer you have and the genetic
mutations and molecular characteristics of your tumor.

Activity 5: Cancer
5.1 Read the following passage and answer the questions based on it.

Cancers are a result of uncontrolled mitosis of body cells. A cancerous cell

divides continuously, to form a group of simple cells that cannot carry out its
proper function. This results in a mass of tissues called growth or tumour.

Nearly all cancers are caused by abnormalities in the genetic material of

transformed cells. These abnormalities may be caused by carcinogens

A common misconception is that cancer is incurable. With early diagnosis

and proper treatment, the chances of survival can be good. However, once
cancer spreads to other parts of the body, it is difficult to treat and to cure.
Nowadays, the treatment used to destroy cancer cells could be radiation
therapy, which is the use of high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells, or
chemotherapy, which is the use of drugs or chemicals to destroy cancer
cells. Some side effects of these treatments may be loss of hair and nausea.

5.1.1 What is the cause of cancer? (2)

5.1.2 Name THREE examples of carcinogens. (3)
5.1.3 Why do you think many people believe that ‘cancer is incurable’? (2)
5.1.4 Give two reasons why you think that there are more people that suffer from
cancer nowadays compared to 30 years ago. (2)
5.1.5 Mention two biotechnology methods in which cancer can be treated. (2)
5.1.6 The cost of treating cancer is expensive. How do you think this treatment can
be made available to the poor? (2)

[13]

5.2 Research and present information on ONE of the cancers.

This must include:
(a) causes,
(b) prevalence and
(c) treatment.
 18

End of Topic Questions

SECTION A
QUESTION 1
1.1 Various options are given as possible answers to the following questions.
Choose the answer and write only the letter (A to D) next to the question
number (1.1.1 to 1.1.10) in the ANSWER BOOK, for example 1.1.11 D.
1.1.1 The diagram below shows the different phases of the cell cycle

Which of the following rows correctly identifies the phases of the cell
cycle?

1 2 3 4
A Interphase: G1 Interphase: G2 Interphase: S Nuclear division
B Mitosis Interphase: G1 Interphase: S Interphase: G2
C Interphase: G1 Interphase: S Interphase: G2 Nuclear division
D Interphase: S Interphase: G1 Interphase: G2 Mitosis

1.1.2 Which of the following processes involve mitosis?

A growth, repair, replication

B repair, growth, asexual reproduction
C reduction division, asexual reproduction, growth
D repair, reduction division, asexual reproduction
 19

1.1.3 The micrograph below show cells that are in various stages of the cell
cycle

Which of the following correctly identifies the different stages of mitosis

that each of the labelled cells are in?

P Q R
A Prophase Metaphase Anaphase
B Metaphase Telophase Anaphase
C Telophase Metaphase Anaphase
D Prophase Anaphase Metaphase

1.1.4 Which of the following does not happen in an animal cell division?
(i) DNA is transcribed and translated
(ii) Spindle is formed form microtubules
(iii) Cell plate forms to divide daughter cells
(iv) Plasma membrane pulled inwards around cell equator to form
cleavage furrow

A (iii) only
B (i) and (iii) only
C (ii) only
D (iv) only

1.1.5 The nucleus of a plant cell has 16 chromosomes. How many

chromosomes will each new (daughter) cell’s nucleus have after
mitosis?

A 8
B 32
C 16
D 4
 20

1.1.6 The photomicrograph shows cells in different stages of mitosis

In which order do these stages occur?

A 4 → 1 → 3 → 2 → 5
B 4 → 1 → 2 → 3 → 5
C 4 → 3 → 5 → 1 → 2
D 4 → 5 → 1 → 2 → 3

1.1.7 Each of the following events takes place during mitosis

(i) Chromosomes uncoil
(ii) Chromatids move to opposite poles of the cell
(iii) Centromeres divide
(iv) Chromosomes line up along the equator of the spindle
(v) Two chromatids are joined by a centromere
In which order do the events take place?
A (i) → (ii) → (iv) → (v) → (iii)
B (iii) → (i) → (ii) → (iv) → (v)
C (iv) → (v) → (iii) → (i) → (ii)
D (v) → (iv) → (iii) → (ii) → (i)
 21

1.1.8 The graph shows the survival probabilities for current smokers and for
those who never smoked among men 20 to 70 years of age

What can be concluded from this graph?

A Smoking causes cancer.
B There is a correlation between smoking and cancer.
C Smoking reduces life expectancy.
D People who have never smoked can still die of cancer

1.1.9 After fertilization, a zygote divides rapidly to produce more cells.

The diagram below shows a zygote and the results of the first three cell
cycles

State the number of cells that would be present after three more cell
cycles
A 16
B 32
C 64
D 128
 22

1.1.10 Chromosomes in a nucleus are shown in the diagram.

What are the structures R and S?

R S
A centromere chromatid
B centromere centriole
C chromatid centromere
D chromatid centriole

(10 x 2) (20)
1.2 Give the correct biological term for each of the following descriptions. Write
only the term next to the question number (1.2.1 to 1.2.10) in the ANSWER
BOOK
1.2.1 Division of the cytoplasm, organelles and cell membrane
1.2.2 Cell structures that form the spindle during cell division
1.2.3 The structure that joins two chromatids to form a chromosome
1.2.4 The phase of mitosis where chromosomes arrange themselves in a
single row on the equator.
1.2.5 The growth or tumour that forms as a result of uncontrolled mitosis
1.2.6 Division of the nucleus
1.2.7 The stage in the cell cycle when neither the nucleus nor the cytoplasm
is actively dividing
1.2.8 The process by which cells distribute their replicated DNA to two
daughter cells.
1.2.9 Present in the nuclei of all cells and consist of two identical strands
called chromatids joined by a centromere.
1.2.10 The process during which a DNA molecule makes an identical replica
(copy) of itself (10 x 1) (10)
 23

1.3 Indicate whether each of the statements in COLUMN I applies to A ONLY, B

ONLY, BOTH A AND B or NONE of the items in COLUMN II. Write A only, B
only, both A and B or none next to the question number (1.3.1 to 1.3.3) in the
ANSWER BOOK

COLOMN I COLOMN II
1.3.1 Single-stranded A: Unreplicated chromosome
chromosome before DNA B: Replicated chromosome
replication
1.3.2 Type of cell division A: Mitosis
B: Meiosis
1.3.3 Chromatids are pulled to A: Telophase
opposite poles B: Anaphase
(3 x 2) (6)

1.4 Prophase is one of the stages of mitosis that could be seen using this
process.
The two diagrams below show prophase in a cell.
Diagram 1 shows early prophase and diagram 2 shows late prophase

1.4.1 Is this a plant or animal cell? (1)

1.4.2 Give ONE reason for your answer in question 1.4.1 (1)
1.4.3 How many chromosomes are shown in diagram 2 (1)
1.4.4 How many chromosomes would be found in the daughter cells at the
end of mitosis of the cell? (1)
1.4.5 Using the two diagrams, describe the changes that occur from early
prophase to late prophase (4)
(8)
 24

1.5 The diagrams below show various stages of mitosis

1.5.1 Names the stages A, B, C and D (4)

1.5.2 Indicate the order in which they occur in mitosis (2)
(6)
TOTAL SECTION A: (50)

SECTION B
QUESTION 2
2.1 Study the micrograph showing various phases of mitosis

2.1.1 Define the term “mitosis” (2)

2.1.2 Identify the stage of mitosis A-E (5)
2.1.3 Draw a fully labelled diagram of phase D if the cell undergoing mitosis had 4
chromosomes at the start. (5)
(12)
 25

2.2 The diagram below represents a phase during mitosis.

Y
.

2.2.1 Identify the phase of mitosis shown. (1)

2.2.2 Give ONE observable reason for your answer to QUESTION
2.2.1 (1)
2.2.3 Identify structure:
(a) X
(1)
(b) Y (1)
2.2.4 Name and describe the role of structure W in the movement of
chromosomes during mitosis.
(4)
2.2.5 Explain why the cell shown above is not a human somatic cell. (2)
2.2.6 Name and describe the events during the phase that precedes/
comes before the one shown above. (3)
(13)
 26

QUESTION 3
3.1 Read the following passage and answer the questions based on it.
Cancers are a result of uncontrolled mitosis of body cells. A cancerous cell
divides continuously, to form a group of simple cells that cannot carry out its
proper function. This results in a mass of tissues called growth or tumour.

Nearly all cancers are caused by abnormalities in the genetic material of

transformed cells. These abnormalities may be caused by carcinogens

A common misconception is that cancer is incurable. With early diagnosis and

proper treatment, the chances of survival can be good. However, once cancer
spreads to other parts of the body, it is difficult to treat and to cure.
Nowadays, the treatment used to destroy cancer cells could be radiation
therapy, which is the use of high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells, or
chemotherapy, which is the use of drugs or chemicals to destroy cancer cells.
Some side effects of these treatments may be loss of hair and nausea.

3.1.1 What is the cause of cancer? (2)

3.1.2 Name TWO examples of carcinogens. (3)
3.1.3 Why do you think many people believe that ‘cancer is incurable? (2)
3.1.4 Give two reasons why you think that there are more people that suffer
from cancer nowadays compared to 30 years ago. (2)
3.1.5 Mention two biotechnology methods in which cancer can be treated. (2)
3.1.6 The cost of treating cancer is expensive. How do you think this
treatment can be made available to the poor? (2)
(12)

3.2 The root of an onion is a rapidly growing part of the onion. Many cells will be in
different stages of mitosis. A sample of an onion tip was stained and studied
under a microscope.
The various phases of mitosis were identified and the number of cells counted
in each phase. The results are recorded in the table below.
 27

3.2.1 Which phase produced the:

(a) Highest number of cells
(b) Lowest number of cells (2)
3.2.2 Calculate the percentage of cells produced during prophase. Show ALL
calculations. (3)
3.2.3 Briefly describe the importance of mitosis in a living organism. (2)
3.2.4 Assuming a cell takes 24 hours to complete one cycle. Calculate the
duration of the interphase. Show ALL calculations. (3)
3.2.5 Briefly describe what happens during the anaphase of mitosis. (2)
3.2.6 Draw a bar graph to represent the total number of cells in each phase
of the cell cycle. (6)
(18)
TOTAL SECTION B (55)