Mitosis + Meiosis

Question 1

Cell division

Answer 1

The process by which a single cell divides into two or more daughter cells, each with the potential to grow, develop, and carry out specific functions.

It is a fundamental process in biology that is essential for the growth, repair, and reproduction of living organisms.

Cell division can occur through two main mechanisms: mitosis and meiosis

Question 2

Mitosis

Answer 2

The process by which a single cell divides into two identical daughter cells. This type of division is essential for growth and repair in multicellular organisms, as well as for asexual reproduction in some single-celled organisms.

Question 3

Meiosis

Answer 3

The process by which a single cell divides into four daughter cells, each with half the number of chromosomes of the parent cell. Meiosis is critical for sexual reproduction, as it allows for the production of gametes.

Question 4

4 Characteristics of mitosis

Answer 4

Mitosis produces two genetically identical daughter cells from a single parent cell.

The major purpose of mitosis is for growth and to replace worn-out cells.

Mitosis occurs only in somatic cells, which are all the cells in the body except for the reproductive cells.

There is no reduction in the number of chromosomes during mitosis.

Question 5

Importance of mitosis

Answer 5

Growth & development - Mitosis is essential for the growth and development of multicellular organisms. It allows cells to divide and multiply, leading to the formation of tissues, organs, and organ systems.

Repair & maintenance - When tissues are damaged, such as in the case of a cut or injury, mitosis allows for the replacement of the damaged cells with new, healthy cells.

Asexual reproduction - In some organisms, mitosis allows for the production of genetically identical daughter cells, ensuring that the offspring are identical to the parent cell.

Question 6

What is a cell?

Answer 6

The basic unit of life and the smallest functional and structural unit of living organisms.

Question 7

What is a chromosome?

Answer 7

A structure found in the nucleus of cells that carries genetic information in the form of DNA.

Question 8

What is a split chromosome?

Answer 8

A chromosome that has undergone a structural change, resulting in the separation of the chromosome

Question 9

What is a centrosome?

Answer 9

A small organelle found in eukaryotic cells, which functions as a microtubule-organizing centre.

Question 10

What are spindle fibres?

Answer 10

Microtubules that separates the chromosomes into two daughter cells

Question 11

What are centrioles?

Answer 11

Cylindrical organelles found in eukaryotic cells that are involved in the organization of cell division.

Question 12

What are the stages of Mitosis?

Answer 12

Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase and Telophase

Question 13

Describe the process of Prophase

Answer 13

The chromatin in the nucleus condenses into visible chromosomes, which become visible under a microscope.

The centrosomes, which are responsible for organizing the spindle fibres, move to opposite poles of the cell.

The nuclear envelope breaks down, allowing the spindle fibres to attach to the chromosomes.

Question 14

Describe the process of Metaphase

Answer 14

The chromosomes line up along the equator of the cell, called the metaphase plate.

The spindle fibres, which are attached to the centromeres of each chromosome, ensure that the chromosomes are properly aligned and can be separated correctly.

Question 15

Describe the process of Anaphase

Answer 15

The sister chromatids of each replicated chromosome separate and are pulled towards opposite poles of the cell by the spindle fibres.

This results in the formation of two identical sets of chromosomes at opposite poles of the cell.

Question 16

Describe the process of Telophase

Answer 16

The chromosomes reach the opposite poles of the cell, and the nuclear envelope begins to reform around each set of chromosomes.

The chromosomes begin to uncoil and return to their normal, diffuse form. The spindle fibres disassemble, and the cell begins to prepare for cytokinesis.

Question 17

Describe the process of Cytokinesis

Answer 17

Cytokinesis is the process by which the cell divides into two daughter cells.

In plant cells, a structure called the cell plate forms along the equator of the cell, eventually dividing the cell into two separate daughter cells.

In animal cells, a contractile ring of actin and myosin filaments forms around the cell, contracting and pinching the cell membrane until the cell is divided into two separate cells.