High School

You observe a cell undergoing mitosis with a diploid number of 104 (i.e., [tex]2n = 104[/tex]). This cell shows 208 chromosomes, 208 chromatids, and 208 DNA molecules.

What stage of mitosis is this cell in? Explain your reasoning. (5 marks)

Answer :

The cell you are observing in mitosis, which has a diploid number of 104 (2n=104) and shows 208 chromosomes, 208 chromatids, and 208 DNA molecules, is likely in the anaphase stage of mitosis.

Here's the reasoning:

Diploid Number: In a diploid cell, the usual chromosome number is represented as 2n. In this case, 2n=104, indicating that a typical cell of this species has 104 chromosomes in the diploid state.

208 Chromosomes: During the anaphase of mitosis, the sister chromatids (which are considered individual chromosomes until this stage) are separated and pulled apart toward opposite poles of the cell. As a result, the number of visible chromosomes is doubled because each chromatid becomes an individual chromosome. So, 208 chromosomes suggest that the cell is in the process of chromatid separation.

208 Chromatids: The presence of 208 chromatids indicates that each of the 208 chromosomes has been duplicated or has undergone DNA replication. This is a characteristic feature of the earlier stages of mitosis, where the DNA is replicated to form two sister chromatids per chromosome.

208 DNA Molecules: The presence of 208 DNA molecules corresponds to the total number of DNA molecules in the cell, each associated with a chromatid. This further supports the idea that the chromosomes have already undergone DNA replication, and the cell is in the later stages of mitosis.

More information about Chromosomes :

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