Cell Division: Mitosis and Meiosis Flashcards

Which of the following correctly describes the order of phases in mitosis?

Answer: Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase

The correct order of mitotic phases is Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, and Telophase, remembered by the mnemonic PMAT.

During which phase of mitosis do chromosomes align along the cell's equatorial plate?

Answer: Metaphase

During metaphase, spindle fibers attach to centromeres and align chromosomes along the cell's equatorial plate.

A human cell with 46 chromosomes undergoes meiosis. How many chromosomes will each resulting cell contain?

Answer: 23

Meiosis halves the chromosome number, so a diploid cell with 46 chromosomes produces haploid cells with 23 chromosomes.

DNA replication occurs during which phase of the cell cycle?

Answer: S phase

DNA synthesis (replication) occurs exclusively during the S (synthesis) phase of interphase.

What is the primary result of cytokinesis following mitosis?

Answer: Division of the cytoplasm into two separate daughter cells

Cytokinesis is the physical division of the cytoplasm following nuclear division, producing two distinct daughter cells.

What structure holds sister chromatids together at their junction prior to their separation during cell division?

Answer: Centromere

The centromere is the constricted region of the chromosome where sister chromatids are joined until they separate during anaphase.

How many haploid cells are produced from a single diploid cell that undergoes complete meiosis?

Answer: 4

Meiosis consists of two sequential divisions (meiosis I and meiosis II), producing 4 haploid cells from one original diploid cell.