Mitosis Practice Problems: Answers Revealed

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Multiple Choice Questions

1. During which phase of mitosis do sister chromatids separate and move toward opposite poles of the cell?
   Answer: c) Anaphase
   Explanation: In anaphase, the centromeres split, and the spindle fibers pull sister chromatids apart to opposite sides of the cell, ensuring that each daughter cell gets an identical set of chromosomes.

2. What structure is responsible for organizing and separating chromosomes during mitosis?
   Answer: b) Spindle fibers
   Explanation: The mitotic spindle, composed of microtubules, helps align and pull apart chromosomes during cell division. It originates from centrosomes in animal cells.

3. Which of the following correctly describes the chromosome number in daughter cells after mitosis?
   Answer: b) They have the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell.
   Explanation: Mitosis is a type of cell division that produces two genetically identical daughter cells, each with the same chromosome number as the original cell.

4. What occurs during metaphase of mitosis?
   Answer: b) Chromosomes align along the metaphase plate.
   Explanation: During metaphase, chromosomes line up in the center of the cell (at the metaphase plate) to ensure equal separation during anaphase.

5. In which stage of mitosis does chromatin condense into visible chromosomes?
   Answer: a) Prophase
   Explanation: In prophase, chromatin condenses into distinct chromosomes, the nuclear envelope breaks down, and the mitotic spindle begins to form.

Short Answer Questions

1. Explain the role of centrioles in animal cell mitosis.
   Answer: Centrioles help organize the mitotic spindle, which directs the movement of chromosomes during mitosis. They are located in the centrosome and aid in the proper attachment and orientation of spindle fibers.

2. How does mitosis differ from meiosis in terms of genetic variation and number of daughter cells produced?
   Answer: Mitosis produces two genetically identical diploid daughter cells, while meiosis produces four genetically diverse haploid cells due to crossing over and independent assortment.

3. What would happen if a cell skipped anaphase during mitosis?
   Answer: If a cell skipped anaphase, the sister chromatids would not separate properly, leading to daughter cells with an incorrect number of chromosomes (aneuploidy), which can cause genetic disorders or cell malfunction.

4. Why is it important for the mitotic spindle to attach correctly to chromosomes before anaphase?
   Answer: Proper spindle attachment ensures equal chromosome segregation. If attachment is incorrect, chromosomes might not separate evenly, leading to genetic imbalances in daughter cells.

5. Describe the significance of cytokinesis and how it differs in plant and animal cells.
   Answer: Cytokinesis is the process of dividing the cytoplasm to form two distinct cells. In animal cells, a cleavage furrow pinches the cell in two, while in plant cells, a cell plate forms due to the rigid cell wall, eventually developing into a new cell wall between the daughter cells.