IGCSE Biology 4 Views 1 Answers
State that during mitosis, the copies of chromosomes separate, maintaining the chromosome number in each daughter cell
State that during mitosis, the copies of chromosomes separate, maintaining the chromosome number in each daughter cell
Answer
During mitosis, the replicated copies of chromosomes, known as sister chromatids, separate and are distributed to each daughter cell. This process is crucial for maintaining the chromosome number in each daughter cell.
Key Points about Chromosome Separation in Mitosis
- Separation of Sister Chromatids: At the onset of mitosis, the sister chromatids are aligned at the cell’s equatorial plane. During anaphase, these chromatids are pulled apart by spindle fibers and move toward opposite poles of the cell.
- Maintenance of Chromosome Number: As a result of this separation, each daughter cell receives an identical set of chromosomes. For example, if the parent cell has a diploid number of chromosomes (2n), each daughter cell will also have the same diploid number after mitosis.
- Genetic Consistency: This precise segregation ensures that genetic information is preserved across generations of cells, which is critical for normal cellular function and organismal development.
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