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Multiple Choice
How many chromosomes are visible at the beginning of mitosis in a human cell?
A
12
B
46
C
92
D
23
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that mitosis is a process of cell division where a single cell divides to produce two identical daughter cells. It is crucial for growth and repair in multicellular organisms.
Recall that human cells are diploid, meaning they have two sets of chromosomes, one from each parent. In humans, the diploid number is 46 chromosomes.
During the beginning of mitosis, specifically in prophase, the chromosomes condense and become visible under a microscope. Each chromosome consists of two sister chromatids joined at the centromere.
Although each chromosome is made up of two sister chromatids, they are still counted as one chromosome. Therefore, at the beginning of mitosis, you will see 46 chromosomes in a human cell.
Remember that the number of chromosomes does not change during mitosis; it remains 46 throughout the process until the cell divides into two daughter cells, each with 46 chromosomes.