Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biology2h 42m
2. Chemistry3h 37m
3. Water1h 26m
4. Biomolecules2h 23m
5. Cell Components2h 26m
6. The Membrane2h 31m
7. Energy and Metabolism2h 0m
8. Respiration2h 40m
9. Photosynthesis2h 49m
10. Cell Signaling59m
11. Cell Division2h 47m
12. Meiosis2h 0m
13. Mendelian Genetics4h 44m
14. DNA Synthesis2h 27m
15. Gene Expression3h 6m
16. Regulation of Expression3h 31m
17. Viruses37m
- Viruses
  37m
18. Biotechnology2h 58m
19. Genomics17m
- Genomes
  17m
20. Development1h 5m
21. Evolution3h 1m
22. Evolution of Populations3h 53m
23. Speciation1h 37m
24. History of Life on Earth2h 6m
25. Phylogeny2h 31m
26. Prokaryotes4h 59m
27. Protists1h 12m
28. Plants1h 22m
29. Fungi36m
- Fungi
  19m
- Fungi Reproduction
  17m
30. Overview of Animals34m
- Overview of Animals
  34m
31. Invertebrates1h 2m
32. Vertebrates50m
33. Plant Anatomy1h 3m
34. Vascular Plant Transport1h 2m
- Water Potential
  1h 2m
35. Soil37m
- Soil and Nutrients
  20m
- Nitrogen Fixation
  16m
36. Plant Reproduction47m
- Flowers
  33m
- Seeds
  14m
37. Plant Sensation and Response1h 9m
38. Animal Form and Function1h 19m
39. Digestive System1h 10m
- Digestion
  1h 3m
- Blood Sugar Homeostasis
  7m
40. Circulatory System1h 49m
41. Immune System1h 12m
42. Osmoregulation and Excretion50m
- Osmoregulation and Excretion
  50m
43. Endocrine System1h 4m
- Endocrine System
  1h 4m
44. Animal Reproduction1h 2m
- Animal Reproduction
  1h 2m
45. Nervous System1h 55m
- Neurons and Action Potentials
  1h 8m
- Central and Peripheral Nervous System
  46m
46. Sensory Systems46m
- Sensory System
  46m
47. Muscle Systems23m
- Musculoskeletal System
  23m
48. Ecology3h 11m
49. Animal Behavior28m
- Animal Behavior
  28m
50. Population Ecology3h 41m
51. Community Ecology2h 46m
52. Ecosystems2h 36m
53. Conservation Biology24m
- Conservation Biology
  24m

11. Cell Division

Phases of Mitosis

General Biology

11. Cell Division

Phases of Mitosis

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1:15 minutes

Problem 12

Textbook Question

In the light micrograph below of dividing cells near the tip of an onion root, identify a cell in interphase, prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. Describe the major events occurring at each stage.
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Verified step by step guidance

Examine the light micrograph carefully to identify cells in different stages of the cell cycle. Look for visual cues such as chromatin condensation, spindle formation, and chromosome alignment.

Identify a cell in interphase: Look for a cell with a clearly defined nucleus and chromatin that appears uncondensed. During interphase, the cell is preparing for division by replicating its DNA and organelles.

Identify a cell in prophase: Look for a cell where the chromatin has started to condense into visible chromosomes, and the nuclear envelope begins to break down. Spindle fibers may start forming.

Identify a cell in metaphase: Look for a cell where the chromosomes are aligned along the metaphase plate (the center of the cell). Spindle fibers are fully formed and attached to the centromeres of the chromosomes.

Identify a cell in anaphase and telophase: For anaphase, look for a cell where sister chromatids are being pulled apart toward opposite poles of the cell. For telophase, look for a cell where the chromosomes have reached the poles, the nuclear envelope is reforming, and the cell is preparing to divide into two daughter cells.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Cell Cycle Stages

The cell cycle consists of several stages that a cell goes through to divide and replicate. These stages include interphase, where the cell prepares for division, and the mitotic phases: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. Understanding these stages is crucial for identifying the specific events and characteristics of cells during division.

Mitosis

Mitosis is the process of nuclear division that results in two identical daughter cells. It is divided into several phases: prophase (chromosomes condense and become visible), metaphase (chromosomes align at the cell's equator), anaphase (sister chromatids are pulled apart), and telophase (nuclear membranes reform around the separated chromosomes). Each phase has distinct morphological features that can be observed under a microscope.

Chromosome Structure

Chromosomes are structures made of DNA and proteins that carry genetic information. During cell division, they undergo significant changes in structure, becoming more condensed and visible during prophase. Understanding chromosome structure and behavior during mitosis is essential for identifying the stages of cell division and the events that occur at each stage.

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