A biochemist measured the amount of DNA in cells growing in the laboratory and found that the quantity of DNA in a cell doubled a. Between prophase and anaphase of mitosis b. Between the G1 and G2 phases of the cell cycle c. During the M phase of the cell cycle d. Between prophase I and prophase II of meiosis
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the context of the problem: The biochemist is measuring the amount of DNA in cells and observing when the DNA quantity doubles. This doubling occurs during DNA replication, which is a key event in the cell cycle.
Recall the phases of the cell cycle: The cell cycle consists of interphase (G1, S, and G2 phases) and the M phase (mitosis or meiosis). DNA replication occurs during the S phase (synthesis phase) of interphase, which is between the G1 and G2 phases.
Analyze the options: Option (a) refers to mitosis, where DNA is already replicated before prophase begins. Option (b) refers to the G1 and G2 phases, which are separated by the S phase where DNA replication occurs. Option (c) refers to the M phase, where DNA is divided but not replicated. Option (d) refers to meiosis, where DNA replication occurs before prophase I, not between prophase I and prophase II.
Focus on the correct phase: DNA doubling occurs during the S phase, which is part of interphase and specifically between the G1 and G2 phases. This matches option (b).
Conclude: The correct answer is that the DNA quantity doubles between the G1 and G2 phases of the cell cycle, as this is when DNA replication occurs during the S phase.
Verified video answer for a similar problem:
This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above
Video duration:
1m
Play a video:
Was this helpful?
Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Mitosis
Mitosis is the process of cell division that results in two genetically identical daughter cells from a single parent cell. It consists of several phases: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. During mitosis, the DNA is replicated during the S phase of the cell cycle, and the actual separation of the duplicated chromosomes occurs during anaphase.
The cell cycle is a series of phases that a cell goes through to grow and divide. It includes the G1 phase (cell growth), S phase (DNA synthesis), G2 phase (preparation for mitosis), and M phase (mitosis and cytokinesis). The G1 to G2 transition is crucial for DNA replication, where the amount of DNA in the cell doubles in preparation for division.
Meiosis is a specialized form of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, resulting in four non-identical gametes. It consists of two rounds of division: meiosis I and meiosis II. During prophase I, homologous chromosomes pair and exchange genetic material, but the DNA does not double again between prophase I and prophase II, making it distinct from mitosis.