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Multiple Choice
A cell biologist carefully measured the quantity of DNA in grasshopper cells growing in cell culture. Cells examined during the G2 phase of the cell cycle contained 200 units of DNA. What would be the amount of DNA at G1 of the cell cycle in one of the grasshopper daughter cells?
A
50 units
B
Between 50 and 100 units
C
200 units
D
400 units
E
100 units
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the cell cycle phases: The cell cycle consists of interphase (G1, S, G2) and mitotic phase (M). During G1, the cell grows and prepares for DNA replication. In S phase, DNA replication occurs, doubling the DNA content. G2 is the final preparation for mitosis.
Recognize the DNA content changes: In G2 phase, the DNA content is doubled compared to G1 because the cell has completed DNA replication during the S phase.
Identify the DNA content in G2: The problem states that the DNA content in G2 is 200 units. This means that the DNA content was doubled during the S phase.
Calculate the DNA content in G1: Since the DNA content doubles during the S phase, the DNA content in G1 would be half of that in G2. Therefore, divide the G2 DNA content by 2.
Conclude the DNA content in G1: After dividing the G2 DNA content (200 units) by 2, you find the DNA content in G1, which is 100 units.