Multiple Choice
Which of the following organisms is often used to study developmental biology?
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1. Overview of Cell Biology
Model Organisms
Multiple Choice
Why are whitefish embryos commonly used to study mitosis in introductory cell-biology labs?
A
Their cells lack a nucleus, so spindle formation can be watched directly in the cytoplasm without nuclear breakdown.
B
They are prokaryotic cells that undergo binary fission, making chromosome segregation simpler to observe.
C
Their embryonic cells divide rapidly and have large, easily visible chromosomes that can be observed in many mitotic stages on prepared slides.
D
They have extremely long cell cycles with few dividing cells, allowing prolonged observation of a single mitotic event.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the context: The question asks why whitefish embryos are commonly used to study mitosis in introductory cell biology labs, focusing on the characteristics that make them suitable for observing mitosis.
Recall key features of whitefish embryonic cells: These cells divide rapidly during early development, which means many cells are simultaneously undergoing mitosis, providing ample material for observation.
Consider chromosome visibility: Whitefish embryonic cells have large chromosomes that are easily stained and seen under a light microscope, allowing students to observe different stages of mitosis clearly.
Evaluate the incorrect options: For example, whitefish cells are eukaryotic and do have nuclei, so the option about lacking a nucleus is incorrect; also, they are not prokaryotic and do not undergo binary fission.
Summarize the reasoning: The rapid division and large, visible chromosomes in whitefish embryos make them ideal for studying mitosis, as these features facilitate observation of multiple mitotic stages on prepared slides.
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