Cell division
The image shows a group of plant cells at different stages of mitosis. For each cell, identify the
stage and the events that are occurring during this stage.
1a.
1b.
1c.
1d.
2. DNA material, in the form of chromosomes inside the nucleus, cannot ordinarily be seen with
a light microscope commonly used in the school laboratory. Why are chromosomes visible
during the process of mitosis?
3. At what stage during mitosis does it appear obvious, when looking through a light
microscope, that the chromosomes have replicated?
4. Irene identified the image as that of a cell in prophase during mitosis. Is she correct? Give a
clear explanation.
5. John was asked to identify the stage of mitosis that the cell shown is in. What will be John's
answer? Why?
6. Irene was asked to specify what is happening during this stage of mitosis (below). She said:
‘The chromosomes are coming together in the centre of the cell to form chromatids. The
chromatids will then replicate to form 4 pairs of chromosomes. The cell will then split into two,
each new cell having a pair of chromosomes.’
Is this comment correct? Why?