Questions page 469 #s 1-11

1. What is the purpose of mitosis?

The purpose of mitosis is to precisely separate the two copies of the
genetic information and place them in two separate nuclei in
preparation for the formation of two complete daughter cells with
identical genetic information.

2. Explain why the DNA that makes up two sister chromatids is

identical.
New DNA is copied directly from existing DNA to make identical copies.
It is critical that the DNA in the sister chromatids be identical so that
each daughter cell carries the same information as the parent cell

3. How can mutations lead to changes in the cell cycle?

If a mutation occurs in a gene that controls cell division, the cell cycle
might be altered. For example, a normal gene might turn off the
process of cell division after injured tissue has been repaired. A
mutation could occur in that gene and the cell division process would
continue indefinitely.

4. A person notices a dark spot on their skin this dark spot turns
out to be skin cancer. What could have caused the start of the
skin cancer tumour and has was mitosis and cell division of
these cells affected?
Skin cancer has been linked to exposure to ultraviolet radiation from
the Sun. Ultraviolet radiation can cause a mutation in a gene that
controls the cell cycle causing uncontrolled cell division. As cells
accumulate, they form a tumour on the skin.
5. How would a cure for skin cancer possibly work to stop the
occurrence of skin tumours?
A cure for skin cancer might be a drug that would recognize and
destroy all skin cancer while having no effect on healthy cells

6. Summarize each phase of mitosis. Use sketches to illustrate

your explanations.
Sketches can be similar to those in Figure 14.7 on page 464 in the text
book.
Prophase
-

Chromatin condenses into short, thick chromosomes forming an Xshape

Nuclear membrane and nucleolus disappear
Centrioles migrate to opposite poles of the cell and spindle fibres
form

Metaphase
-

Spindle fibres from each pole attach to the centromere of each

chromosome and push the chromosomes to the equator of the cell

Anaphase
-

Centromeres divide and the spindle fibres pull the chromatids (now
chromosomes) to the opposite poles of the cell

Telophase
-

Chromosomes begin to uncoil and become chromatin

Nuclear membrane and nucleolus reform

7. In what areas of a plant would mitosis occur most frequently?

Explain why.
The most rapidly dividing cells in plants are in the root tip, shoot tips,
and buds. Therefore mitosis will be occurring most frequently in these
parts of the plant.

8. At what time of the year would mitosis in a plant occur most

frequently? Explain why.

In the temperate regions of the world such as Canada, plant growth

and therefore mitosis occur most frequently in the spring and summer
months.

9. What would happen to chromosome number in a cell if that cell

does not go through S phase of the cell cycle?
If a cell did not go through S phase, no new DNA would be synthesized
and therefore there would be only one copy of each chromosome.
During mitosis, the single chromosomes would randomly migrate to
the daughter cells. Since neither daughter cell would contain a full
complement of genetic information, they would not be viable and
would die.
10.
Why is the process of cytokinesis necessary to ensure the
normal functioning of a cell?
Cytokinesis is the separation of the cytoplasm and the completion of a
membrane (in plants, a membrane and cell wall) around each daughter
cell. If cytokinesis did not occur, the parent cell would contain two,
identical nuclei. The cell would probably be viable but there would be
no new cells.
11.
Explain why different kinds of cells in the body might live
for different lengths of time.
The cells in the lining of the stomach are exposed strong acid and cells
on the lining of the intestine are exposed to digestive enzymes. All of
these cells are exposed to mechanical motion. Blood cells are exposed
to mechanical motion through small vessels and high pressure in the
heart. Skin cells are subject to stretching, pressure, and abrasions. All
of these cells die relatively rapidly and must be replaced. In contrast,
neurons in the brain and spinal cord are protected by the bones of the
skull and spinal column and therefore most of them survive for the life
of the individual.