Question

explore it! case study
basic understanding of the cell cycle
the cell cycle can be broken down into 2 main phases: interphase (g1, s, g2) and mitosis.
interphase is the part of the cell cycle in which the cell is not actively dividing, though it may be preparing for cell division. the sub - phases of interphase are as follows:
g1: cell growth, cell is performing daily functions
s (synthesis phase): dna is replicated in preparation for cell division
g2: cell growth, cell is preparing for mitosis
during mitosis, the nucleus is dividing and the cell is actively in cell division. mitosis has 4 subphases: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.
cytokinesis is the final step when the cytoplasm divides. once two new cells are formed, they each continue with their own cell cycle, starting with g1.

1. the image above represents a pie graph. the pieces of the pie represent the time spent in each phase. what phase does the cell spend most of its life in, interphase or mitosis?
2. which phase does the cell spend the least amount of time of its life cycle in, interphase or mitosis?
3. list the 4 subphases (or stages) of mitosis, beginning with prophase:
4. what occurs during mitosis?

Explanation:

1. Cells spend most of their life in interphase as it is a preparatory stage for cell - division where growth and DNA replication occur.
2. Mitosis is the active cell - division stage and is relatively short compared to interphase.
3. The four subphases of mitosis are prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase as described in cell - division theory.
4. During mitosis, the nucleus divides, and the cell actively undergoes cell - division to produce two genetically identical daughter cells.

Answer:

1. Interphase
2. Mitosis
3. Prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase
4. The nucleus divides and the cell is actively in cell - division.