Question

a lab technician observed 200 cells from a cell line and recorded the number of cells in each phase of the cell cycle. the results are shown in the table.

number of cells observed (out of 200)

phase	number of cells observed
prophase	20
metaphase	4
anaphase	2
telophase	4

based on the data, what is the probability a randomly - chosen cell will be observed undergoing cell division?
you may use the calculator.
a. 15%
b. 18%
c. 30%

Explanation:

Step1: Identify cells undergoing division

Cells in prophase, metaphase, anaphase and telophase are undergoing division. Add their numbers: $20 + 4+2 + 4=30$.

Step2: Calculate probability

Probability $P=\frac{\text{Number of favorable outcomes}}{\text{Total number of outcomes}}$. Here, total number of cells is 200. So $P=\frac{30}{200}=0.15$ or 15%.

Answer:

15%