Question

1. since this image represents a snapshot of any given moment in a cell, the phase that the most cells are in represents the longest stage of mitosis.

according to the diagram, cells spend most of the time in which phase?

1. you have 46 chromosomes in each of your somatic cells. if you cut your arm, how many chromosomes would be in each newly formed skin cell?

1. what is a distinguishing visible feature of each stage of mitosis?

prophase:

metphase:

anaphase:

telophase:

Explanation:

Analyze cell cycle duration and phase identification

The prompt states that the phase containing the most cells represents the longest stage of the cell cycle. According to the diagram and general cell biology, cells spend the vast majority of their life cycle in Interphase preparing for division, which is why most cells in a snapshot are observed in this phase.

Determine chromosome number in newly formed somatic cells

Somatic cells (body cells, such as skin cells) are diploid and divide via mitosis to produce genetically identical daughter cells. Since human somatic cells contain 46 chromosomes, any newly formed skin cell created to heal a cut will also contain exactly 46 chromosomes.

Identify distinguishing visible features of mitotic stages

Each stage of mitosis has a characteristic appearance under a microscope:

• Prophase: Chromatin condenses into visible chromosomes; the nuclear envelope begins to break down.
• Metaphase: Chromosomes align along the equator (metaphase plate) of the cell.
• Anaphase: Sister chromatids are pulled apart by spindle fibers to opposite poles of the cell.
• Telophase: Chromosomes decondense back into chromatin at opposite poles, and new nuclear envelopes reform around each set.

Answer:

Question 16

According to the diagram, cells spend most of the time in which phase?
<blank>Interphase</blank>

Question 17

You have 46 chromosomes in each of your somatic cells. If you cut your arm, how many chromosomes would be in each newly formed skin cell?
<blank>46</blank>

Question 18

What is a distinguishing visible feature of each stage of mitosis?

Prophase: <blank>Condensing chromosomes become visible, and the nuclear envelope breaks down.</blank>

Metaphase: <blank>Chromosomes align along the middle (equator) of the cell.</blank>

Anaphase: <blank>Sister chromatids separate and move to opposite poles of the cell.</blank>

Telophase: <blank>Chromosomes reach opposite poles, decondense, and new nuclear envelopes reform.</blank>