Question

nc2d assignment - cell division
name:
this is an open - book assignment. you are allowed to use your notes and the textbook.

1. explain why a cell cannot become too large. comm.-3
2. when a cell divides, how do the new cells get instructions from the original cell? comm.-2
3. what are the two stages of cell division? comm.-2
4. describe what happens during each of the following stages: appl.-3

interphase
mitosis
cytokinesis

Explanation:

1. As a cell grows, its surface - area - to - volume ratio decreases. This makes it difficult for the cell to exchange nutrients and waste efficiently across the cell membrane, and also for the nucleus to control the cell's activities.
2. During cell division, DNA replication occurs first. The replicated DNA is then evenly distributed to the new cells. The DNA contains the instructions or genetic information, so the new cells receive the same genetic instructions as the original cell.
3. The two main stages of cell division are mitosis (nuclear division) and cytokinesis (cytoplasmic division).

4.

• Interphase: The cell grows, replicates its DNA, and prepares for cell division. It has G1 (growth and normal cell functions), S (DNA synthesis), and G2 (pre - mitotic growth) phases.
• Mitosis: The nucleus divides, with the replicated chromosomes being separated into two equal sets and distributed to two new nuclei. It has prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.
• Cytokinesis: The cytoplasm divides, resulting in two separate daughter cells.

Answer:

1. A cell cannot become too large because as it grows, the surface - area - to - volume ratio decreases, hindering efficient nutrient - waste exchange and nuclear control.
2. New cells get instructions from the original cell through the replication and distribution of DNA during cell division.
3. The two stages of cell division are mitosis and cytokinesis.

4.

• Interphase: Cell growth, DNA replication, and preparation for division.
• Mitosis: Nuclear division with chromosome separation.
• Cytokinesis: Cytoplasmic division forming two daughter cells.