Question 1

Why do cells need to divide?

Accepted Answer

Cells divide for growth, repair of damaged tissues, and reproduction of organisms.

Question 2

What is the name of the process by which body cells divide?

Accepted Answer

The process is called mitosis.

Question 3

How many chromosomes do human body cells have?

Accepted Answer

Human body cells have 46 chromosomes (23 pairs).

Question 4

What is the difference between a cell's nucleus and its cytoplasm?

Accepted Answer

The nucleus contains the cell's genetic material (DNA), while the cytoplasm is the jelly-like fluid that fills the rest of the cell and contains organelles.

Question 5

List the four stages of mitosis in order.

Accepted Answer

Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase (PMAT).

Question 6

During which phase do chromosomes line up in the middle of the cell?

Accepted Answer

Chromosomes line up along the cell's equator during Metaphase.

Question 7

How many daughter cells are produced by mitosis?

Accepted Answer

Mitosis produces 2 genetically identical daughter cells.

Question 8

What happens during Prophase?

Accepted Answer

During Prophase, chromosomes condense and become visible, the nuclear envelope breaks down, and the spindle fibers begin to form.

Question 9

What occurs during Anaphase?

Accepted Answer

During Anaphase, sister chromatids are pulled apart to opposite poles of the cell by spindle fibers.

Question 10

Describe what happens during Telophase.

Accepted Answer

During Telophase, chromosomes reach the poles and begin to uncoil, the nuclear envelope reforms around each set of chromosomes, and the spindle fibers break down.

Question 11

What is interphase?

Accepted Answer

Interphase is the longest phase of the cell cycle, during which the cell grows, carries out normal functions, and replicates its DNA in preparation for division.

Question 12

What are the three stages of interphase?

Accepted Answer

G1 (first gap/growth), S phase (DNA synthesis/replication), and G2 (second gap/preparation for mitosis).

Question 13

Why is DNA replication important before mitosis?

Accepted Answer

DNA must be replicated so each daughter cell receives a complete, identical copy of the genetic information.

Question 14

What is cytokinesis?

Accepted Answer

Cytokinesis is the division of the cytoplasm that follows mitosis, resulting in two separate daughter cells.

Question 15

What is the main difference between mitosis and meiosis?

Accepted Answer

Mitosis produces 2 genetically identical diploid cells for growth and repair; meiosis produces 4 genetically unique haploid cells for sexual reproduction.

Question 16

How many chromosomes do cells produced by meiosis contain?

Accepted Answer

Cells produced by meiosis (gametes) contain 23 chromosomes — half the normal number (haploid).

Question 17

Where does meiosis occur in the human body?

Accepted Answer

Meiosis occurs in the gonads — the testes (producing sperm) and ovaries (producing eggs).

Question 18

A cell has 12 chromosomes before mitosis. How many chromosomes will each daughter cell have?

Accepted Answer

Each daughter cell will have 12 chromosomes — mitosis maintains the chromosome number.

Question 19

What would happen if a cell skipped Anaphase?

Accepted Answer

If Anaphase were skipped, sister chromatids would not separate, resulting in daughter cells with incorrect chromosome numbers (aneuploidy), which can cause cell death or diseases like cancer.

Question 20

Why is it important that mitosis produces genetically identical cells?

Accepted Answer

Genetic identity ensures that all body cells carry the same instructions, which is essential for proper tissue function, growth, and repair.

Cell Division Answer Key

Prior Knowledge Questions

Activity A – Stages of Mitosis

Activity B – Interphase and the Cell Cycle

Activity C – Mitosis vs. Meiosis

Assessment Questions

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