ANALYZE IT

Mitosis

What is the primary purpose of mitosis? Mitosis is for the growth, repair, and maintenance of body cells.

How many divisions occur in mitosis versus meiosis? Mitosis involves one division, resulting in two daughter cells.

What is the number of daughter cells produced in mitosis? Mitosis produces two genetically identical cells.

How does the daughter cell’s chromosome number compare to the mitosis parent cell? In mitosis, the daughter cells have the same chromosome number as the parent cell (diploid, 46 in humans).

In which types of cells does mitosis occur? Mitosis occurs in somatic (body) cells.

What are the main stages of mitosis? Mitosis involves Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, and Telophase.

Why is maintaining the full chromosome number important in mitosis? Maintaining the full chromosome number in mitosis ensures that body cells function correctly.

Summarize the functions of mitosis. Mitosis creates identical cells for growth and repair.

Human Chromosomes

How many chromosomes are found in almost every human cell, and how are they organized? Almost every human cell contains 46 chromosomes, organized into 23 pairs.

Where do humans inherit their chromosomes, and how is this reflected in chromosome pairs? Humans inherit one chromosome of each pair from their mother and the other from their father, making up 23 pairs of chromosomes.

How is the 23rd pair of chromosomes different between males and females? In females, the 23rd pair consists of two “X” chromosomes. In males, it consists of one “X” chromosome and one “Y” chromosome.

What is the significance of organizing chromosomes into pairs for scientific studies? Organizing chromosomes into pairs allows scientists to detect genetic disorders, study inheritance patterns, and identify abnormalities.

How do scientists use high-magnification slides to study chromosomes, and what can they learn from them? Scientists use high-magnification slides to observe chromosome structure, identify pairs, and analyze genetic material for research on health, reproduction, and heredity.

GET FOCUSED

• What are the major differences between asexual and sexual reproduction? In your answer, describe both the advantages and disadvantages of asexual and sexual reproduction. Do humans reproduce asexually or sexually? Asexual reproduction happens when one parent makes an identical copy of itself, like in bacteria. It’s quick and doesn’t require a mate, which is an advantage, but since all the offspring are identical, there’s no genetic diversity, making it harder for them to survive changes in the environment. Sexual reproduction, like how humans reproduce, requires two parents to combine their genetic material, creating unique offspring. This genetic diversity is an advantage because it helps species adapt and survive, but it’s slower and requires finding a mate, which can be a disadvantage. Humans reproduce sexually, which is why we all look different from each other!

• Why is it important that each new cell gets an exact copy of the DNA during mitosis? It is important for each new cell to get an exact copy of the DNA so that it can function properly and carry out the same instructions as the original cell. If the DNA is not copied correctly, the new cells might not work the way they should, which can lead to problems in growth, repair, or even diseases like cancer.

• How do chromosomes ensure that genetic information is accurately passed from one cell to another during cell division? Chromosomes contain tightly packed DNA, which carries genetic instructions for the cell. During mitosis, the DNA is copied before the chromosomes line up in the middle of the cell. Then, each chromosome is pulled apart and evenly distributed to the two new cells. This ensures that each new cell gets the exact same set of genetic instructions as the original cell.

• How does mitosis help organisms grow and heal? Mitosis allows organisms to grow by making more cells. As a person grows, their body needs new cells to increase in size and develop new tissues. Mitosis also helps with healing because it replaces damaged or dead cells. For example, if you get a cut, mitosis produces new skin cells to close the wound and repair the injury.