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Mitosis and DNA Traits

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Mitosis and DNA Traits

A tissue sample is being studied after a small injury. Use the questions and evidence table to explain how mitosis supports tissue repair while preserving genetic information. Answer each question; use precise biological terms.

Mitosis Stages

Answer Questions 1–5 using your knowledge of the stages and events of mitosis.

1.Which stage shows duplicated chromosomes arranged along the cell’s equator?

Prophase
Metaphase
Anaphase
Telophase

2.During which stage do sister chromatids separate and move toward opposite poles?

3.A human skin cell begins mitosis with 46 chromosomes, each already replicated. How many chromosomes should be in each daughter cell after mitosis and cytokinesis? Explain briefly.

4.What is the most direct role of spindle fibers during mitosis?

Copying DNA before cell division
Moving chromosomes or chromatids to opposite poles
Building proteins from amino acids
Breaking down the cell membrane

5.Put these events in the correct order: sister chromatids separate; chromosomes condense; two nuclei form; chromosomes align at the equator.

DNA, Genes, and Traits

A gene is a section of DNA that contains instructions for a functional product, often a protein. Proteins contribute to cell structures and functions, which can influence observable traits. Mitosis usually distributes copied genetic information to new body cells.

6.Complete the pathway: DNA sequence in a gene → instructions for making a → effects that can contribute to a cell’s .

7.A body cell with a gene variant that contributes to a particular hair texture divides by mitosis. Assuming the DNA is copied and distributed normally, what genetic information should the two daughter cells receive? Explain why this does not mean every visible trait is determined by one gene alone.

Sample

Cells in mitosis

Cells observed

120

8.Using the evidence table, which sample has the larger fraction of cells undergoing mitosis? Calculate the fraction or percentage for both samples.

9.A student concludes that Sample B’s higher mitotic fraction proves its cells are dividing twice as fast. Is that conclusion justified by this single snapshot? Explain one limitation.

10.Suppose a chromosome fails to separate correctly during mitosis. Predict one possible consequence for the daughter cells and explain how this differs from an ordinary DNA-copying substitution mutation.

11.Why is accurate DNA replication before mitosis important for tissue repair? Include the terms genes, proteins, and daughter cells in your explanation.