What happens to the genetic material during the mitotic phase of the cell cycle?

What happens to the genetic material during the mitotic phase of the cell cycle?

• A. The DNA is replicated
• B. The chromosomes condense and are separated
• C. The cell undergoes differentiation
• D. The cell enters apoptosis

Answer: (B)

During the mitotic phase of the cell cycle, the primary event is the condensation of chromosomes, followed by their separation into two daughter cells. This process involves several key steps: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. Initially, during prophase, the chromatin (the relaxed form of DNA) condenses into distinct chromosomes, each consisting of two sister chromatids joined at the centromere. During metaphase, the chromosomes align at the cell's equatorial plane. Anaphase follows, where the centromeres divide, and the sister chromatids are pulled apart to opposite poles of the cell. Finally, in telophase, the chromatids reach the poles, decondense back into chromatin, and are enclosed in nuclear envelopes as the cell prepares to divide. This process ensures that each daughter cell receives an identical set of chromosomes, maintaining genetic integrity. The other options discuss processes that occur outside of the mitotic phase or are unrelated to chromosome behavior during cell division. For example, DNA replication occurs during the S phase of interphase, differentiation involves cells developing into specialized types, and apoptosis refers to programmed cell death, which is also not a feature of the mitotic phase.

During the mitotic phase of the cell cycle, the primary event is the condensation of chromosomes, followed by their separation into two daughter cells. This process involves several key steps: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.

Initially, during prophase, the chromatin (the relaxed form of DNA) condenses into distinct chromosomes, each consisting of two sister chromatids joined at the centromere. During metaphase, the chromosomes align at the cell's equatorial plane. Anaphase follows, where the centromeres divide, and the sister chromatids are pulled apart to opposite poles of the cell. Finally, in telophase, the chromatids reach the poles, decondense back into chromatin, and are enclosed in nuclear envelopes as the cell prepares to divide.

This process ensures that each daughter cell receives an identical set of chromosomes, maintaining genetic integrity. The other options discuss processes that occur outside of the mitotic phase or are unrelated to chromosome behavior during cell division. For example, DNA replication occurs during the S phase of interphase, differentiation involves cells developing into specialized types, and apoptosis refers to programmed cell death, which is also not a feature of the mitotic phase.