Question

If there are 10 chromosomes in a particular cell at the start of prophase how many will be present in the same cell at the end of anaphase. Before cytokinesis has begun? Hint: first of all, state the number of chromosomes. Then explain why you think so.

Answer 1

Answer:

20 chromosomes

Explanation:

Mitosis is a kind of cell division that results in daughter cells with same number of chromosomes as the parent cell. It involves stages including Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase and Telophase. In prophase, the Chromatin condenses into Chromosomes.

In Anaphase stage, the 10 chromosomes as mentioned in the question divides into opposite poles of the cell. One individual chromosome contains two sister chromatids, which actually separates in the Anaphase stage. Hence, at the end of the Anaphase stage, there will be 10 chromatids each at opposite poles of the cell. Each chromatid at this stage is considered a chromosome.

Hence, a cell with 10 chromosomes will contain 20 chromosomes (10+10 chromatids on each pole) in the Anaphase stage just before the cell divides into two in a process called CYTOKINESIS.