Question

Can the change in cyclin concentration during mitosis be explained by the fact that the cell divides in two and thus divides the material in the cell into two smaller volumes

Answer 1

Answer:

No, because cell division is expected to decrease not only the net amount of cyclin molecules in daughter cells but also the volume of these daughter cells compared to the original parent cell, and therefore the concentration should be nearly equal.

Explanation:

When a cell divides to produce two daughter cells, the cell components including its previously duplicated genetic material (DNA), organelles, signaling molecules, fatty acids (lipids), proteins, etc., are distributed into daughter cells. These daughter cells have a smaller volume compared to the original parent cell. In consequence, the concentration of cellular components (including cyclin proteins) should be similar between parent cell and daughter cells.