When you look at different stages of mitosis why are the chr

When you look at different stages of mitosis, why are the chromosomes in so many different positions, rather than in one distinct position?

Solution

Answer:

Mitosis refers to the process of cell division where a mother cell divides into two daughter cells with identical genetic makeup. The different stages of mitosis are G1, S, G2 and M (prophase, metaphase, anaphase and telophase) phases.

During mitosis, the chromosomes in cells are in different positions. The significance of these different positions relates to the preparatory and transitional phases for equational DNA division in the two daughter cells.

The DNA undergoes duplication during the S phase. In G2 phase, the DNA are not distinct but are intertwined. Condensation of chromosomal material marks the start of prophase. Completion of prophase is characterized by compact mitotic chromosomes having two chromatids and are scattered in the cytoplasm. This is a preparatory phase for aligning the chromosomes at the center for separation in the two daughter cells.

During metaphase, the chromosomes attach to the spindle fibers and are moved to spindle equator. At anaphase, each chromosome gets separated at the kinetochore for migration towards the opposite poles. Telophase marks the final stage of chromosome separation with the chromosomes reaching their respective poles.