• UNIT 6: CELL AND NUCLEAR DIVISION

    Key unit competence
    Describe the stages of the cell cycle and explain the significance
    of cell and nuclear division in organisms.
    Introductory Activity
    Analyze the figure of the house built in bricks below. The bricks came from
    the valley where they are made, and then have been used to build this
    house.
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    1. Is it possible to build a house like this by using only one brick?
    2. Explain what happened for this house to be built at this level?
    3. Link the analogous example of building a house by using bricks
    with growth of and increasing in size of a human body from the
    body size of a one day new baby to the body size of adult person.
    4. Is it possible for the body of an adult person to be made by only
    one cell?
    5. Where are cells which make the adult human body come from?
    6. How are they produced?
    6.1. Cell cycle
    Activity 6.1

    Visit your smart classroom/library using search engine or textbooks and
    discuss more information about the main phases of the cell cycle and
    present them on manila paper.
    The cell cycle is a series of events of cellular growth and division that has
    five phases such as:
    – The first growth phase (G1),
    – The synthesis phase (S),
    – The second growth phase (G2),
    – Mitosis (M),
    – Cytokinesis.
    The three first phases (G1, S, and G2) of the cell cycle collectively are known

    as interphase (the phase between two mitotic divisions).

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    During the cell cycle, the cell grows, grows its DNA and divides into two daughter cells.
    6.1.1. The first growth phase (G1)
    During this phase, a cell undergoes rapid growth and the cell performs its
    routine functions. The cell spends most of its life in the G1 phase. If the cell
    is not dividing, it remains in this phase. The time taken for the completion of
    G1 phase varies among species and the type of cells. But on an average, it
    takes around 11 hours for the completion of this phase.
    6.1.2. The synthesis phase (S)
    DNA synthesis or DNA replication takes place in this phase. The S phase
    takes around 8 hours to complete.
    6.1.3. The second growth phase (G2)
    It is the short period, in which the cell continues to grow, making proteins
    and manufacturing many organelles necessary for cell division. This phase
    serves as an intermediate between the synthesis phase and the mitotic
    phase. It takes around four hours to complete
    6.1.4. Mitosis
    This is the phase of nuclear division in which one nucleus divides through
    four phases (prophase, metaphase, anaphase and telophase) and becomes
    two nuclei.
    6.1.5. Cytokinesis
    In this phase, the cytoplasm divides in half, producing two daughter cells,

    each containing a complete set of genetic material.

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    Application activity 6.1
    1. What do you understand by the cell cycle?
    2. Describe all phases of the cell cycle.
    3. Predict what may happen if the cytokinesis does not take place in
    the succession of cell cycle.
    6. 2. Mitosis and meiosis: stages and results
    Activity 6.2

    Using your knowledge from ordinary level, textbooks internet, discuss and
    present the phases of mitosis and meiosis on manila papers.
    6.2.1. Mitosis
    Mitosis is a type of cell division that produces two daughter cells having the
    same number and kind of chromosomes as the mother cell. It takes place
    only in eukaryotes, where the nuclear division (karyokinesis) occurs. This
    phase takes around 1 hour to complete. The mitotic cell division is more
    rapid at the meristematic region of plant and root tip as it is the growing
    region of the plant. The mitotic phase is divided into four steps that include

    Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase and Telophase.

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    6.2.1.1. Prophase
    Prophase is the first and longest phase of mitosis. During prophase:
    – The DNA and histone proteins coils up into visible chromosomes, each
    made up of two sister chromatids held together by the centromere.
    – The nucleus disappears as the nuclear envelope and nucleolus break apart.
    – The centrioles begin to move to opposite ends, or poles, of the cell.
    – As the centrioles migrate, the fiber-like spindle begins to elongate
    between the centrioles. In plant cells, the spindle forms without
    centrioles. The spindle plays an essential role moving chromosomes

    and in the separation of sister chromatids.

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    6.2.1.2. Metaphase
    During metaphase, the spindle which attaches to the centromere of each
    chromosome helps the chromosomes to line up at the center of the cell by
    forming the equatorial plate also known as the metaphase plate. Each sister
    chromatid is attached to a separate spindle fiber, with one fiber extending to

    one pole, and the other fiber extending to the other pole.

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    6.2.1.3. Anaphase
    During Anaphase:
    – Centromeres divide,
    – The sister chromatids separate and pulled apart by the shortening of
    the spindles,
    – One sister chromatid moves to one pole of the cell, and the other sister
    chromatid moves to the opposite pole, (sister chromatids take the name
    of chromosomes as soon as they separate).
    – At the end of anaphase, each pole of the cell has a complete set of
    chromosomes, identical to the amount of DNA at the beginning of G1

    of the cell cycle.

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    6.2.1.4. Telophase
    During telophase which is the opposite of prophase:
    – The spindle disappears,
    – Formation of two nuclei,

    – The nuclear envelopes surround the two nuclei.

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    Cytokinesis
    During this phase, the cytoplasm divides in half, producing two daughter

    cells, each containing a complete set of genetic material as the mother cell.

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    Table 6.1: A table showing phases of cell cycle with one important event at

    each phase

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    6.2.2 Meiosis
    In sexual reproduction, meiosis produces haploid gametes that fuse together
    during fertilization to produce a diploid zygote. Meiosis involves two divisions
    without an interphase in between, starting with one diploid cell and generating
    four haploid cells. Each division, named meiosis I and meiosis II, has four

    stages: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.

    d

    During meiosis the number of chromosomes is reduced from a diploid number
    (2n) to a haploid number No. During fertilization, haploid gametes come
    together to form a diploid zygote, and the original number of chromosomes
    (2n) is restored.
    8 Stages of meiosis are summarized below:
    Prophase I: Prophase I is very similar to prophase of mitosis, but with one
    very significant difference. In prophase I, the nuclear envelope breaks down, the chromosomes condense, and the centrioles begin to migrate to opposite
    poles of the cell, with the spindle fibers growing between them.
    During this time, the homologous chromosomes form pairs. These
    homologous chromosomes line up gene-for-gene down their entire length,
    allowing the crossing-over to occur.
    This process permits the exchange of genetic material between maternal
    and paternal chromosomes. Thus, crossing-over results in genetic
    recombination by producing a new mixture of genetic material. This is an
    important step in creating genetic variation.
    Metaphase I: In metaphase I, the 23 pairs of homologous chromosomes
    line up along the equator of the cell.
    Anaphase I: During anaphase I the spindle fibres shorten, and the
    homologous chromosome pairs are separated from each other. One
    chromosome from each pair moves toward one pole, with the other moving
    toward the other pole, resulting in a nucleus with 23 chromosomes at one
    pole and the other 23 at the other pole. The sister chromatids remain attached
    at the centromere.
    Telophase I: The spindle fibres disappear and the nucleus reforms. This is
    quickly followed by cytokinesis and the formation of two haploid cells, each
    with a unique combination of chromosomes, some from the father and the
    rest from the mother.
    After cytokinesis, both cells immediately enter meiosis II, without replication
    of the DNA. Meiosis I is described as reductional division as it reduces by
    half the number of chromosomes of the mother cell. Meiosis II is equational
    division, and it occurs like a normal mitosis, separating the sister chromatids
    from each other.
    Prophase II: Once again the nuclear membrane breaks down, and the
    spindle begins to reform as the centrioles move to opposite sides of the cell.
    Metaphase II: The 23 chromosomes, each made out of two sister chromatids,
    occupy the equator of the cell.
    Anaphase II: The centromere divides and sister chromatids are separated
    and move to opposite poles of the cell. As the chromatids separate, each is
    known as a chromosome. Anaphase II results in a cell with 23 chromosomes
    at each end of the cell; each chromosome contains half as much genetic
    material as at the start of anaphase II.
    Telophase II: The nucleus reforms and the spindle fibers break down. Each
    cell undergoes cytokinesis, producing four haploid cells, each with a unique

    combination of genes and chromosomes.

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    Comparison of Mitosis and Meiosis

    Table 6.2: Comparison between mitosis and meiosis

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    Haploid and diploid conditions of the cell
    During the formation of gametes,the number ofchromosomes is reduced
    by half, and returned to the full amount when the two gametes fuse during
    fertilization. The cells of human beings, most animals and many plants
    (except for their gametes) are diploid abbreviated as 2n. They contain two
    sets of chromosomes in their nuclei. The haploid cells have only one set of
    chromosomes, abbreviated as n. Ploidy is a term referring to the number of
    sets of chromosomes.
    Organisms with more than two sets of chromosomes are termed polyploid.
    Chromosomes that carry the same genes are termed homologous
    chromosomes.Meiosis is a special type of nuclear division which segregates
    one copy of each homologous chromosome into each new “gamete”. Mitosis maintains the cell’s original ploidy level (for example, one diploid 2n cell
    producing two diploid 2n cells; one haploid n cell producing two haploid
    n cells; etc.). Meiosis, on the other hand, reduces the number of sets of
    chromosomes by half, so that when gametic recombination fertilizationoccurs
    the ploidy of the parents will be re-established.
    Two successive nuclear divisions occur, Meiosis I (Reduction) and Meiosis II
    (Division). Meiosis produces 4 haploid cells. Mitosis produces 2 diploid cells.
    The old name for meiosis was reduction/ division. Meiosis I reduces the
    ploidy level from 2n to n (reduction) while Meiosis II divides the remaining set
    of chromosomes in a mitosis-like process (division). Most of the differences
    between the processes occur during Meiosis I.
    Application activity 6.2
    1. Give two reasons why cells divide.
    2. As a cell increases in size, which increases more rapidly, its surface
    area or its volume?
    3. Describe what happens during each of the four phases of mitosis.
    4. Describe what happens during interphase.
    5. How is cytokinesis in plant cells similar to cytokinesis in animal cell?
    6. The diagram shows meiosis in an animal cell.
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    a) What is the diploid number of chromosomes in this cell?
    b) Where do you think this cell could be found in an animal?
    c) What is the stage of cell division shown at B? Give a reason for your
    choice.
    6.3. Mitosis and meiosis roles in living organisms
    Activity 6.3
    Observe figures below and explain the significance of mitosis in living

    organisms

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    In the early development of an organism, the embryonic cells rapidly proliferate
    and differentiate into specialized cells of adult tissues and organs. As cells
    differentiate from time to time, their rate of proliferation usually decreases.
    As a result, most cells in adult animals are arrested at the G0 stage.
    Some cells at this phase may resume the cell cycle and proliferate when
    they receive certain signals. Some of the differentiated cells enter the Go
    resting phase and wait for the signal to resume the cell cycle to repair injured
    tissue. There are numerous examples such as skin fibroblast, endothelial
    cells, smooth muscle cells, and liver cells. Skin fibroblasts upon receiving
    growth factor, skin fibroblast start secreting collagen and help in repairing
    cuts or wounds. Most of the fully differentiated cells no longer possess the
    capability of cell division. Therefore, they can be replaced by stem cells.
    Stem cells are undifferentiated biological cells that can differentiate into
    specialized cells and can divide (through mitosis) to produce more stem cells.
    The prominent role of stem cells can be seen in—blood cells (hematopoietic system), epithelial cells of the skin, and epithelial cells lining the digestive
    tract. All of these cells have short life spans, and they must be replaced
    continually by continual cell proliferation in adult animals, which is done by
    mitosis.
    The life span of blood cells ranges from less than one day to a few months.
    All of these cells are derived from the same population of hematopoietic
    stem cells. In fact, there are more than 100 billion blood cells that are lost
    every day in humans. If there are no stem cells to replace the loss of
    these cells, human beings will not be able to survive. Hence, these cells
    are continually being replaced by cells produced from hematopoietic stem
    cells in the bone marrow by means of mitotic division. Meiosis is necessary
    in gametes formation, and this helps organisms to multiply by reproduction.
    The Significance of Mitosis in Cell Replacement and Tissue Repair by
    Stem Cells

    a) Mitosis allows growth: A single cell divides repetitively to produce
    all the cells in an adult organism.
    b) Mitosis allows to repairing and cell replacement: by producing
    new cells to replace ones that have been damaged or worn out.
    c) Mitosis is involved in asexual reproduction: a single parent cell

    divides into two genetically identical offspring.

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    d) Mitosis allows geneticstability by producing two nuclei which have
    the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell.
    e) Regeneration: Some animals are able to regenerate whole parts of
    the body, such as legs in crustacean and arms in starfish. Production
    of the new cells involves mitosis.
    Regulation of the cell cycle
    Regulation of the cell cycle helps the living organism to live healthily. The
    cell divides by mitosis only when required. When receives signals from
    neighboring cells, it responds by dividing or not dividing. The most known
    cell cycle regulators include proteins called cyclins, the proteins which
    regulate the timing of the cell cycle in eukaryotic cells. There two types of
    regulators proteins such as internal regulators, and external regulators
    which include growth factors.
    Many cancers result from uncontrolled cell division, when the regulation of
    the cycle is lost. Cancerous cells divide much more rapidly than healthy
    cells. These cells use the blood and nutrients that other cells need and they
    can stress the environment of the healthy cells. As cancerous cells do not
    provide any useful function to the organism, they are extremely harmful. If
    cancerous cells are allowed to grow uncontrolled, they will kill the host
    organism.

    Cancer and uncontrolled cell division

    d

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    The problem begins when a single cell in a tissue undergoes transformation,
    the process that converts a normal cell to a cancer cell. The body’s immune
    system normally recognizes a transformed cell asan abnormal and destroys it.
    However, if the cell escapes immune system, it may proliferate to form atumor
    (a mass of abnormal cells within an otherwise normal tissue). There are
    three types of tumors: benign tumors, malignant tumors and metastasis.
    i. Benign tumour: it is a lump of the abnormal cells that remains at the
    original site. Most benign tumors do not cause serious problems and
    can be removed by surgery.
    ii. Malignant tumors: these are cells abnormal cells that have become
    invasive enough to impair with the functions of one or more organs. An
    individual with a malignant tumor is said to have cancer.
    iii. Metastasis: Cancer cells may also separate from the original tumor,
    enter the blood and lymph vessels, and invade other parts of the body,
    where they proliferate to form more tumors. This spread of cancer cells
    beyond their original site is called metastasis.
    Many cancers can be inherited, such as breast cancer, others are triggered
    by viral infections, tobacco smoke (e.g. lung cancer) and radiations (e.g.
    skin cancer). All cancers have one thing in common: the control over the cell
    cycle has broken down.
    Significance of Meiosis
    a) The need for reduction prior to fertilization in sexual reproduction
    Generally, a cycle of reproduction consists of meiosis and fertilization. Before
    sexual reproduction occurs, gametes undergo meiosis and produce haploid

    cells. Thus during sexual reproduction, one haploid (1n) gamete comes from the paternal side and another haploid (1n) gamete comes from the maternal side; then, they both fuse to form a zygote, which is diploid (2n). The fusion

    of gametes to form zygote or new cell is called as fertilization or syngamy. If meiosis does not occur before sexual reproduction, the chromosome number would double up with each fertilization. And after few generations,
    the number of chromosomes in each cell would become impossibly large.
    For example in humans, in just 10 generations, the 46 chromosomes would
    increase to about 47104 (46 × 210).
    b) Role and Significance of Meiosis in Producing Gametes
    Gametogenesis is a biological process by which diploid cells undergo cell
    division and differentiation to form mature haploid gametes. It occurs through
    meiosis. In humans, the male gamete (sperm) is produced by a process
    called spermatogenesis and the female gamete (egg) is produced by a
    process called oogenesis through meiotic division. Here gametes function
    takes place soon after meiosis but in plants it happens after gametophyte
    formation sexual reproduction of plants starts with spore formation.
    Sporophyte is a diploids generation of flowering plant where haploid spores
    are produced by meiosis which in turns undergoes mitosis to form multicelled
    haploid gametophytes. These haploid gametophytes differentiate to
    produce gametes—sperm and egg cells. Similarly, embryo sac is formed
    by reduction division. Each of the cells of embryo sac is haploid. Two of the
    nuclei fuse to produce diploid nucleus.
    c) The Role of Meiosis in Reproduction of Plants
    Generally, plants reproducing sexually have life cycle consisting of two
    phases
    – A multicellular gametophyte or haploid stage:
    – It is a haploid stage with n chromosomes. It alternates with a multicellular
    sporophyte stage.
    – A multicellular sporophyte or diploid stage:
    It is a diploid stage with 2n chromosomes, made up of n pairs. A mature
    sporophyte produces spores by meiosis, a process which reduces the
    number of chromosomes from 2n to 1n.
    Alternation of generations (also known as mutagenesis) refers to the
    occurrence in the plant life cycle of both a multicellular diploid organism
    (sporophyte) and a multicellular haploid organism (gametophyte), each giving
    rise to the other. This is in contrast to animals, in which the only multicellular
    phase is the diploid organism (such as the human man or woman), whereas
    the haploid phase is a single egg or sperm cell. In bryophytes (mosses and liverworts), the dominant generation is haploid, so that the gametophyte
    comprises the main plant. On the contrary, in tracheophytes (vascular
    plants), the diploid generation is dominant and the sporophyte comprises
    the main plant.
    d) Independent Assortment of Chromosomes
    Specifically at metaphase I, each homologous pair of chromosomes
    positioned independently of the other pairs. As a result, each homologous
    pair sorts out its maternal and paternal homologue into daughter cells
    independently of every other pair. This act of separating homologous pairs
    independently is called independent assortment. The random orientation
    of homologous pairs of chromosomes due to independent assortment in
    meiosis I (metaphase) increases genetic variation in organisms.
    e) Crossing Over and Random Fertilization
    During crossing over, DNA segments of the two parents-paternal and
    maternal are combined into a single chromosome producing recombinant
    chromosomes, which are non-identical with their sister chromatids.
    In humans, an average of one to three crossing over events occurs per
    chromosome pair, depending on the position of their centromeres and on
    the size of the chromosome. Thus, crossing over is an important event of
    meiosis that brings genetic variation in sexual life cycles.
    Besides independent assortment and crossing over, the random fertilization
    during sexual reproduction also increases genetic variation in organisms.
    During random fertilization, the male gamete and female gamete fuse to
    form zygote. The most interesting thing is that this zygote has the possibility
    of about 70 trillion diploid combinations. The number 70 trillion comes from
    possible combinations of male and female gametes which are 223 × 223 = 70
    trillion. The possibility of this enormous number of combinations makes each
    and every one of us unique physically and genetically.
    f) Non-disjunction of Chromosomes
    Proper separation of chromosomes during meiosis is essential for the normal
    growth in humans. Any set of chromosomes that do not separate properly
    during meiosis results in improper separation of chromosomes or nondisjunction,
    which is a serious issue in human genetics. Non-disjunction is
    a condition in which the homologues or sister chromatids fail to separate
    properly during meiosis. It can lead to the gain or loss of chromosome, a
    condition called as aneuploidy. Example: Down syndrome is an autosomal
    trisomy. It is also called as trisomy 21, where non-disjunction results in an
    embryo with three copies of chromosome 21 instead of the usual two copies of chromosome 21. The origin of trisomy’s condition is through non-disjunction
    of chromosome 21 during meiosis. Failure of paired homologues to separate
    during either anaphase I or II may lead to gametes with 23 + 1 chromosome
    composition instead of the normal 23 gamete chromosome composition.
    Therefore, instead of 46 normal chromosomes, Down syndrome patient will
    have 47 chromosomes with three copies of chromosome 21 instead of the
    normal 2 copies. It was first discovered by John Langdon Down. The chance
    of occurrence is one infant in every 800 live births.
    The most common symptoms of Down syndrome or trisomy 21are:
    – They are short.
    – They may also have protruding, furrowed tongues, which causes the
    mouth to remain partially open.
    – They are mentally retarded.
    – They have a prominent epicanthic fold in the corner of each eye; and
    typical flat face and round head.
    – Usually, there is a wide gap between the first and the second digits on
    their feet
    Organisms and the significance of cell division
    a) Spindle fibres formation,
    Spindle fibers are microtubules that move chromosomes during cell division.
    They are found in eukaryotic cells. Spindle fibers moves chromosomes during
    mitosis and meiosis to ensure that each daughter cell gets the correct number
    of chromosomes. The spindle apparatus consists of spindle fibers, motor
    proteins, chromosomes, and, in some cells, structures called asters (which
    are star-shaped structures form around each pair of centrioles during mitosis.
    They help to manipulate chromosomes during cell division to ensure that
    each daughter cell has the appropriate complement of chromosomes). In
    animal cells, spindle fibers are produced from cylindrical microtubules called
    centrioles. Centrioles are separated by asters to generate spindle fibers
    during the cell cycle. Centrioles are located in a region of the cell known as
    the centrosome.
    Synapsis
    In prophase I, homologous chromosomes become closely associated in
    synapsis. Synapsis includes the formation of an elaborate structure called
    the synaptonemal complex, consisting of homologous chromosomes
    paired closely along a lattice or zipper-like structure of proteins between
    them. The components of synaptonemal complex include a meiosis-specific form of cohesin that helps the two homologous chromosomes to be closely
    associated along their length.
    Some events that occur along with synapsis are:
    – The nuclear envelope breaks down.
    – Two pairs of centrosome migrate to opposite poles.
    – Spindle fibres formation occurs.
    Bivalents
    These arethe two homologous chromosomes attached at chiasmata. The
    homologous chromosomes consist of two sister chromatids each.
    Chiasma formation and movement of chromosomes
    Chiasmata is the region of crossing over between two homologous
    chromosomes during prophase I of meiosis. At the chiasmata, homologous
    chromosomes exchange genes, allowing genetic information from both the
    paternal and maternal chromatids to be exchanged, and a recombination
    of paternal and maternal genes can be passed down to the progeny. This

    process is important in diploid organisms to ensure variation in the progeny.

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    Process of chiasmata formation.
    At prophase I of meiosis, after the homologous pair of chromosomes pair up
    in the process called synapsis, the non-sister chromatids overlap, forming an
    X-shape. They then exchange their alleles at the point of crossing over. The
    X-shape the homologous pair together until the cell progresses to anaphase.
    Movement of chromosomes.
    In early Prophase I, chromosomes change their size and become short and
    thick. This is the first movement they make during meiosis
    In late Prophase I, homologous chromosomes become fully shortened and
    thickened lie side by side (in a process called synapsis).
    In metaphase I, Pairs of homologous chromosomes migrate to the equatorial
    plane of the cell.
    Each chromosome moves independently of all the others and the phenomenon
    is called independent assortment.
    During anaphase I, the homologous chromosomes separate and begin to
    move to the opposite poles of the cell, pulled by the shrinking spindle fibers.
    In telophase I, the movement of the homologous chromosomes to the poles
    is completed.
    During Prophase II chromosomes again become thicker and shorterbegin
    to move to the equatorial plane of the cell. Spindle fibers once again begin
    to form at the poles.
    During metaphase II the chromosomes become aligned on the equatorial
    plane and spindle fibers attach to the centromeres.
    In anaphase II, the centromeres divide, separating the sister chromatids,
    that move to the opposite poles due to the spindle fibers pulling.
    In telophase II, the movement of the chromosomes to the poles is completed
    and the spindle disappears
    Application activity 6.3
    1. Discuss possible functions of mitosis in living organisms.
    2. Appreciate the role of cyclins in the process of cell cycle.
    3. Describe the three types of tumors.
    4. Descried the process of tumor formation.
    SKILLS LAB
    Cell division is essential biological process that contributes to growth and
    reproduction that help in well being of all living organisms. Due to this
    knowledge of cell division, student-teachers will use different techniques
    out of school to make the food producing plants growing rapidly by providing

    them food substances increasing the rapid cell division.

    End unit assessment 6
    I. Choose whether the following statements are True (T) or False (F)
    1. A typical cell spends most of its time in interphase.
    2. Mitosis is a process where a single cell divides into three identical
    daughter cells.
    3. Cytokinesis is a division of cytoplasm.
    4. The process of mitosis is basically divided into 5 phases.
    5. Meiosis is divided into three stages: Meiosis I, Meiosis II and Meiosis III.
    6. The unrestrained, uncontrolled growth of cells in human beings results
    into a disease called cancer.
    7. Cancer occurs due to failure in controlling cell division.
    8. Proper separation of chromosomes during meiosis is not essential for
    the normal growth in humans.
    9. The life span of blood cells ranges from less than one day to a few
    months.
    II. Multiple Choice Questions
    1. In telophase, the nuclear envelope re-forms around the........... set of
    haploid daughter chromosomes.
    (a) one (b) two (c) three (d) four
    2. ............................... is a condition in which the homologues or sister
    chromatids fail to separate properly during meiosis.
    (a) Disjunction (b) Non-disjunction (c) Down syndrome (d) None of these
    3. Which of the event is correct in anaphase
    a) Sister chromatids separate and give rise to daughter chromosomes.
    b) Chromosomes are aligned at metaphase plate.
    c) Cytokinesis starts occurring.
    d) Chromosomes begin to uncoil.
    4. One round of oogenesis produces
    (a) One egg (b) Two eggs (c) Three eggs (d) Four eggs
    5. In mitosis, which of the following occurs?
    (a) Chiasmata formation (b) DNA replication

    (c) Synapsis (d) None of these

    III. Long Answer Type Questions
    1. Describe the main stages of cell cycle.
    2. In your own words, explain what is meant by homologous pairs of
    chromosomes.
    3. In your own words, describe the process of mitosis.
    4. In your own words, describe the process of meiosis.
    5. Outline the significance of mitosis in cell replacement and tissue repair
    by stem cells.
    6. In your own words, explain how uncontrolled cell division can result in
    the formation of a tumour.
    7. What is the need for reduction prior to fertilization in sexual reproduction?
    8. In your own words, explain the importance of effective cell division.
    9. Outline the role of meiosis in gametogenesis in humans and in the
    formation of pollen grain and embryo sacs in flowering plants.
    10. Explain how crossing over and random assortment of homologous
    chromosomes during meiosis and random fusion of gametes at
    fertilization leads to genetic variation, including the expression of rare
    recessive alleles.

    11. Analyse the following diagram and answer the questions below

    d

    a) Identify the stage of cell division shown in the figure.
    b) Label the structures marked as (1), (2), (3) and (4).
    c) Which type of cell is involved in this division?
    d) What will happen if the structure marked (3) is not formed?
    12. How can you correlate the spread of HIV virus with the process of
    Mitosis? Knowing the viral disease and its spread, discuss in brief the

    stigma and discrimination faced by those affected by HIV and AIDS.


    UNIT 5: CELL STRUCTUREUNIT 7:ELECTRON CONFIGURATIONS OF ATOMS