Question 1:
What is the average cell cycle span for a mammalian cell?
Answer:
The average cell cycle span for a mammalian cell is approximately 24 hours.
Question 2:
Distinguish cytokinesis from karyokinesis.
Answer:
Cytokinesis |
Karyokinesis |
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(i) |
Cytokinesis is the biological process involving the division of a cell’s cytoplasm during mitosis or meiosis. |
(i) |
Karyokinesis is the biological process involving the division of a cell’s nucleus during mitosis or meiosis. |
(ii) |
Stages such as prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase are not present in cytokinesis. |
(ii) |
It is divided into four stages –prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase |
Question 3:
Describe the events taking place during interphase.
Answer:
Interphase involves a series of changes that prepare a cell for division. It is the period during which the cell experiences growth and DNA replication in an orderly manner. Interphase is divided into three phases.
(i) G1 phase
(ii) S phase
(iii) G2 phase
G1 phase – It is the stage during which the cell grows and prepares its DNA for replication. In this phase, the cell is metabolically active.
S phase – It is the stage during which DNA synthesis occurs. In this phase, the amount of DNA (per cell) doubles, but the chromosome number remains the same.
G2 phase – In this phase, the cell continues to grow and prepares itself for division. The proteins and RNA required for mitosis are synthesised during this stage.
Question 4:
What is G0 (quiescent phase) of cell cycle?
Answer:
G0 or quiescent phase is the stage wherein cells remain metabolically active, but do not proliferate unless called to do so. Such cells are used for replacing the cells lost during injury.