CAIE A-Level Biology 5.2 Chromosome Behaviour in Mitosis Question Bank

Practise mitosis questions by identifying stages from micrographs, tracking spindle and centromere behaviour and explaining chromosome separation.

Exam points

identify prophase, metaphase, anaphase and telophase from diagrams or photomicrographs
track spindle microtubules, centromeres and sister chromatids during chromosome separation
describe nuclear-envelope breakdown or re-formation and chromosome condensation or uncoiling

Covered syllabus points

5.2.1—Chromosome behaviour in mitosis 5.2.2—Cell structures in mitosis 5.2.3—Main stages of mitosis 5.2.4—Mitosis image interpretation

[Maximum number: 5]

During interphase of the cell cycle, individual chromosomes cannot be seen within the nucleus. The genetic material is termed chromatin during this stage.

(a)

Changes occur to chromatin during mitosis so that chromosomes become visible.

State what happens to chromatin so that individual chromosomes can be seen during mitosis.

[ 1 ]

(b)

Fig. 5.1 is a transmission electron micrograph of two human chromosomes at metaphase of mitosis.

$magnification $=\times 14000$$

magnification $=\times 14000$

Describe the structure of chromosomes at metaphase, such as the two chromosomes shown in Fig. 5.1.

[ 4 ]

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Covered syllabus points

5.2 Chromosome Behaviour in Mitosis question 1

Question (a)

Question (b)