BioBeyond Cellular Replication
Beyond the Cell: Exploring How Life
Reproduces
You might think of how parents look like their children. Their shared characterisitecs are coded
in the DNA passed down by the parent. This DNA is in all cells, which copies itself as one cells
divides into two. Do you think this process is the same for all cells? ✔✔No, because eukaryotic
cells would need more complex processes due to their size and complexity
See if you can identify which steps should occur in binary fission below: ✔✔- DNA is copied in
place
- Cell wall and membrane pinch closed
- DNA migrates to either side of cell
- Two genetically identical cells are present
Binary fission is used by: ✔✔prokaryotes
And produces ✔✔Two genetically identical cells
Eukaryotes (plants, animals, and fungi) reproduce differently than prokaryotes on a cellular
level. Which of the following do you think contributes most to this different process?
✔✔Eukaryotes generally have larger genomes
Normally, the cell is in a state called interphase, which has three stages - G1, S, and G2, shown
to the right. In interphase, the cell is performing its normal functions, but toward the end some
changes begin happening. What do you see happening in the images to the right? ✔✔The
genetic material is being copied
, The first stage of mitosis is called prophase. The images to the right show a cell both before and
after prophase. What appears different? ✔✔The genetic material has condensed
Shown on the right is an enlarged version of the diagram of the cell after prophase, in which X-
shaped structures called chromosomes have condensed from chromatin. Do you think
chromosomes would always be shaped like an X? Why or why not? ✔✔No - other organisms
might have differently shaped chromosomes
Shown at right is a diagram of a cell in the second phase of mitosis, metaphase. What has
happened in metaphase? Select all that apply: ✔✔Chromosomes are lining up in the middle of
the cell
The chromosomes have connected to something on either end of the cell
The nucleus has dissolved
The third phase of mitosis is called anaphase. What do you see happening in anaphase? Select
all that apply. ✔✔he chromosomes are moving to either end of the cell
The chromosomes have split in half
What is present on either end of the cell at the end of anaphase? ✔✔One complete set of
genetic information
(Note: The pinching of the cytoplasm is part of cytokinesis, not telophase. It is shown here
because the two processes may occur simultaneously.) ✔✔A new nucleus has formed on either
end of the cell
After mitosis, one final process remains, called cytokinesis. What happens in cytokinesis? Select
all that apply. ✔✔The cytoplasm has been sealed between the two new cells
The cell has divided
Beyond the Cell: Exploring How Life
Reproduces
You might think of how parents look like their children. Their shared characterisitecs are coded
in the DNA passed down by the parent. This DNA is in all cells, which copies itself as one cells
divides into two. Do you think this process is the same for all cells? ✔✔No, because eukaryotic
cells would need more complex processes due to their size and complexity
See if you can identify which steps should occur in binary fission below: ✔✔- DNA is copied in
place
- Cell wall and membrane pinch closed
- DNA migrates to either side of cell
- Two genetically identical cells are present
Binary fission is used by: ✔✔prokaryotes
And produces ✔✔Two genetically identical cells
Eukaryotes (plants, animals, and fungi) reproduce differently than prokaryotes on a cellular
level. Which of the following do you think contributes most to this different process?
✔✔Eukaryotes generally have larger genomes
Normally, the cell is in a state called interphase, which has three stages - G1, S, and G2, shown
to the right. In interphase, the cell is performing its normal functions, but toward the end some
changes begin happening. What do you see happening in the images to the right? ✔✔The
genetic material is being copied
, The first stage of mitosis is called prophase. The images to the right show a cell both before and
after prophase. What appears different? ✔✔The genetic material has condensed
Shown on the right is an enlarged version of the diagram of the cell after prophase, in which X-
shaped structures called chromosomes have condensed from chromatin. Do you think
chromosomes would always be shaped like an X? Why or why not? ✔✔No - other organisms
might have differently shaped chromosomes
Shown at right is a diagram of a cell in the second phase of mitosis, metaphase. What has
happened in metaphase? Select all that apply: ✔✔Chromosomes are lining up in the middle of
the cell
The chromosomes have connected to something on either end of the cell
The nucleus has dissolved
The third phase of mitosis is called anaphase. What do you see happening in anaphase? Select
all that apply. ✔✔he chromosomes are moving to either end of the cell
The chromosomes have split in half
What is present on either end of the cell at the end of anaphase? ✔✔One complete set of
genetic information
(Note: The pinching of the cytoplasm is part of cytokinesis, not telophase. It is shown here
because the two processes may occur simultaneously.) ✔✔A new nucleus has formed on either
end of the cell
After mitosis, one final process remains, called cytokinesis. What happens in cytokinesis? Select
all that apply. ✔✔The cytoplasm has been sealed between the two new cells
The cell has divided
