Figure 12.2
-If the cell whose nuclear material is shown in Figure 12.2 continues toward completion of mitosis, which of the following events would occur next?
A) cell membrane synthesis
B) spindle fiber formation
C) nuclear envelope breakdown
D) formation of telophase nuclei
E) synthesis of chromatids

Question

Figure 12.2
-If the cell whose nuclear material is shown in Figure 12.2 continues toward completion of mitosis, which of the following events would occur next?
A) cell membrane synthesis 
B) spindle fiber formation 
C) nuclear envelope breakdown 
D) formation of telophase nuclei 
E) synthesis of chromatids

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The image in Figure 12.2 shows a cell in metaphase, where the chromosomes are aligned at the equator of the cell. The next stage of mitosis is anaphase, where the sister chromatids separate and are pulled to opposite poles of the cell by the spindle fibers. After anaphase, telophase begins with the formation of two nuclei around the separated chromatids. Therefore, the correct choice is D, formation of telophase nuclei. Choices A, B, and E are incorrect as they do not occur immediately after metaphase. Cell membrane synthesis happens during cytokinesis which is the final stage of mitosis; spindle fiber formation occurs during prophase; and synthesis of chromatids happen during the S phase of interphase. Nuclear envelope breakdown does occur during prophase, but it has already occurred in the depicted cell in Figure 12.2.

Figure 12.2 -If the Cell Whose Nuclear Material Is Shown in Figure