The cell depicted below has a diploid number of 8 (2n = 8).
Assuming cell division started with a diploid cell, in what stage of what type of cell division is the cell?

Question

The cell depicted below has a diploid number of 8 (2n = 8). 
Assuming cell division started with a diploid cell, in what stage of what type of cell division is the cell?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The cell has 8 chromosomes, which is the diploid number. Therefore, it is either in anaphase II of meiosis, where the chromosomes have separated into chromatids and are migrating towards opposite poles, or it is in anaphase of mitosis, where the chromatids have separated and are migrating towards opposite poles. However, in mitosis, the number of chromosomes would remain the same (2n), whereas in meiosis II, the number of chromosomes would be reduced by half (n). Since the cell has 8 chromosomes, it is more likely in anaphase II of meiosis.

The Cell Depicted Below Has a Diploid Number of 8