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Ch. 12 - The Cell Cycle
Campbell - Campbell Biology 11th Edition
Urry11th EditionCampbell BiologyISBN: 9789357423311Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 12, Problem 6

Which of the following does not occur during mitosis?
a. Condensation of the chromosomes
b. Replication of the DNA
c. Separation of sister chromatids
d. Spindle formation

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1
Understand the process of mitosis: Mitosis is the division of a eukaryotic cell's nucleus into two genetically identical nuclei. It consists of several stages: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase, followed by cytokinesis.
Review the key events of mitosis: During mitosis, chromosomes condense (prophase), the spindle apparatus forms (prophase), sister chromatids separate (anaphase), and the nuclear envelope reforms (telophase).
Recall when DNA replication occurs: DNA replication does not occur during mitosis. Instead, it occurs during the S phase of the cell cycle, which is part of interphase, prior to mitosis.
Analyze the options: a) Condensation of chromosomes occurs during prophase. b) Replication of DNA occurs during the S phase, not mitosis. c) Separation of sister chromatids occurs during anaphase. d) Spindle formation occurs during prophase.
Conclude which event does not occur during mitosis: Based on the analysis, identify that DNA replication (option b) does not occur during mitosis.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Mitosis

Mitosis is a process of cell division that results in two genetically identical daughter cells from a single parent cell. It consists of several stages: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase, during which the chromosomes are condensed, aligned, separated, and finally distributed into the daughter cells.
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Chromosome Condensation

Chromosome condensation occurs during prophase of mitosis, where the chromatin fibers become tightly coiled and folded, making the chromosomes visible under a microscope. This process is crucial for ensuring that the chromosomes can be accurately separated and distributed during cell division.
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DNA Replication

DNA replication is the process by which a cell duplicates its DNA before mitosis begins, ensuring that each daughter cell receives an identical set of chromosomes. This process occurs during the S phase of the cell cycle, prior to the onset of mitosis, and is not a part of the mitotic process itself.
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