Skip to main content
Pearson+ LogoPearson+ Logo
Ch. 3 - Cell Division and Chromosome Heredity
Sanders - Genetic Analysis: An Integrated Approach 3rd Edition
Sanders3rd EditionGenetic Analysis: An Integrated ApproachISBN: 9780135564172Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 3, Problem 2e

Our closest primate relative, the chimpanzee, has a diploid number of 2n = 48. For each of the following stages of M phase, identify the number of chromosomes present in each cell.
Mitotic metaphase

Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that the diploid number (2n) represents the total number of chromosomes in a somatic cell of the organism. For chimpanzees, this is given as 2n = 48.
Recall that during mitotic metaphase, the chromosomes are aligned at the metaphase plate, and each chromosome consists of two sister chromatids held together at the centromere.
Note that the number of chromosomes in mitotic metaphase is the same as the diploid number because the sister chromatids are still attached and counted as one chromosome.
Conclude that the number of chromosomes present in each cell during mitotic metaphase is equal to the diploid number, which is 48 for chimpanzees.
To summarize, the chromosome count during mitotic metaphase is determined by the diploid number, as the chromatids have not yet separated into individual chromosomes.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Video duration:
32s
Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

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

Diploid Number

The diploid number (2n) refers to the total number of chromosomes in a somatic cell, which includes pairs of homologous chromosomes. In the case of chimpanzees, the diploid number is 48, meaning there are 24 pairs of chromosomes. This concept is crucial for understanding how chromosomes are organized and distributed during cell division.
Recommended video:
Guided course
27:36
Diploid Genetics

M Phase of the Cell Cycle

M Phase, or mitotic phase, is the stage of the cell cycle where cell division occurs, encompassing both mitosis and cytokinesis. During this phase, the chromosomes condense and become visible, and the cell prepares to divide into two daughter cells. Understanding M Phase is essential for determining the number of chromosomes present at various stages of cell division.
Recommended video:
Guided course
04:29
Bacteriophage Life Cycle

Mitotic Metaphase

Mitotic metaphase is a specific stage of mitosis where chromosomes align at the cell's equatorial plane, known as the metaphase plate. At this point, each chromosome consists of two sister chromatids, and the total number of chromosomes is counted as the number of centromeres. For chimpanzees, during mitotic metaphase, there would be 48 chromosomes present, as each chromosome is still counted individually before separation.
Recommended video:
Guided course
09:06
Meiosis Steps
Related Practice
Textbook Question

Our closest primate relative, the chimpanzee, has a diploid number of 2n = 48. For each of the following stages of M phase, identify the number of chromosomes present in each cell.

Meiotic metaphase I

Textbook Question

Our closest primate relative, the chimpanzee, has a diploid number of 2n = 48. For each of the following stages of M phase, identify the number of chromosomes present in each cell.

End of meiotic anaphase II

Textbook Question

Our closest primate relative, the chimpanzee, has a diploid number of 2n = 48. For each of the following stages of M phase, identify the number of chromosomes present in each cell.

Early mitotic prophase

1
views
Textbook Question

Our closest primate relative, the chimpanzee, has a diploid number of 2n = 48. For each of the following stages of M phase, identify the number of chromosomes present in each cell.

Early prophase I

Textbook Question

In a test of his chromosome theory of heredity, Morgan crossed a female Drosophila with red eyes to a male with white eyes. The females were produced from Cross A, shown in the Figure below. Predict the offspring Morgan would have expected under his hypothesis that the gene for eye color is on the X chromosome in fruit flies.

Textbook Question

Cohesion between sister chromatids, as well as tension created by the pull of kinetochore microtubules, is essential to ensure efficient separation of chromatids at mitotic anaphase or in meiotic anaphase II. Explain why sister chromatid cohesion is important, and discuss the role of the proteins cohesin and separase in sister chromatid separation.