Question

18. Describe one reason why the cell might want chromatin to be more tightly packaged during M phase compared to the other phases of the cell cycle?

Answer 1

This is because of one simple reason. If the condensation will not occur then it would be very difficult for the chromosomes to separate and be divided into the daughter cells.

During the interphase of cell cycle, the DNA is present in its loose form called as chromatin. This is because during interphase the cell is just metabolically active, duplicating it cytoplasm, cell organelles and DNA. It does not show any movement of chromosomes. So DNA is present in the form of chromatin.

But when the cell have to divide, it has to ensure that both the daughter cells are receiving an equal amount DNA. If the DNA would have been present in the form of chromatin, then the cell would itself get confused about how much amount of DNA both the daughter cells have got. Therefore to prevent this problem, DNA contents into chromosomes. This makes the chromosome very easy to separate. Also the chromosomal movement during metaphase anaphase becomes very easier. The attachment of chromosomes from the spindle poles by microtubules through their centromere becomes very easy.

Therefore it is very important for the cell to condense DNA in the form of chromosome during Mitosis.

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