Cell division is of two types, namely:

Mitosis
meiosis.
1. Types of Cell division .
Mitosis:
In this, cell division leading to growth and development and seen in vegetative cells of the body.
During mitosis, the parent cell divides into two daughter cells, which are not only identical to each other
but also to the parent cell. Mitosis is also known as equational division, as both the parent and the
progeny cells have the same number of chromosomes.
Mitosis is divided into four stages of nuclear division, namely
1. Prophase.
2. Metaphase.

3. Anaphase.
4. Telophase.
Meiosis:
In this cell division leading to the production of gametes and seen only in the reproductive cells of the
body.
Meiosis consists of two cell divisions, namely meiosis one and two.
Meiosis one is divided into four stages – prophase one, metaphase one, anaphase one and telophase
one.
Similarly, meiosis two is divided into four phases – prophase two, metaphase two, anaphase two and
telophase two.
Diploid condition:
It is the normal condition in all cells where two sets of chromosomes are present. It is called 2n
condition
Ploidy is the number of sets of chromosomes in a biological cell.
Haploid number is the number of chromosomes in a gamete ( n).
Diploid number is made up of two complete haploid sets of homologous chromosomes (2n).
Cytokinesis::
Mitosis results in the segregation of duplicated chromosomes into two daughter nuclei and is followed
by the division of cytoplasm, that is, cytokinesis, to produce two daughter cells.
The process by which a furrow appears in the cell membrane in the middle, which deepens and _nally
splits the cytoplasm into two, thus producing two daughter cells is called cytokinesis.

Binary _ssion is a simpli_ed version of mitosis, but they are not identical processes.
Homologous chromosomes are identical in all respects. Only the sex chromosomes are heterozygous.
The zygote is a single cell, which multiplies to form a multicellular organism. Each cell of the organism
will have the same number of chromosomes, but only the reproductive organs can show meiosis.
No animal can live if it has an extra set of chromosomes, but plants can have polyploid character
(several
sets of chromosomes).
The prophase I of meiosis alone is di􀃠erent from prophase of mitosis, the other stages are the same in
the procedure.
Division of nuclear material is called karyokinesis.
The importance of Mitosis:
Ensures that chromosome number and genetic stability in organisms is maintained. It is an
equational division and results in daughter chromosomes that are exactly like the parent
 chromosome.
It provides new cells required for repair of wounds and regeneration and aids in replacement of
old cells.
It helps in asexual reproduction in lower organisms.
It checks overgrowth of cells by an inbuilt mechanism called checkpoint.
Basics of Meiosis:
Meiosis is called reduction division. It is seen only in reproductive cells and is important for gamete
formation.
Meiosis consists two stages: meiosis I and meiosis II.
Meiosis one is divided into four stages – prophase one, metaphase one, anaphase one and telophase
one.
Similarly, meiosis two is divided into four phases – prophase two, metaphase two, anaphase two and
telophase two.
Before dividing, a cell enters meiosis, it goes through the interphase where the cell increases in mass,
synthesises DNA and proteins and duplicates its chromosomes in preparation for cell division.
However,
there is no interphase between the _rst and second meiotic division. The cell immediately enters into
the
second meiotic division
Signi_cance of Meiosis
It results in haploidy of chromosomes. Thus, when zygote formation occurs, the normal condition
called diploid condition is restored
It results in variation in the o􀃠spring as it causes mixing of maternal and paternal genes during
crossing over.
It maintains the stability of the species by ensuring that the gametes get only half the number of
chromosomes found in the adult of the species.

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 ICSE Class 10
 
 Selina Solutions
 
 Biology
 
 Structure of Chromosomes, Cell Cycle and Cell Division
Chapter 2 - Structure of Chromosomes, Cell Cycle and
Cell Division Exercise Ex. 1
Question 1
The chromatin material is formed of
(a) DNA only
(b) DNA and Histones
(c) Histones only
(d) Nucleotides
Solution 1
(b) DNA and Histones

Question 2
The term “chromosomes” literally means
(a) Inherited bodies
(b) Twisted threads
(c) Coloured bodies
(d) Shining threads
Solution 2
(c) Coloured bodies

Question 3
The number of chromosomes in a certain type of cell division is halved. This kind of
cell division occurs in
(a) only testis
(b) only ovary
(c) both ovary and testis
(d) all body cells
Solution 3
(c) both ovary and testis
Question 4
In which one of the following options the two stages of mitosis have been given in
correct sequence?
(a) Prophase, metaphase, telophase, anaphase
(b) Prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase
(c) Anaphase, telophase,  prophase, metaphase
(d) Telophase, anaphase, prophase, metaphase
Solution 4
(c) Anaphase, telophase,  prophase, metaphase
Question 5
Synthesis phase in the cell cycle is called so for the synthesis of more of
(a) RNA
(b) RNA and proteins
(c) DNA
(d) Glucose
Solution 5
(c) DNA

Question 6
Name the following:
(a) The repeating components of each DNA strand lengthwise.
(b) The complex structure consisting of DNA strand and a core of histones.
(c) The type of bond which joins the complementary nitrogenous bases.
(d) The three components of nucleotide.

Solution 6
(a) - Nucleotides.
(b) - Nucleosome.
(c) - Hydrogen Bond.
(d) - Phosphate, Sugar and Nitrogenous base.

Question 7
Imagine one cell (A) has undergone one mitotic division and another cell (B) has completed its meiotic
division. How many cells would the two produce?
Cell A: ............................

Cell B:.............................

Solution 7
Cell A: 2
Cell B: 4

Question 8
Column 'A' Column 'B'
(a) Chromosomes become arranged in a Anaphase
horizontal plane at the equator.  
(b) Daughter chromosomes move to the  
opposite poles of a spindle Prophase
(c) Chromosomes become visible as fine
long threads.
 
(d) Chromosomes lose their  
distinctiveness and gradually become Telophase
transformed into a chromatin network  
Metaphase
Solution 8
(a) - Metaphase.
(b) - Telophase.
(c) - Prophase.
(d) - Anaphase.

Question 9
Fill in the blanks.
(a) DNA replicates in the ............. of the cell cycle.  
(b) Mitosis occurs in our ............. cells.
(c) Mitosis produces two daughter cells, whereas meiosis produces ............ daughter cells.
(d) Meiosis occurs only in ............. cells.
(e) Modern humans have 46 chromosomes. Their sperms and eggs will have ..........
chromosomes each.
(f) During the pairing of chromosomes in meiosis, the ............ chromosomes come to lie side by
side.

Solution 9
(a) DNA replicates in the synthesis (S) phase of the cell cycle.  
(b) Mitosis occurs in our somatic (body) cells.
(c) Mitosis produces two daughter cells, whereas meiosis produces four daughter cells.
(d) Meiosis occurs only in reproductive cells.
(e) Modern humans have 46 chromosomes. Their sperms and eggs will have 23 chromosomes
each.
(f) During the pairing of chromosomes in meiosis, the homologous chromosomes come to lie
side by side.

Question 10
What is the difference between chromatin fibre and chromosome?

Solution 10
Chromatin fibre is unfolded, uncondensed, extended DNA. It is only visible when cell under goes
division whereas chromosomes are condensed DNA and they are visible when the cell is divided.

Question 11
What are the rungs of the "DNA ladder" made of?

Solution 11
Rungs of DNA ladder is made of nitrogenous bases which includes Adenine (A), Guanine (G),
Cytosine (C) and Thymine (T).

Question 12
Correct the following statements if there is any mistake.
(a) The four nitrogenous bases in the DNA are Guanine, Thiamine, Adrenaline and Cytosine.
(b) Genes are specific sequences of bases on a chromosome.
(c) A nucleotide is composed of a sulphate, a sugar (pentose) and a nitrogenous base.
(d) Nucleosomes are groups of cysteine molecules surrounded by DNA strands.
(e) If there are 46 chromosomes in a cell there will be 23 chromatin fibres inside the nucleus during
interphase.

Solution 12
(a) The four nitrogenous bases in the DNA ladder are Guanine, Thymine, Adenine and Cytosine.
(b) Genes are specific sequences of nucleotides on a chromosome.
(c) A nucleotide is composed of a phosphate, sugar (pentose) and a nitrogenous base.
(d) Nucleosomes are groups of histone molecules surrounded by DNA strands.
(e) If there are 46 chromosomes in a cell there will be 46 chromatin fibres inside the nucleus during
interphase.

Question 13
State the difference between:
(a) Chromosome and chromatid,
(b) Centrosome and centomere,
(c) Aster and spindle fibres
(d) Haploid and diploid

Solution 13
(a) A chromosome is an organized structure of DNA and protein found in cells. It is a single piece of
coiled DNA containing many genes, regulatory elements and other nucleotide sequences whereas a
chromatid is one of the two copies of DNA making up a duplicated chromosome, which are joined at
their centromeres, for the process of cell division (mitosis or meiosis).
(b) The centrosome is an area in the cell where microtubules are produced. Within an animal cell
centrosome, there is a pair of small organelles called the centrioles. During animal cell division, the
centrosome divides and the centrioles replicate (make new copies) whereas each chromosome in its
condensed form consists of two chromatids joined at some point along the length. This point of
attachment is called centromere.
(c) An aster is a cellular structure shaped like a star, formed around each centrosome during mitosis
in an animal cell whereas spindle fibers are aggregates of microtubules that move chromosomes
during cell division.
(d) A haploid cell is a cell that contains one complete set of chromosomes. Gametes are haploid cells
that are produced by meiosis whereas a diploid cell is a cell that contains two sets of chromosomes.
One set of chromosomes is donated from each parent.

Question 14
"First meiotic division is the reduction division". What does the word 'reduction' refer to in this
statement?

Solution 14
In this statement, reduction means that the number of chromosomes are reduced to half i.e. out of the
23 pairs of chromosomes in humans, only single set of chromosomes are passed on to the sex cells.

Question 15
"Gametes must be produced by meiosis for sexual reproduction". Why is it so?

Solution 15
Gametes must be produced by meiosis for sexual reproduction because the numbers of
chromosomes are reduced to half during meiosis and then the normal diploid numbers of
chromosomes are regained during the process of fertilization.

Question 16
Mention whether the following statements are true (T) or false (F). Give reason in support of your
answer.
 
(a) As you grow from childhood to adult hood, your skin cells divide only to replace such cells that are
lost from the surface.
(b) The unfertilized human egg has half the number of chromosomes of the body cells.
(c) Nuclear membrane in a mitotically dividing cell remains intact up to the metaphase and disappears
only in the telophase.
(d) Mitotic cell division can be a mode of reproduction.
(e) Crossing-over between chromatids can occur only between homologous chromosomes.

Solution 16
(a) False (F); Surface skin cells are continuously lost and replaced by the underlying cells.
(b) True (T); All types of human cells, have 46 chromosomes. The only type of cell which does not
have 46 chromosomes are the sex cells, which have only half of the number, so they have 23
chromosomes. The egg cell is a sex cell (found in female). So it must have 23 chromosomes.
(c) False (F); Nuclear membrane disappears in Prophase itself, however it reappears during
Telophase.
(d) True (T); Mitotic cell division can be a mode of asexual reproduction in unicellular organisms like
amoeba or yeast cell which divides into two daughter cells.
(e) True (T); While the maternal and paternal chromosomes are separating, the chromatid material
gets exchanged between the two members of a homologous pair resulting in genetic recombination.

Question 17
What are chromosomes?

Solution 17
Chromosomes are highly condensed coiled chromatic fibres made of DNA which carries the
hereditary material of the organisms.

Question 18
What are genes?

Solution 18
Gene is a structural and functional unit of heredity and variations. Genes are specific sequences of
nucleotides on a chromosome that encode particular proteins which express in the form of some
particular feature of the body. In other words, gene is the DNA segment of the chromosome and it
controls the expression of characteristics.
Question 19
Enumerate the various changes that occur in the nucleus of the cell during (a) prophase (b)
anaphase of mitotic division. 

Solution 19
Changes which occur in the nucleus of the cell during mitosis:
During prophase:
• The nuclear membrane and the nucleolus disappear.
• The duplicated chromosomes begin to move towards the equator of the cell.
During anaphase:
• The two sister chromatids of each chromosome separate and are drawn apart towards the
opposite poles.

Question 20
Name and explain the various stages of the cell cycle.

Solution 20
Stages of the cell cycle:
• Non-dividing interphase
• Dividing mitotic phase or M phase
Interphase:
In interphase, cells grow in size and volume and prepare for the next cell division.
It is divided into three phases:
• First growth phase (G1): RNA and proteins are synthesised, and the volume of the cytoplasm
increases.
• Synthesis phase (S): DNA is synthesised and chromosomes are duplicated.
• Second growth phase (G2): RNA and proteins continue to be synthesised.
Mitosis:
Mitosis is the division of somatic cells in which two identical daughter cells are produced by the
division of one parent cell.
It consists of the following phases:
• Karyokinesis: It is the division of the nucleus during cell division.
• Cytokinesis: It is the division of the cytoplasm during cell division.
Karyokinesis:
It occurs in four phases:
• Prophase: During prophase, chromatin fibres condense and thick chromosomes are visible.
The nucleolus and nuclear membrane disappear. A pair of centrioles duplicates. The spindle
apparatus starts forming.
• Metaphase: Chromosomes are arranged on the metaphase plate or equatorial plane.
• Anaphase: The centromere divides, and the sister chromatids separate from each other.
Spindle fibres contract and pull chromatids towards opposite poles.
• Telophase: Spindle apparatus disappears. Chromosomes become thin and turn into
chromatin fibres. Nuclear membranes and nucleoli reappear.
Cytokinesis:
• The furrow continues to deepen in the cell, and it finally divides the cytoplasm forming two new
daughter cells.
• In plant cells, a cell plate appears at the equatorial plane.

Question 21
Why is meiosis referred to as 'reductional division'?

Solution 21
Meiosis is a type of cell division in which each daughter cell receives half set of chromosomes.
Hence, in meiosis, haploid daughter cells (n) are formed from a diploid parent cell (2n). Since the
chromosome number is halved in the daughter cells, meiosis is also known as reductional
division.
Question 22
Given below is a schematic diagram of a portion of DNA.

(a) How many strands are shown in the diagram?

(b) How many nucleotides have been shown in each strand?
(c) Name the parts numbered 1,2,3,4 and 5 respectively.
(d) Name the DNA unit constituted by the parts 1, 2 and 3 collectively.

Solution 22
(a) 2
(b) 2 on each strand
(c) 1- Phosphate,2- Sugar, 3- Bases,4- Hydrogen Bond,5 - Base
(d)Nucleotide

Question 23
The three sketches given below (A, B and C) are intended to represent the replication of DNA. What
should be their correct sequence starting with the first and ending with the last? ...........

Solution 23
B, C and A.

Question 24
The diagram below represents a stage during cell division. Study the same and then answer the
questions that follow:

 
a. Name the parts labelled 1, 2 and 3.
b. Identify the above stage and give a reason to support your answer.
c. Mention where in the body this type of cell division occurs.
d. Name the stage prior to this stage and draw a diagram to represent the same.

Solution 24
a.  
1 - Centromere
2 - Spindle fibres
3 - Chromatids
 
b. The stage described in the diagram is the late anaphase of mitosis in an animal cell. The stage
can be identified by the presence of separated chromatids which are found at the two poles of
the cell. The appearance of the furrow in the cell membrane classifies the stage as the late
anaphase.
 
c. The division is mitotic division and this kind of cell division occurs in all the cells of the body
except for the reproductive cells.
 
d. The stage before anaphase is metaphase.

Question 25
Draw a labelled diagram to show the metaphase stage of mitosis in an animal cell having '6'
chromosomes.

Solution 25

Question 26
The diagram given below represents a certain phenomenon which occurs during meiosis.
Name and explain the phenomenon by using the terms - homologous chromosomes, chromatids, and
crossing-over.

Solution 26
The exchange of chromatids between homologous chromosomes is called crossing-over. This is the
process by which the two chromosomes of a homologous pair exchange equal segments with each
other.
Crossing over occurs in the first division of meiosis. At that stage each chromosome has replicated
into two strands called sister chromatids. The two homologous chromosomes of a pair synapse, or
come together. While the chromosomes are synapsed, breaks occur at corresponding points in two of
the non-sister chromatids, i.e., in one chromatid of each chromosome.
Since the chromosomes are homologous, breaks at corresponding points mean that the segments
that are broken off contain corresponding genes, i.e., alleles. The broken sections are then
exchanged between the chromosomes to form complete new units, and each new recombined
chromosome of the pair can go to a different daughter sex cell. It results in recombination of genes
found on the same chromosome, called linked genes that would otherwise always be transmitted
together.

Question 27
Given below is a diagram representing a stage during mitotic cell division in an animal cell. Examine it
carefully and answer the questions which follow.

(a)Identify the stage. Give one reason in support of your answer.

(b) Name the cell organelle that forms the 'aster'.
(c) Name the parts labelled 1, 2 and 3.
(d) Name the stage that follows the one shown here. How is that stage identified?
(e) Mention two points of difference between mitosis and meiosis with regard to:
(i) The number of daughter cells produced.
(ii)The chromosome number in the daughter cells.

Solution 27
(a) Late prophase. Because the nuclear membrane and nucleolus have disappeared.
(b) Centrioles.
(c) 1 - Centromere
2 - Chromatids.
3 - Spindle fibre.
(d) Metaphase. The centromeres of chromosomes are drawn to the equator by equal pull of two
chromosomal spindle fibres that connects each centromere to the opposite poles, forming a
metaphasic plate.
(e)

Mitosis Meiosis
(i) Two daughter cells are produced. (i) Four daughter cells are produced.
(ii) It is equational division i.e. the number (ii) It is reductional division i.e. the number
of chromosome in the daughter cells or of chromosomes is reduced to half in the
parent cells remains the same. daughter cells.
Question 28
Given ahead are three diagrammatic sketches (A, B and C) of one and the same particular phase
during mitotic type of cell division.

(a) Identify the phase ..............

(b) What is the diploid number of chromosomes shown in them? ................
(c) Identify whether these are animal cells or plant cell? Give reasons.
A .................
B .................

C .................

Solution 28
(a) Metaphase.
(b) 4.
(c) A - Animal
B - Animal
C - Plant

Question 29
Shown below are four stages (A, B, C, D) (not in sequence) of a certain kind of cell division.

(a) Is it a plant cell or an animal cell? Give two reasons .............

(b) Is it undergoing mitosis or meiosis? ..................
(c) What should be the correct sequence of these four stages among themselves? ..................
(d) Name the stage that should precede the earliest of these stages..............
(e) Draw the stage named above inside the blank space provided.

Solution 29
(a) This is an animal cell because:
(i) The outline is circular (in plants it would be angular {rectangular or polygonal}) and cell wall is
absent.
(ii) Centrosomes on centrioles are present. (These are found only in animal cells)
(b) Mitosis.
(c) B, C, D, A.
(d) Interphase.
(e)

Question 30
Given below is a diagram representing a stage during mitotic cell division. Study it carefully and
answer the questions that follow.

 
 
(a) Is it a plant cell or an animal cell? Give a reason to support your answer.
(b) Identify the stage shown.
(c) Name the stage that follows the one shown here. How is that stage identified?
(d) How will you differentiate between mitosis and meiosis on the basis of the chromosome
number in the daughter cells?
(e) Draw a duplicated chromosome and label its parts.

Solution 30
(a) It is a plant cell because centrioles are not shown in the diagram.
(b) Prophase
(c) Metaphase. Chromosomes arrange themselves on the metaphase or equatorial plate.
(d) Difference between mitosis and meiosis based on the chromosome number in
daughter cells: 

Mitosis Meiosis
Chromosome number remains the Daughter cells receive only half the
same as that of parent cells. number of chromosomes from
 parent cells.
 
(e) Duplicated chromosome: