If cells in the process of dividing are subjected to drug colchicine, at which stage will mitosis be arrested?
Correct answer: D. Metaphase
- A. Anaphase
- B. Prophase
- C. Telophase
- D. Metaphase
Explanation
Colchicine is a drug that interferes with the assembly of microtubules, which are crucial for the formation of the mitotic spindle. Without a functional spindle, the separation of chromosomes cannot occur properly. Therefore, cells treated with colchicine will typically be arrested in metaphase. During metaphase, the chromosomes are aligned along the metaphase plate, attached to the spindle fibers, and awaiting the signal for separation. Since colchicine prevents the proper formation of the spindle fibers, the chromosomes cannot segregate to opposite poles of the cell, leading to arrest at this stage.
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Animal, plant, prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells are compared through their membranes, cell walls, nuclei and cytoplasmic organelles. The work includes the structures and functions of mitochondria, chloroplasts, ribosomes, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus and lysosomes, as well as chromosome organization and the distinction between chromatin and chromosomes.
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