DRAW IT Draw one eukaryotic chromosome as it would appear during interphase, during each of the stages of mitosis, and during cytokinesis. Also draw and label the nuclear envelope and any microtubules attached to the chromosome(s).

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Draw a eukaryotic chromosome during interphase. At this stage, the chromosome is not condensed and appears as a loosely organized mass of chromatin. Include the nucleus with a clearly defined nuclear envelope.
2. Step 2: Draw the chromosome during prophase of mitosis. Here, the chromosome begins to condense and becomes more visible. The nuclear envelope starts to disintegrate. Draw microtubules starting to form from the centrosomes.
3. Step 3: Illustrate the chromosome during metaphase. The fully condensed chromosome lines up at the metaphase plate (center of the cell). Show the microtubules attached to the centromeres of the chromosome, extending from opposite poles.
4. Step 4: Depict the chromosome during anaphase. The sister chromatids of the chromosome are pulled apart by the microtubules towards opposite poles of the cell. The cell elongates during this phase.
5. Step 5: Finally, draw the chromosome during telophase and cytokinesis. The chromosome begins to decondense at each pole, and the nuclear envelope re-forms around each set of separated sister chromatids. Cytokinesis divides the cytoplasm into two daughter cells, each with one nucleus.

Key Concepts

Eukaryotic Chromosome Structure

Eukaryotic chromosomes are composed of chromatin, which is a complex of DNA and proteins. During interphase, chromosomes are in a relaxed state, making them less visible under a microscope. Each chromosome consists of two sister chromatids joined at the centromere, which becomes prominent during mitosis. Understanding this structure is crucial for accurately depicting chromosomes in different phases.

Mitosis Stages

Mitosis is divided into several stages: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. During prophase, chromosomes condense and become visible, while the nuclear envelope begins to break down. In metaphase, chromosomes align at the cell's equatorial plane, and during anaphase, sister chromatids are pulled apart. Telophase involves the reformation of the nuclear envelope around each set of chromosomes, leading to cytokinesis, where the cell divides.

Microtubules and the Spindle Apparatus

Microtubules are dynamic structures that form the spindle apparatus during mitosis. They attach to chromosomes at the kinetochores, facilitating the movement of chromosomes during cell division. Understanding the role of microtubules is essential for illustrating how chromosomes are organized and separated during mitosis, as they are critical for ensuring accurate chromosome segregation.