In the cells of some organisms, mitosis occurs without cytokinesis. This will result in a. cells with more than one nucleus. b. cells that are unusually small. c. cells lacking nuclei. d. cell cycles lacking an S phase.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the terms. Mitosis is a process where a single cell divides into two identical daughter cells (cell division). Cytokinesis is the physical process of cell division, which divides the cytoplasm of a parental cell into two daughter cells.
2. Step 2: Understand the question. The question is asking what would happen if mitosis occurs without cytokinesis. This means that the cell would divide its nucleus (mitosis) but not its cytoplasm (cytokinesis).
3. Step 3: Evaluate the options. Option a suggests that there would be cells with more than one nucleus. This could be possible because mitosis, the division of the nucleus, is still occurring. Option b suggests that cells would be unusually small, but this is unlikely because without cytokinesis, the cell isn't being divided into smaller cells. Option c suggests that cells would lack nuclei, but this is also unlikely because mitosis, the process that creates nuclei, is still occurring. Option d suggests that the cell cycle would lack an S phase, but the S phase (where DNA is replicated) is not directly related to cytokinesis.
4. Step 4: Choose the correct answer. Based on the evaluation, the most likely outcome of mitosis occurring without cytokinesis is that there would be cells with more than one nucleus (option a).
5. Step 5: Confirm the answer. Without cytokinesis, the cell's cytoplasm isn't divided, so the nuclei produced by mitosis would all be contained within a single cell, leading to a cell with more than one nucleus.

Key Concepts

Mitosis

Mitosis is the process of cell division where a single cell divides to produce two genetically identical daughter cells. It involves several stages: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase, which ensure that the chromosomes are accurately replicated and distributed. Understanding mitosis is crucial for grasping how cells reproduce and maintain genetic continuity.

Cytokinesis

Cytokinesis is the final step of cell division, occurring after mitosis, where the cytoplasm of a parental cell divides into two daughter cells. In some organisms, cytokinesis may not occur, leading to multinucleated cells, known as syncytia. This process is essential for understanding how cell division can vary among different organisms and the implications of such variations.

Multinucleation

Multinucleation refers to the presence of multiple nuclei within a single cell, which can occur when mitosis happens without cytokinesis. This phenomenon is observed in certain organisms and can affect cellular function and development. Recognizing the implications of multinucleation helps in understanding how cells adapt to different physiological conditions and the potential consequences for organismal health.