Our closest primate relative, the chimpanzee, has a diploid number of 2n =48. For each of the following stages of M phase, identify the number of chromosomes present in each cell.

end of mitotic telophase

Key Concepts

Diploid Number

The diploid number (2n) refers to the total number of chromosomes in a somatic cell, which includes pairs of homologous chromosomes. In the case of chimpanzees, the diploid number is 48, meaning there are 24 pairs of chromosomes. This concept is crucial for understanding how chromosomes are distributed during cell division.

M Phase of Cell Cycle

The M phase, or mitotic phase, is the part of the cell cycle where cell division occurs, including mitosis and cytokinesis. During this phase, the cell undergoes several stages, including prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase, leading to the separation of sister chromatids and the formation of two daughter cells. Understanding the M phase is essential for determining the number of chromosomes at different stages of cell division.

Mitotic Telophase

Mitotic telophase is the final stage of mitosis, where the separated sister chromatids reach the opposite poles of the cell and begin to de-condense back into chromatin. At the end of telophase, the cell is preparing to divide into two daughter cells, each with the same diploid number of chromosomes as the original cell. Therefore, at the end of mitotic telophase, the number of chromosomes in each cell is still 48, but they are no longer in the condensed form.