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.

mitotic metaphase

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 organized and distributed during cell division.

M Phase of the Cell Cycle

M Phase, or mitotic phase, is the stage of the cell cycle where cell division occurs, encompassing both mitosis and cytokinesis. During mitosis, the cell's chromosomes are separated into two new nuclei. Understanding M Phase is essential for determining the number of chromosomes present at specific stages, such as mitotic metaphase.

Mitotic Metaphase

Mitotic metaphase is a specific stage in mitosis where chromosomes align at the cell's equatorial plane, known as the metaphase plate. At this point, each chromosome is composed of two sister chromatids, but they are counted as individual chromosomes. For chimpanzees, during mitotic metaphase, there would be 48 chromosomes present, as the chromatids are still attached.