During Which Three Phases Are Individual Chromosomes No Longer Visible?

During Which Three Phases Are Individual Chromosomes No Longer Visible?

A) Prophase, Anaphase, Telophase

B) Metaphase, Telophase, Cytokinesis

C) Interphase, Telophase, Cytokinesis

D) Interphase, Prophase, Metaphase

Correct Answer: C)

Interphase, Telophase, Cytokinesis

Explanation:

It's only during the Interphase, Telophase, and Cytokinesis that individual chromosomes are not visible. In these processes, they are in a less condensed form called chromatin, a thread-like structure spread throughout the nucleus.

• Interphase: The cell is not dividing. DNA is replicated, but still in the relaxed chromatin form.
• Telophase: Chromosomes uncoil and begin to return to their chromatin state.
• Cytokinesis: The division of cytoplasm occurs, and the chromosomes are already uncoiled, making them invisible under a microscope.

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Why Not the Other Options?

• A) Prophase, Anaphase, Telophase:

  Prophase and Anaphase both have clearly visible chromosomes as they condense and separate.

• B) Metaphase, Telophase, Cytokinesis:

  Metaphase is when chromosomes are most condensed and visible, lined up at the cell’s equator.

• D) Interphase, Prophase, Metaphase:

  Prophase and Metaphase involve chromosome condensation, so they are very visible.

Some important FAQs

Q1: What cellular structure helps chromosomes condense and become visible during mitosis?

A: Proteins called histones assist in DNA coiling and packaging. They are hence responsible for chromosomes condensing and becoming visible during mitosis.

Q2: What is the role of the nucleolus during the phases when chromosomes are not visible?

A: During interphase, the nucleolus is active in producing ribosomes. It disappears during mitosis and reappears in telophase when chromosomes relax again.

Q3: Why is chromatin structure important during interphase?

A: The relaxed chromatin state allows easier access for transcription and DNA replication, crucial processes that happen in interphase.

Q4: Can chromosome invisibility affect genetic studies under a microscope?

A: Yes. During invisible phases, specialized staining or fluorescence is needed to study DNA. After all, normal light microscopes can’t distinguish chromatin.

Q5: How do scientists differentiate between phases where chromosomes are not visible?

A: They observe nuclear envelope status, nucleolus presence, and DNA staining patterns to identify interphase, telophase, and cytokinesis.

Q6: What happens to the nuclear envelope when chromosomes are not visible?

A: In interphase, the nuclear envelope is intact. It reforms during telophase after disintegrating in earlier phases.

Q7: Are chromosomes ever partially visible during transitions between phases?

A: Yes. Transitions like late telophase or early prophase may show semi-condensed DNA, which might appear faint under certain microscopes.