Onion root lab

Which stages of the cell cycle appear to be the shortest?

Anaphase, Metaphase, and Telophase

Steps to calculating time for phases.

Count how many cells Divide number of cells in each stage by the total number of cells Multiply each number by 1440 (minutes in one day)

Which stages of the cell cycle appear to be the longest?

Interphase and Prophase. Interphase includes G1, S, G2. All of these steps cause the cell to be in here for 90% of its life. Prophase the chromatin begins to form into chromosomes.

How do plant cells differ from animal cells in cell division?

Plant cells and animal cells both undergo mitotic cell division. Animal cells have centrioles that support the organization of mitotic spindle and cytokinesis, but plant cells don't have centrioles. During cytokinesis animal cells, the cell membrane is drawn inward until the cytoplasm is pinched into two nearly equal parts. Each part contains its own nucleus and cytoplasmic organelles. During cytokinesis in plant cells.The cell membrane is not flexible enough to draw inward because of the rigid cell wall that surrounds it. Instead, a structure known as the cell plate forms halfway between the divided nuclei. The cell plate gradually develops into cell membranes that separate the two daughter cells.

Why is an onion root tip a good place to look for dividing cells?

Rapidly growing part of the onion, indicates many cells will be in different stages of mitosis.