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CAIE A Level Biology 9700 · The mitotic cell cycle

The mitotic cell cycle: describe question

Describe5 marksChallenge

A biologist observes a cell under a light microscope and records the following features:

  • The chromosomes are visible as single structures (each consisting of one chromatid) that are moving towards opposite poles of the cell.
  • Spindle fibres are attached to the centromeres and appear to be shortening.
  • The cell surface membrane shows a furrow around the middle.
  • The nuclear envelope is absent.

Describe the stage of mitosis this cell is in and the behaviour of the chromosomes and other structures at this stage.

0 words · 5 marks

No account needed for your first marks. Your answer is used only to mark it.

How this question is marked

5 marks, so the mark scheme is looking for about 5 separate creditworthy points. Making the same point twice in different words earns it once.

Describe means: Say what happens or what something is like, in order and with detail. You are not being asked why. If there is data, quote it: name the trend, then give figures with units at the points where it changes.

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