A species of lizard can regenerate its tail after loss. During regeneration, a mass of stem cells in the tail bud undergoes rapid cell division to produce new tissues. Researchers observe that the majority of these divisions produce genetically identical daughter cells. Explain why mitosis normally produces genetically identical daughter cells. In your answer, refer to: • chromosome structure • the stages of the mitotic cell cycle • the role of telomeres • the potential consequences if mitosis becomes uncontrolled.
CAIE A Level Biology 9700 · The mitotic cell cycle
The mitotic cell cycle: explain question
Explain6 marksChallenge
How this question is marked
6 marks, so the mark scheme is looking for about 6 separate creditworthy points. Making the same point twice in different words earns it once.
Explain means: Give the reasons or the mechanism: why or how something happens. Link each point to the next with because, so or which means. A list of facts with no links usually loses the reasoning marks.
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