A human skin cell contains 46 chromosomes. Explain what happens to the chromosome number during mitosis and state the number of chromosomes found in each daughter cell produced.
Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).
Model answer (4 marks)
The chromosomes are duplicated before mitosis begins.
The cell undergoes one division.
The chromosome number is maintained in the daughter cells.
Each daughter cell contains 46 chromosomes.
The cell undergoes one division.
The chromosome number is maintained in the daughter cells.
Each daughter cell contains 46 chromosomes.
Examiner tips
- Use the exact wording from the mark scheme – e.g. "duplicated", "one division", "maintained". Show the sequence: duplication → division → same chromosome number. Include the final chromosome count for each daughter cell.
- common_mistakes
- :
- Saying the chromosome number doubles in the daughter cells. Omitting that only one division occurs. Using vague terms like "the same number" without specifying 46.
Mark scheme (4 marks)
- The chromosomes are copied / duplicated before mitosis begins
- The cell divides once / undergoes one division
- The chromosome number is maintained / stays the same in the daughter cells
- Each daughter cell contains 46 chromosomes
Key terms in this question
Related
- All WJEC GCSE Biology (Wales) revision notes →
- How to answer a "Explain" question →
- Decode the mark scheme abbreviations →
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