An animal cell with a diploid chromosome number of 2n = 16 is undergoing mitosis. What will be the number of chromosomes and chromatids respectively in this cell during Metaphase and Anaphase?

Step-by-step solution

In a cell with 2n = 16 , the DNA replicates during the S phase, but the chromosome number remains the same. Each chromosome now consists of two sister chromatids. During Metaphase, the chromosomes align at the equator. The centromeres have not yet split. Therefore, there are 16 chromosomes, and since each has two chromatids, there are 16 2 = 32 chromatids. During Anaphase, the centromere of each chromosome splits. The 32 sister chromatids separate and are now referred to as daughter chromosomes. Because they are no