Several organisms, primarily protists, have what are called intermediate mitotic organization. What is the most probable hypothesis about these intermediate forms of cell division?
A) They represent a form of cell reproduction that must have evolved completely separately from those of other organisms.
B) They rely on totally different proteins for the processes they undergo.
C) They may be more closely related to plant forms that also have unusual mitosis.
D) They show some but not all of the evolutionary steps toward complete mitosis.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The hypothesis that intermediate mitotic organization represents some but not all of the evolutionary steps toward complete mitosis is the most probable because these organisms show some, but not all, of the typical characteristics of mitosis. This suggests that they may have evolved from a simpler form of mitosis, but have not yet developed all of the necessary proteins or regulatory mechanisms.

Several Organisms, Primarily Protists, Have What Are Called Intermediate Mitotic