The cell depicted below has a diploid number of 8 (2n = 8).
Assuming cell division started with a diploid cell, in what stage of what type of cell division is the cell?
A)anaphase of mitosis
B)anaphase I of meiosis
C)anaphase II of meiosis
D)Both a and c are possible.

Question

The cell depicted below has a diploid number of 8 (2n = 8). 
Assuming cell division started with a diploid cell, in what stage of what type of cell division is the cell?
A)anaphase of mitosis 
B)anaphase I of meiosis 
C)anaphase II of meiosis 
D)Both a and c are possible.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The diploid number of 8 indicates that the cell is in meiosis rather than mitosis. Meiosis involves two rounds of cell division, resulting in four genetically diverse haploid cells. Anaphase II of meiosis is when the sister chromatids separate and move to opposite poles of the cell, which matches the image provided. Option A is incorrect because anaphase of mitosis would result in two genetically identical diploid cells, which is not the case here. Option B is incorrect because anaphase I of meiosis is when homologous chromosomes separate, which would result in two cells with different genetic compositions than the cell shown.

The Cell Depicted Below Has a Diploid Number of 8