Question #b8e6b
1 Answer
Think of it as packing for a trip. Mother nature needs to make sure that no transcription / translation is happening and that condensing the DNA it is easier to separate as two new cells are formed.
Explanation:
The cell cycle is unique to that cell you are looking at. However, cells that are in a cycle have to grow to a specific size, duplicate all of the genetic information of the DNA, and then form two new cells. (Note: Humans - 23 pair are duplicated to 46 pair of DNA)
After checking, checkpoints (G1, S, G2), the cell is prepared to enter mitosis. To complete mitosis and then cytokenesis (splinting to make two cells) the duplicated DNA has to be packed to insure that it doesn't end up in the wrong place. Think pairs of your socks before you put them in your sock drawer. If in the wrong place and you can only find one sock - your entire outfit could be ruined.
In prophase of mitosis, the nuclear envelope dissolves and the 46 DNA do condense to make it easier to separate the 46 pair at the Metaphase plate during anaphase. Finally, during telophase the condense chromosomes return to their "non-condensed" state - Chromatin. This chromatin can now function in transcription / translation responsibility of a metabolically active cell.
