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In the early stages of mitosis or meiosis (cell division), the chromatin strands become more and more condensed. They cease to function as accessible genetic material (transcription stops) and become a compact transportable form. This compact form makes the individual chromosomes visible, and they form the classic four arm structure, a pair of sister chromatids attached to each other at the centromere. The shorter arms are called p arms (from the French petit, small) and the longer arms are called q arms (q follows p in the Latin alphabet). This is the only natural context in which individual chromosomes are visible with an optical microscope.

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Can chromosomes be seen only during cell division?

No, chromosomes can also be seen in non-dividing cells during interphase under a microscope. In interphase, chromosomes are less condensed and appear as long, thin, thread-like structures within the nucleus. During cell division, chromosomes condense further to become more visible as distinct structures.


Chromosomes are only present in the cell cycle during?

Chromosomes are present in the cell cycle during the S (synthesis) phase and the M (mitotic) phase. In the S phase, DNA is replicated to produce identical sister chromatids, while in the M phase, the chromosomes condense and align for segregation into daughter cells during cell division.


Chromosomes first become visible during?

Chromosomes first become visible during cell division, specifically during mitosis and meiosis. As the cell prepares to divide, the DNA condenses and coils tightly to form chromosomes, which can be seen under a microscope. This helps to ensure accurate distribution of genetic material to daughter cells.


Why are chromosomes visible during cell division?

Chromosomes become visible during cell division because they condense and coil up, which makes them more compact and easier to separate into daughter cells. This condensed form helps ensure equal distribution of genetic material to the new cells.


What stage of the cell's life cycle do the chromosomes become visible?

Chromosomes become visible during the prophase stage of the cell cycle, when they condense and can be seen under a microscope as distinct structures. This marks the beginning of cell division.

Related Questions

Can chromosomes be seen clearly after the G2 phase?

Originally: no because G2 phase is the cell growth My Improved answer (copied and pasted from cha cha): Yes, chromosomes can be seen clearly after the G2 phase. Chromosomes vary widely between different organisms. The DNA molecule may be circular or linear, and can be composed of 10,000 to 1,000,000,000


What cell parts are more clearly visible when a cell is dividing?

During cell division, structures like the chromosomes, spindle fibers, and centrioles are more clearly visible. Chromosomes condense and can be seen as distinct entities, spindle fibers form a dynamic network between the centrioles, and the centrioles organize the spindle apparatus.


Can chromosomes be seen in a cell that is observed in prophase?

Yes. During prophase the chromosomes condense to prepare for cell division.


Where are the chromosomes?

Chromosomes are the rod-shaped, filamentous bodies present in the nucleus, which become visible during cell division. They are the carriers of the gene or unit of heredity. Chromosome are not visible in active nucleus due to their high water content, but are clearly seen during cell division.


Where are chromosomes?

Chromosomes are the rod-shaped, filamentous bodies present in the nucleus, which become visible during cell division. They are the carriers of the gene or unit of heredity. Chromosome are not visible in active nucleus due to their high water content, but are clearly seen during cell division.


Chromosomes can be seen only during what?

During cell division (Mitosis, Miosis)


Can chromosomes be seen clearly after G2 phase?

Originally: no because G2 phase is the cell growth My Improved answer (copied and pasted from cha cha): Yes, chromosomes can be seen clearly after the G2 phase. Chromosomes vary widely between different organisms. The DNA molecule may be circular or linear, and can be composed of 10,000 to 1,000,000,000


Can chromosomes be seen only during cell division?

No, chromosomes can also be seen in non-dividing cells during interphase under a microscope. In interphase, chromosomes are less condensed and appear as long, thin, thread-like structures within the nucleus. During cell division, chromosomes condense further to become more visible as distinct structures.


Chromosomes are only present in the cell cycle during?

Chromosomes are present in the cell cycle during the S (synthesis) phase and the M (mitotic) phase. In the S phase, DNA is replicated to produce identical sister chromatids, while in the M phase, the chromosomes condense and align for segregation into daughter cells during cell division.


Where are chromosomes present in a cell?

Chromosomes are seen in the nucleus of the eukaryotic cells.


What phase of the cell cycle would chromosomes in a cell be seen?

Chromosomes can be seen in the metaphase stage of the cell cycle, when they align along the center of the cell prior to division.


How are chromosomes arranged from the beginning of cell division?

At the beginning of cell division, chromosomes condense and align along the cell's equator in a single file during the metaphase stage of mitosis or meiosis. This alignment ensures that each daughter cell receives an equal and identical set of chromosomes during the subsequent separation.