Question

Based on your data, what can you infer about the length of time spent in each stage of the cell cycle?
What stages were the longest and shortest? Give a brief explanation of why these stages may have that time period.
What is a distinguishing visible feature of each stage of the cell cycle?
What differences can you see when you compare the nucleus of a dividing cell with that of a nondividing cell?
If your observation had not been restricted to the tip of the onion root, how would the results be different?

Answer 1

Data and Observations:

Stage Number of Cells in Part 1 Number of Cells in Part 2
Interphase 12 16
Prophase 11 10
Metaphase 4 7
Anaphase 10 16
Telophase 10 21
Cytokinesis 6 3



Stage Time Spent in the 1st stage Time Spent in the 2nd stage Interphase 42.85% 57.14% Prophase 190.90% 210% Metaphase 275% 157.14% Anaphase 260% 162.5% Telophase 310% 147.61% Cytokinesis 300% 150%