Question

The shortest stage of mitosis often lasting only a few minutes is

• A. Prophase
• B. Metaphase
• C. Anaphase
• D. Telophase

Hint:

In mitosis, Metaphase is the shortest stage, as chromosomes align at the metaphase plate before separation.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Overview of the stages of mitosis.
Mitosis is the process by which a eukaryotic cell divides to form two identical daughter cells. The stages of mitosis include: - Prophase: Chromosomes condense and become visible, and the nuclear membrane begins to dissolve. - Metaphase: Chromosomes align at the metaphase plate. - Anaphase: Chromatids (now chromosomes) are pulled apart toward opposite poles. - Telophase: Chromosomes reach the poles and begin to de-condense, and the nuclear envelope reforms.
Step 2: Identifying the shortest stage.
The shortest stage in mitosis is metaphase, where chromosomes align at the center of the cell. This stage takes only a few minutes. In contrast, prophase and telophase are longer, while anaphase is also relatively brief, but metapahse is still the shortest.
Step 3: Conclusion.
Thus, the shortest stage of mitosis, lasting only a few minutes, is (2) Metaphase.

Answer 2

Let's think through the relative time each phase of mitosis typically occupies in a dividing cell, and compare that against each option.

1. Prophase: Chromosomes gradually condense, the spindle starts forming, and the nuclear envelope breaks down - this is one of the longer phases of mitosis since a lot of reorganization has to happen.
2. Metaphase: Chromosomes align at the metaphase plate and the spindle checkpoint verifies proper attachment before anaphase can begin; this checking process can take a noticeable amount of time compared to some of the other phases.
3. Anaphase: Once the checkpoint is satisfied, sister chromatids separate and are pulled rapidly to opposite poles by the shortening spindle fibers, a quick and simple movement compared to the setup and checking steps of the phase before it.
4. Telophase: Chromosomes decondense, nuclear envelopes reform around each set, and the cell prepares for cytokinesis - another comparatively lengthy phase due to the amount of reorganization involved.

Weighing the amount of cellular reorganization required in each phase, the alignment-and-checkpoint phase is the briefest, since it involves precise positioning and verification rather than large-scale structural change.

Therefore, the correct answer is Metaphase.