Question

A particular slide of cells is observed under a microscope. The scientist observes 278 cells in mitosis and 785 cells in total. Calculate the mitotic index (in terms of percentage).

a. 5%
b. 13%
c. 21%
d. 30%
e. 35%

Answer 1

To calculate the mitotic index, divide the number of cells in mitosis (278) by the total number of cells (785) and multiply by 100, resulting in an index of approximately 35%.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question asks for the calculation of the mitotic index, which is the ratio of cells in mitosis to the total number of cells, expressed as a percentage. To calculate the mitotic index, one should divide the number of cells observed in mitosis by the total number of cells, and then multiply the result by 100 to convert it into a percentage.

The calculation would be: (278 cells in mitosis / 785 total cells) × 100 = 35.41%.

Rounded to the nearest whole number, the mitotic index is 35%. Therefore, the correct answer is e. 35%.