Question

Name 2 things that happen to a cell during Early Prophase.

A) DNA condenses into visible chromosomes and the nuclear envelope begins to break down
B) The cell divides into two identical daughter cells and the chromosomes align at the cell's equator
C) The cell prepares for mitosis by duplicating its DNA and the nucleolus becomes more prominent
D) The chromosomes separate and move to opposite poles of the cell, and the cell plate forms

Answer 1

In early prophase of mitosis, DNA condenses into visible chromosomes, and the nuclear envelope begins to break down, setting the stage for chromosome alignment and cell division.

Step-by-step explanation:

During the early prophase of mitosis, two main things happen within a cell:

1. The DNA condenses from its loosely wound chromatin state into tightly coiled and visible chromosomes. This coiling makes the chromosomes identifiable under a microscope, often exhibiting the characteristic X-shape known as sister chromatids.
2. The nuclear envelope, which encloses the nucleus, begins to disintegrate, allowing the chromosomes to be accessed during later stages of cell division.

Together these events set the stage for the subsequent phases of mitosis, where chromosomes will align, segregate, and eventually lead to the division of the cell into two new cells.

The correct answer to the student's question is A) DNA condenses into visible chromosomes and the nuclear envelope begins to break down.