Question

In some organisms, such as certain fungi and algae, cells undergo the cell cycle repeatedly without subsequently undergoing cytokinesis. What would result from this?

A) a decrease in chromosome number
B) inability to duplicate DNA
C) large cells containing many nuclei
D) a rapid rate of gamete production
E) division of the organism into many cells, most lacking nuclei

Answer 1

C) large cells containing many nuclei

Step-by-step explanation:

Mitosis (it's a stage in the cell cycle) is seen when the cell DNA has undergo duplication, resulting in two sets of chromosomes in a cell which are separated with the formation of two identical nuclei imside the cell.

We know that normally cytokinesis is the final stage in mitosis resulting in division of the cell cytoplasm and nuclei over two separate, identical daughter cells. ***The aftermath of mitosis without cytokinesis yield a cell with more than one nucleus.***

This type of cell is termed a multinucleated cell. It may occur normally as seen in humans possessing particular multinucleated bone cells (osteoclasts) which are produced via this means. This process can also be seen at the early development of particular insects e.g. the fruit fly (Drosophila). It may be a sign of a altered cell cycle, indicating a pathological activity as observed in tumors.