Answer:
= 16 cells
Step-by-step explanation:
Mitosis is the stage of cell division in nonsexual cells of eukaryotic organisms (that is, cells that have a nucleus). It takes place in several phases, begins after DNA duplication and ends with the separation of the two daughter cells.
It is a fundamental mechanism that occurs for the first time in the hours following fertilization.
After duplication of the genetic material, during interphase, it condenses and groups to form chromosomes with two genetically identical chromatids: this is the prophase. The nuclear membrane then dislocates, and the centromeres of the chromosomes (the area where the two chromatids of the same chromosome overlap) bind to the microtubules via the kinetochores. Gradually, all the chromosomes are sequestered at the equator of the cell: this is the metaphase.
Then, during anaphase, the chromosomes will split into two chromatids, each of which is pulled towards a pole of the cell. Thus, at each top of the cell, there is a copy of each chromosome. During telophase, the nuclear envelope will begin to reform around the set of chromosomes as the DNA gradually decondensed. The plasma membrane invaginates equatorially under the action of a ring of myosin and actin. Increasingly narrow, the bridge between the cells eventually breaks, and two cells are formed as a result of cytodieresis. Each of them can resume their growth.
Now; having understood what Mitosis is all about.
When a single cell undergoes mitosis every 5 minutes; we have the formation of two daughter cells.
Then in 20 minutes; we will have:
=
=
= 16 cells