Cell Division — Biology Practice Worksheet

Grades 9–10 Medium difficulty 10 problems

Cell division is how organisms grow, repair tissue, and reproduce. The cell cycle has interphase (G1, S, G2) where DNA is replicated, followed by mitosis (nuclear division) and cytokinesis (cytoplasm division).

Mitosis produces two genetically identical diploid daughter cells — used for growth and repair. Meiosis produces four genetically unique haploid gametes — used for sexual reproduction.

Key mitosis phases: prophase (chromosomes condense), metaphase (align at equator), anaphase (sister chromatids separate), telophase (nuclei reform). Meiosis includes two rounds of division.

Skills practiced

  • Identifying phases of mitosis and meiosis
  • Distinguishing mitosis from meiosis
  • Understanding chromosome number changes
  • Explaining purposes of each type of division
Name: Date: Period:

Practice Worksheet: Cell Division

Instructions: Solve each problem carefully. Show all work clearly. Write your final answer in the space provided or on a separate sheet as directed.

  1. 1.Which of the following is the correct order of the phases of mitosis?
    1. A. Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase
    2. B. Metaphase, Prophase, Anaphase, Telophase
    3. C. Anaphase, Telophase, Prophase, Metaphase
    4. D. Prophase, Anaphase, Metaphase, Telophase
  2. 2.During which phase of the cell cycle does DNA replication occur?
  3. 3.Label the following stages of mitosis in the diagram below. Choose from: Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase.
  4. 4.What is the main difference between mitosis and cytokinesis?
  5. 5.Which of the following is true about sister chromatids?
    1. A. They are identical copies of each other
    2. B. They are pulled apart during prophase
    3. C. They are formed during telophase
    4. D. They are only found in plant cells
  6. 6.Describe what happens during interphase. Include the three subphases.
  7. 7.The structure that forms across the middle of a plant cell during cytokinesis is called the .
  8. 8.If a cell has 46 chromosomes before mitosis, how many chromosomes will each daughter cell have after mitosis and cytokinesis? Explain your reasoning.
  9. 9.Which phase of mitosis is characterized by chromosomes lining up along the equator of the cell?
    1. A. Prophase
    2. B. Metaphase
    3. C. Anaphase
    4. D. Telophase
  10. 10.Explain the role of spindle fibers during mitosis.

Answer Key

  1. 1.
    This is the correct sequence of mitotic phases.
    Final answer: a) Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase
  2. 2.
    DNA replication occurs during the S phase, which is part of interphase.
    Final answer: S phase (Synthesis phase) of interphase.
  3. 3.
    Prophase: chromosomes condense; Metaphase: chromosomes align at equator; Anaphase: sister chromatids separate; Telophase: nuclear membranes reform.
    Final answer: Stage A: Prophase, Stage B: Metaphase, Stage C: Anaphase, Stage D: Telophase
  4. 4.
    Mitosis ends with two nuclei; cytokinesis completes cell division by splitting the cell into two daughter cells.
    Final answer: Mitosis is the division of the nucleus (chromosomes), while cytokinesis is the division of the cytoplasm.
  5. 5.
    Sister chromatids are identical copies formed during DNA replication, held together at the centromere.
    Final answer: a) They are identical copies of each other
  6. 6.
    During interphase, the cell grows, duplicates its DNA, and prepares for division.
    Final answer: Interphase consists of three subphases: G1 (cell growth and protein synthesis), S (DNA replication), and G2 (preparation for mitosis).
  7. 7.
    In plant cells, a cell plate forms at the equator and develops into a new cell wall.
    Final answer: cell plate
  8. 8.
    Mitosis produces two genetically identical daughter cells, each with the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell (46 in humans). The chromosomes are replicated during S phase, then separated equally.
    Final answer: Each daughter cell will have 46 chromosomes.
  9. 9.
    During metaphase, chromosomes line up along the metaphase plate (equator) of the cell.
    Final answer: b) Metaphase
  10. 10.
    During prophase, spindle fibers form from centrosomes. In metaphase, they align chromosomes. In anaphase, they pull sister chromatids apart toward opposite poles.
    Final answer: Spindle fibers attach to the centromeres of chromosomes and help move them during mitosis.
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Common mistakes to avoid

  • Confusing sister chromatids with homologous chromosomes
  • Thinking meiosis produces identical cells
  • Forgetting DNA replication occurs before mitosis in interphase
  • Mixing up haploid (n) and diploid (2n) counts

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