a. Describe binary fission - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 1 - 2009 - Paper 1
Question 1
a. Describe binary fission.
Binary fission is a form of asexual reproduction commonly seen in prokaryotic organisms, such as bacteria. During this process, the orga... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:a. Describe binary fission - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 1 - 2009 - Paper 1
Step 1
Describe binary fission.
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Answer
Binary fission is a form of asexual reproduction commonly seen in prokaryotic organisms, such as bacteria. During this process, the organism duplicates its genetic material and then divides into two identical daughter cells. The steps of binary fission include:
Duplication of the circular DNA molecule.
Elongation of the cell, which helps separate the duplicated DNA.
Formation of a septum that divides the cell into two parts.
Finally, the cell membrane pinches inwards, resulting in two separate, genetically identical cells.
Step 2
Explain at which labelled point (P, Q, R, V, W) in the cycle image D would be found.
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Image D shows the appearance of a chromosome during metaphase of mitosis, where chromosomes align at the cell equator. This would correlate with point P in the mitotic cell cycle diagram.
Step 3
Explain why apoptosis sometimes occurs during the cell cycle represented in the above diagram.
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Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, may occur during the cell cycle for various reasons, such as DNA damage or the presence of abnormal cells. This self-regulatory process helps to eliminate cells that could potentially lead to tumor formation, thus maintaining cellular integrity and overall health of the organism.