Using the averages from Table 1, create a pie chart showing the percent of time the cell is in interphase versus mitosis in untreated root tips. Write a brief description connecting that picture to Figure 1 from the background reading and identify the general phase that cells spend the majority of their time normally.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Answer:
Assuming the averages from Table 1 of the onion root tip experiment show the following data for untreated cells:
- Interphase: 850 cells
- Mitosis (Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase combined): 150 cells
- Total cells counted: 1000 cells
Percentage Calculation:
- Interphase: (850 / 1000) × 100 = 85%
- Mitosis: (150 / 1000) × 100 = 15%
Pie Chart Description:
A pie chart based on these values should display two sections:
- Interphase (85%) – the dominant portion of the chart, often shown in blue.
- Mitosis (15%) – a smaller portion, commonly highlighted in red or orange.
This visual representation clearly shows that the majority of the cell cycle in untreated onion root tip cells is spent in interphase.
Connection to Figure 1 and Interpretation:
Figure 1 from the background reading typically illustrates the phases of the cell cycle in sequence: Interphase (G₁, S, G₂) followed by Mitosis (M phase) and Cytokinesis. The pie chart supports this model by quantifying the time spent in each phase. The chart confirms that most of the cell cycle is occupied by interphase, where cells grow, replicate DNA, and prepare for division.
The data reinforces a fundamental concept in cell biology: interphase is the general phase where cells spend the majority of their life cycle. During this stage, critical cellular functions such as growth, DNA synthesis, and organelle duplication occur. Mitosis, in contrast, is a relatively short and highly regulated event focused on the equal division of genetic material.
By combining the visual data from the pie chart and the structural overview in Figure 1, it becomes clear that a typical eukaryotic cell spends most of its existence in preparation for, rather than in the act of, division.
