AQA · GCSE · Biology

    Course version: 8461 · Version from Sept 2018

    During the cell cycle the genetic material is doubled and then divided…

    Full specification wording

    Mitosis and the cell cycle: During the cell cycle the genetic material is doubled and then divided into two identical cells.

    The cell cycle is the sequence of growth, DNA replication and division that produces two genetically identical cells.

    Checked against the AQA 8461 specification (opens in a new tab) on .

    • Point 2 of 9
    • 4 key terms

    Study notes

    From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.

    The idea

    The cell cycle is the sequence of growth, DNA replication and division that produces two genetically identical cells. It has three main stages: interphase, during which the cell grows and the genetic material is doubled so each chromosome becomes two identical copies; mitosis, when the copies are separated and the nucleus divides; and cytokinesis, when the cytoplasm and cell membrane divide to form two cells. The two daughter cells are identical to each other and to the parent because each receives one complete copy of every chromosome.

    For example: A human body cell with 46 chromosomes replicates its DNA, then divides so each new cell has 46 chromosomes.

    What earns the marks

    • States that the genetic material is doubled during interphase before division occurs.
    • Describes DNA replication as producing two identical copies of each chromosome.
    • Explains that mitosis separates the copies so each daughter cell receives one full set of chromosomes.
    • Concludes that the two daughter cells are genetically identical to each other and to the parent cell.
    • Uses the term cell cycle to link growth, DNA replication, mitosis and cytokinesis in the correct order.

    Common mistakes and how to put them right

    • Thinking the cell divides first and then doubles its DNA.

      Put it right by placing DNA replication in interphase before mitosis.

    • Saying the daughter cells are similar rather than genetically identical.

      Put it right by stating they have the same chromosome number and identical DNA.

    • Confusing the cell cycle with meiosis.

      Put it right by noting that meiosis produces gametes with half the chromosome number, whereas the cell cycle described here produces identical body cells.

    Exam tips

    • Sequence your answer as interphase, mitosis, cytokinesis so the doubling and dividing are clearly linked.
    • Use the phrase genetically identical and refer to chromosome number to show precise understanding.
    • If asked to compare, mention that meiosis halves the chromosome number while this division keeps it the same.

    Try the lesson

    The start of the Mitosis and the cell cycle: During the cell cycle the genetic material is doubled and then divided into two identical cells. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.

    Have a go first

    During the cell cycle, what happens to the genetic material before it is divided into two identical cells?

    Listen

    The cell cycle is the sequence of growth, DNA replication and division that produces two genetically identical cells. It has three main stages: interphase, during which the cell grows and the genetic material is doubled so each chromosome becomes two identical copies; mitosis, when the copies are separated and the nucleus divides; and cytokinesis, when the cytoplasm and cell membrane divide to form two cells. The two daughter cells are identical to each other and to the parent because each receives one complete copy of every chromosome. For example, a human body cell with 46 chromosomes replicates its DNA, then divides so each new cell has 46 chromosomes. A strong answer earns marks for these points. States that the genetic material is doubled during interphase before division occurs. Describes DNA replication as producing two identical copies of each chromosome. Explains that mitosis separates the copies so each daughter cell receives one full set of chromosomes. Concludes that the two daughter cells are genetically identical to each other and to the parent cell. A common slip: Thinking the cell divides first and then doubles its DNA. Instead, placing DNA replication in interphase before mitosis. Exam tip: Sequence your answer as interphase, mitosis, cytokinesis so the doubling and dividing are clearly linked.

    See it

    A top-to-bottom flowchart with six boxes joined by arrows. The first box says the cell cycle begins and points to a box for interphase, where the cell grows and the genetic material is doubled. That points to a box saying each chromosome becomes two identical copies, which points to mitosis, where the copies are separated and the nucleus divides. This points to cytokinesis, where the cytoplasm and cell membrane divide, and the last box says two daughter cells are produced, genetically identical to each other and to the parent.
    It shows the order of the cell cycle: interphase with doubling of the genetic material, then mitosis, then cytokinesis, producing two genetically identical daughter cells.

    Put it in order

    Put these steps in the order they happen.

    1. 1. Each chromosome becomes two identical copies
    2. 2. Interphase: cell grows and genetic material is doubled
    3. 3. Cell cycle begins
    4. 4. Two daughter cells, genetically identical to each other and to the parent
    5. 5. Cytokinesis: cytoplasm and cell membrane divide
    6. 6. Mitosis: copies are separated and the nucleus divides

    Key words

    Say what each word means before you turn the card.

    Cell cycle stages

    Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.

    DNA replication

    Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.

    Genetic continuity

    Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.

    Identical daughter cells

    Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.

    See every definition
    Cell cycle stages
    The sequence of growth, DNA replication and division, with three main stages: interphase, mitosis and cytokinesis.
    DNA replication
    Occurs during interphase, when the genetic material is doubled so each chromosome becomes two identical copies.
    Genetic continuity
    Each daughter cell receives one complete copy of every chromosome, so the two cells are identical to each other and to the parent.
    Identical daughter cells
    The two cells formed are genetically identical to each other and to the parent cell because each receives one full set of chromosomes.

    Label the diagram

    Some boxes have lost their names. Pick the right name for each number.

    The diagram again, with 3 boxes numbered instead of named. A top-to-bottom flowchart with six boxes joined by arrows. The first box says the cell cycle begins and points to a box for interphase, where the cell grows and the genetic material is doubled. That points to a box saying each chromosome becomes two identical copies, which points to mitosis, where the copies are separated and the nucleus divides. This points to cytokinesis, where the cytoplasm and cell membrane divide, and the last box says two daughter cells are produced, genetically identical to each other and to the parent.

    • 1Box 1

    • 2Box 2

    • 3Box 3

    0 of 3 labelled

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