In the cells of some organisms, mitosis occurs without cytokinesis. This will result ina. cells with more than one nucleus.b. cells that are unusually small.c. cells lacking nuclei.d. cell cycles lacking an S phase.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the process of mitosis: Mitosis is the division of a cell's nucleus into two genetically identical nuclei, each with its own set of DNA.
2. Understand the process of cytokinesis: Cytokinesis is the division of the cytoplasm, resulting in two separate cells.
3. Consider what happens if mitosis occurs without cytokinesis: The nucleus divides, but the cytoplasm does not, leading to a single cell with multiple nuclei.
4. Analyze the options: a) cells with more than one nucleus, b) cells that are unusually small, c) cells lacking nuclei, d) cell cycles lacking an S phase.
5. Determine which option aligns with the scenario of mitosis without cytokinesis: The correct answer is the one that describes a cell with multiple nuclei.

Key Concepts

Mitosis

Mitosis is the process of cell division where a single cell divides to produce two identical daughter cells, each containing the same number of chromosomes as the original cell. It consists of several phases: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. Understanding mitosis is crucial for recognizing how genetic material is distributed during cell division.

Cytokinesis

Cytokinesis is the final step of cell division, following mitosis, where the cytoplasm of a parental cell is divided into two daughter cells. In some organisms, if cytokinesis does not occur, it can lead to the formation of multinucleated cells, as the nuclei may divide without the cell physically separating. This concept is essential for understanding the implications of incomplete cell division.

Multinucleation

Multinucleation refers to the presence of multiple nuclei within a single cell, which can occur when mitosis happens without cytokinesis. This phenomenon is observed in certain organisms and can affect cellular function and growth. Recognizing multinucleation helps explain the outcomes of abnormal cell division processes.