The diploid number of the hypothetical animal Geneticus introductus is 2n = 36. Each diploid nucleus contains 3 ng of DNA in G₁.
Complete the following table by entering the number of chromosomes and amount of DNA present per cell at the end of each stage listed.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the diploid number (2n = 36) and DNA content (3 ng in G₁). The diploid number represents the total number of chromosomes in a somatic cell, and the DNA content in G₁ represents the amount of DNA before replication.
2. Step 2: For Telophase I (end of meiosis I), recall that homologous chromosomes separate, resulting in haploid cells. Each haploid cell will have half the number of chromosomes (n = 18) but the DNA content will still be doubled (since sister chromatids are still attached).
3. Step 3: For Mitotic Telophase, understand that mitosis results in two identical diploid daughter cells. At the end of mitotic telophase, each daughter cell will have the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell (2n = 36) and the same DNA content as in G₁ (3 ng).
4. Step 4: For Telophase II (end of meiosis II), sister chromatids separate, resulting in haploid cells with a single set of chromosomes (n = 18). The DNA content will now be halved compared to Telophase I, as each chromosome consists of a single chromatid.
5. Step 5: Use the information from the steps above to fill in the table: Telophase I (n = 18, DNA = 3 ng), Mitotic Telophase (2n = 36, DNA = 3 ng), Telophase II (n = 18, DNA = 1.5 ng).

Key Concepts

Diploid and Haploid Cells

Diploid cells contain two complete sets of chromosomes, one from each parent, denoted as 2n. In the case of the animal Geneticus introductus, the diploid number is 36, meaning there are 36 chromosomes in somatic cells. During meiosis, diploid cells undergo two rounds of division to produce haploid cells (n), which contain only one set of chromosomes, essential for sexual reproduction.

Cell Cycle Stages

The cell cycle consists of several stages, including interphase and mitotic phases. Key stages relevant to the question are telophase I and II, which occur during meiosis, and mitotic telophase, which occurs during mitosis. Each stage is characterized by specific events, such as chromosome separation and nuclear envelope reformation, affecting the number of chromosomes and the amount of DNA in the cells.

DNA Content and Replication

The amount of DNA in a cell varies throughout the cell cycle, particularly during the S phase when DNA is replicated. In G₁, the cell contains a specific amount of DNA (3 ng in this case), which doubles during S phase. By the end of telophase I, the DNA content is halved in each daughter cell, while in mitotic telophase, the DNA content returns to the original amount, reflecting the completion of cell division.