SOLUTION: Grade 8 cell cycle worksheet - Studypool - Free Printable

Based on the image you uploaded, which shows six diagrams labeled A through F representing different phases of the cell cycle (specifically mitosis), here is the correct order and explanation:

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✔ Correct Order: D → A → F → C → E → B

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🔍 Explanation of Each Phase:

Let’s identify each diagram by its stage in mitosis:

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#### D — Interphase
- The cell has a clearly visible nucleus with chromatin (not yet condensed into chromosomes).
- The nucleolus is present.
- This is the phase before mitosis begins — the cell is metabolically active and replicating DNA.
- ✔ Starting point of the cell cycle.

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#### A — Prophase
- Chromatin condenses into visible chromosomes (each with two sister chromatids).
- Nuclear envelope begins to break down.
- Spindle fibers start to form from centrosomes moving to opposite poles.
- ✔ First stage of mitosis.

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#### F — Prometaphase
- Nuclear envelope is fully broken down.
- Spindle fibers attach to kinetochores on the chromosomes.
- Chromosomes are being moved toward the center of the cell.
- (Sometimes combined with prophase or metaphase in simplified models, but here it’s distinct.)
- ✔ Transition between prophase and metaphase.

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#### C — Metaphase
- Chromosomes are aligned along the metaphase plate (equator of the cell).
- Spindle fibers are attached and under tension.
- ✔ Midpoint of mitosis — chromosomes are ready to be pulled apart.

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#### E — Anaphase
- Sister chromatids separate and are pulled to opposite poles by spindle fibers.
- Cell elongates.
- ✔ Critical separation step.

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#### B — Telophase & Cytokinesis
- Two nuclei begin to form around each set of chromosomes.
- Chromosomes decondense back into chromatin.
- Cytoplasm divides (cytokinesis) — cleavage furrow visible in animal cells.
- ✔ Final stage — two daughter cells are formed.

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🔄 Why This Order Matters:

The cell cycle proceeds in a strict sequence to ensure accurate division of genetic material. Skipping or rearranging phases would lead to errors like aneuploidy (wrong number of chromosomes).

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📌 Final Answer:

> The correct order of the phases shown is: D → A → F → C → E → B

This represents the full sequence from interphase through mitosis to cytokinesis.

Let me know if you’d like labeled diagrams or a mnemonic to remember the phases!