Question Detail
Question
A cell has 18 chromosomes at anaphase, how many chromosomes would it have at metaphase? a. 36 b. 54 c. 9 d. 18
Correct Answer
Option C is the correct answer.
Detailed Explanation
At anaphase, the sister chromatids have separated, so the number of individual chromosomes counted is doubled compared to metaphase. If there are 18 chromosomes at anaphase (meaning 18 moving to each pole? The question is ambiguous). Typically, the 'cell' at anaphase contains twice the metaphase number. So if 18 is the total count in the cell at anaphase, at metaphase there were 9 chromosomes (each with 2 chromatids).
Hint
Work backwards: anaphase number is double the metaphase number.