FFA Veterinary Science CDE Practice Test

The processes known as interphase, prophase, and anaphase are part of what cellular process?

1. Mitosis

2. Transcription

3. Translation

4. Meiosis

The correct answer is: Meiosis

The processes of interphase, prophase, and anaphase are primarily associated with cell division, specifically mitosis and meiosis. However, interphase serves as the preparatory phase for both types of cell division, which is crucial for the process that leads up to mitosis or meiosis. In the context of this question, prophase is a stage specifically associated with both mitosis and meiosis. In meiosis, prophase is further divided into several sub-stages, during which homologous chromosomes pair and exchange genetic material through a process called recombination. Anaphase also plays a significant role in both mitosis and meiosis, where chromosomes are separated and pulled toward opposite poles of the cell. Although mitosis involves similar phases, during meiosis, the processes differ significantly, leading to the production of gametes with half the number of chromosomes. Therefore, while interphase is part of both processes, associating prophase and anaphase specifically with meiosis reflects the accurate relationship of these stages with the overall process of reducing chromosome number in gamete formation.