Prophase, metaphase, anaphase and telophase are the phases of?

Appeared in: DSSSB - 29 August 2019 (Shift-2)

Explanation

Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, and Telophase (often remembered by the mnemonic PMAT) are the four fundamental stages of mitosis.
Mitosis is a type of cell division that results in two daughter cells each having the same number and kind of chromosomes as the parent nucleus, which is essential for tissue growth and repair.
The question lists a single, sequential set of phases (PMAT), which is characteristic of the single division cycle found in mitosis.

Option A: Transcription is the first step of gene expression, where a particular segment of DNA is copied into RNA by the enzyme RNA polymerase. It is not a phase of cell division.
Option B: Translation is the process in which ribosomes synthesize proteins from the information on an mRNA molecule. It follows transcription and is part of protein synthesis, not cell division.
Option D: While meiosis does involve prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase, it consists of two successive rounds of division (Meiosis I and Meiosis II). The question's simple listing of the four phases points to the single division cycle of mitosis.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Phases of Cell Division: Mitosis as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding mitosis is crucial in oncology, as cancer is characterized by uncontrolled cell division (mitosis). Many chemotherapy drugs, known as antimitotic agents, work by targeting and disrupting the mitotic process in rapidly dividing cancer cells.
The body's ability to heal wounds and replace old cells (e.g., skin cells, intestinal lining) depends on the process of mitosis.
What if? If the question had specified 'the production of four genetically different haploid cells from a single parent cell', the correct answer would be Meiosis, as this is the process of gamete formation.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the keywords in the question: 'Prophase, metaphase, anaphase and telophase'.
Recognize these as the four stages of nuclear division, often remembered by the mnemonic PMAT.
Evaluate the options. 'Transcription' and 'Translation' are related to gene expression (making proteins), not cell division. Eliminate these.
Compare the remaining options: 'Mitosis' and 'Meiosis'.
Recall that Mitosis is a single division cycle (one round of PMAT) that produces two identical diploid cells for growth and repair.
Recall that Meiosis involves two division cycles (Meiosis I and Meiosis II) to produce four non-identical haploid cells (gametes).

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Physiology Guyton 4SAE Part 1 p. 66-68

E6 Anatomy Applied Ashalatha 4e p. 64-66

Practise the full DSSSB - 29 August 2019 (Shift-2)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.