The cell cycle can be divided into two phases: interphase and mitosis (cell division). Mitosis is further subdivided into prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. A lab technician observed 200 cells from a cell line and recorded the number of cells in each phase of the cell cycle. The results are shown in the table.

[tex]\[
\begin{tabular}{|l|c|}
\hline
\multicolumn{1}{|c|}{\textbf{Phase}} & \textbf{Number of Cells Observed} \\
\hline
Interphase & 170 \\
\hline
Prophase & 20 \\
\hline
Metaphase & 4 \\
\hline
Anaphase & 2 \\
\hline
Telophase & 4 \\
\hline
\end{tabular}
\][/tex]

Based on the data, what is the probability that a randomly chosen cell will be observed undergoing cell division? You may use a calculator.

A. [tex]$15 \%$[/tex]
B. [tex]$18 \%$[/tex]
C. [tex]$30 \%$[/tex]
D. [tex]$85 \%$[/tex]



Answer :

To determine the probability that a randomly chosen cell is undergoing cell division, we need to consider the number of cells observed in each phase of mitosis (which includes prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase).

Here are the steps:

1. Identify the total number of cells observed:
Total cells = 200

2. Identify the number of cells in each phase of mitosis:
- Prophase: 20 cells
- Metaphase: 4 cells
- Anaphase: 2 cells
- Telophase: 4 cells

3. Calculate the total number of cells undergoing mitosis (cell division):
[tex]\[ \text{Number of cells undergoing cell division} = \text{Prophase cells} + \text{Metaphase cells} + \text{Anaphase cells} + \text{Telophase cells} \][/tex]
[tex]\[ \text{Number of cells undergoing cell division} = 20 + 4 + 2 + 4 = 30 \][/tex]

4. Calculate the probability a randomly chosen cell is observed undergoing cell division:
[tex]\[ \text{Probability} = \left(\frac{\text{Number of cells undergoing cell division}}{\text{Total number of cells}}\right) \times 100 \][/tex]
[tex]\[ \text{Probability} = \left(\frac{30}{200}\right) \times 100 = 15 \% \][/tex]

Therefore, the probability that a randomly chosen cell will be observed undergoing cell division is [tex]\(15\% \)[/tex].

So, the correct answer is:
A. [tex]\(15\%\)[/tex]