1. Consider the reasons for differences in cell division between binary fission and mitosis, such as the amount of DNA, the number of chromosomes needed to govern smaller and larger cells, and the increased needs of a multicellular organism's genome.
2. Emphasize that DNA replication has occurred before mitosis begins and that each chromatid represents one copy of the DNA molecule.
3. Discuss why it is important that each daughter cell receives exactly one copy of each gene in the genome of the organism. Discuss how mitosis is more effective in separating the many strands of DNA in a human (for example, with 46 chromosomes) than would binary fission.
4. Discuss the parts of the cell cycle and what might account for the direct and indirect control of the cycle. Why would it be important to have internal control when a cell replicated its DNA or started to divide?
5. Consider why external signals would be important
in controlling the division of cells in a multicellular organism
and how a modification of these controls could contribute to cancer
development.