Mathematical Aspects of Cell Division
Part of Mitosis and the Cell Cycle — GCSE Biology
This worked example covers Mathematical Aspects of Cell Division within Mitosis and the Cell Cycle for GCSE Biology. Cell division by mitosis, cell cycle phases, chromosome behavior, cytokinesis differences, stem cells, cancer, and practical investigations It is section 13 of 19 in this topic. Treat this as a marking guide for what examiners are looking for, not just a fact list.
Topic position
Section 13 of 19
Practice
18 questions
Recall
18 flashcards
🧮 Mathematical Aspects of Cell Division
Exponential Growth Pattern
Cell division follows a doubling pattern. Starting with one cell:
| Division Number | Number of Cells | Calculation |
|---|---|---|
| 0 (start) | 1 | 2⁰ = 1 |
| 1 | 2 | 2¹ = 2 |
| 2 | 4 | 2² = 4 |
| 3 | 8 | 2³ = 8 |
| 10 | 1,024 | 2¹⁰ = 1,024 |
| 20 | 1,048,576 | 2²⁰ = 1,048,576 |
📝 Worked Example
Question: A single cell divides by mitosis every 2 hours. How many cells will there be after 12 hours?
Solution:
- Time = 12 hours
- Division time = 2 hours
- Number of divisions = 12 ÷ 2 = 6 divisions
- Number of cells = 2⁶ = 64 cells
Answer: 64 cells after 12 hours
Quick Check: A cell divides every 3 hours. Starting from 1 cell, how many cells will there be after 9 hours?
Number of divisions = 9 ÷ 3 = 3 divisions. Number of cells = 2³ = 8 cells.