If a diploid cell has 4 pairs of chromosomes (2n = 8) during G1, how many DNA double helices will be present in G1? in G2? in metaphase? in each daughter cell after cell division is complete?

At G1 - 8

At G2 - 16

At metaphase - 16

In daughter cells - 8

Explanation:

In the G1 phase which is the growth phase before the S phase (DNA synthesis), the number of DNA double helices present will be 8 double helices.

In the G2 phase, which is the phase after the S phase i. e. doubling of the chromosomes, the number of DNA double helices here increases by which which makes it sixteen and the chromosome number is still 8 because each chromosome has 2 sister chromatids which occurs after replication.

In metaphase there is still sixteen double helices which is eight chromosomes with 2 sister chromatids each lying on the metaphase plate.

After cell division, each daughter cell will have eight double helices each just like the parent.