Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference between somatic cells and gametes in terms of chromosome number?

Accepted Answer

Somatic cells are diploid (2n) with 46 chromosomes, while gametes are haploid (n) with 23 chromosomes.

Question 2

During which phase of the cell cycle does DNA replication occur, and what is the result in terms of chromatid number?

Accepted Answer

DNA replication occurs during the S phase, resulting in 92 chromatids.

Question 3

If a human somatic cell undergoes mitosis, how many chromosomes will each daughter cell contain?

Accepted Answer

Each daughter cell will contain 46 chromosomes.

Question 4

Which event is unique to meiosis I and does NOT occur during mitosis?

Accepted Answer

Formation of tetrads and crossing over between homologous chromosomes.

Question 5

A cell with 46 chromosomes undergoes meiosis. How many chromosomes will each resulting gamete have?

Accepted Answer

Each gamete will have 23 chromosomes.

Question 6

Which of the following best explains why meiosis is necessary for sexual reproduction in humans?

Accepted Answer

Meiosis reduces the chromosome number by half, so that fertilization restores the diploid number.

Question 7

During metaphase of mitosis, what is the arrangement of chromosomes?

Accepted Answer

Replicated chromosomes line up at the cell equator.

Question 8

Which phase of mitosis is characterized by the separation of sister chromatids?

Accepted Answer

Anaphase

Question 9

A genetic disorder causes failure of homologous chromosomes to separate during meiosis I. What is the likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

Gametes may have an abnormal number of chromosomes, leading to conditions such as trisomy.

Question 10

Which equation correctly represents the chromosome number change during meiosis I?

Accepted Answer

$2n \rightarrow n$

Question 11

What is the role of the kinetochore during cell division?

Accepted Answer

It is the site of attachment for spindle microtubules to chromatids.

Question 12

Which of the following is true regarding homologous chromosomes in somatic cells?

Accepted Answer

They have genes for the same traits at the same loci but may have different alleles.

Question 13

If a mutation occurs during the S phase and affects DNA replication, which of the following is a possible outcome?

Accepted Answer

The cell will have an incorrect number of chromatids, potentially leading to genetic disorders.

Question 14

Which process is responsible for the genetic variation observed in offspring produced by sexual reproduction?

Accepted Answer

Crossing over during prophase I of meiosis.

Question 15

A zygote is formed by the fusion of two gametes. What is the chromosome number of the zygote?

Accepted Answer

2n

Question 16

Which of the following best describes cytokinesis?

Accepted Answer

Division of cytoplasm following mitosis or meiosis.

Question 17

During which stage of the cell cycle do cells perform their normal metabolic activities, such as protein synthesis?

Accepted Answer

Interphase

Question 18

Which of the following is a direct result of the process of crossing over during meiosis?

Accepted Answer

Exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes, increasing genetic diversity.

Question 19

If a cell remains in the G$_0$ phase, what does this indicate about its ability to divide?

Accepted Answer

The cell will not divide again and will perform its specialized functions.

Question 20

Which of the following equations represents the formation of a zygote from gametes?

Accepted Answer

$n + n \rightarrow 2n$

Cell Cycle, Mitosis, and Meiosis: Structure and Function of Chromosomes

Study Guide - Practice Questions