Question 1

Which of the following best describes the primary purpose of mitosis in multicellular organisms?

Accepted Answer

To produce genetically identical daughter cells for growth and tissue repair

Question 2

During which phase of the cell cycle does DNA replication occur, and what is the result of this process?

Accepted Answer

S phase; each chromosome is copied to produce sister chromatids

Question 3

A scientist observes a cell with chromosomes aligned along the center of the cell, attached to spindle fibers from opposite poles. Which stage of mitosis is this cell in?

Accepted Answer

Metaphase

Question 4

What is the role of the centromere during mitosis?

Accepted Answer

It is the region where sister chromatids are attached and where spindle fibers attach during chromosome separation

Question 5

Which of the following equations correctly represents the chromosome number in human somatic cells after mitosis, if the original cell is diploid with $2n = 46$?

Accepted Answer

$2n = 46$

Question 6

A mutation occurs in a gene that normally halts the cell cycle at the G1 checkpoint if DNA is damaged. What is the most likely consequence if this mutation prevents the checkpoint from functioning?

Accepted Answer

The cell may continue to divide with damaged DNA, increasing the risk of cancer

Question 7

Which of the following best explains why skin cells divide more frequently than liver cells?

Accepted Answer

Skin cells require more frequent replenishment due to constant wear and tear

Question 8

A researcher is studying a tumor and finds that the cells are encapsulated, do not invade neighboring tissues, and resemble normal cells. What type of tumor is this?

Accepted Answer

Benign tumor

Question 9

Which of the following is a key difference between mitosis in eukaryotic cells and binary fission in prokaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Mitosis involves the formation of a mitotic spindle, while binary fission does not

Question 10

If a cell fails to undergo cytokinesis after mitosis, what will be the result?

Accepted Answer

A single cell with two nuclei, each containing a complete set of chromosomes

Question 11

Which checkpoint in the cell cycle is primarily responsible for ensuring that all chromosomes are properly attached to the spindle before anaphase begins?

Accepted Answer

M checkpoint (spindle checkpoint)

Question 12

A cell is observed to have condensed chromosomes, a disintegrated nucleolus, and spindle fibers forming between centrosomes. Which stage of mitosis is this cell most likely in?

Accepted Answer

Early prophase

Question 13

Which of the following best describes apoptosis?

Accepted Answer

Programmed cell death to eliminate damaged or unnecessary cells

Question 14

A patient is exposed to a mutagen that causes permanent changes in DNA. Which of the following is NOT a type of mutagen?

Accepted Answer

Water

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why cancer cells disrupt homeostasis in the body?

Accepted Answer

They ignore cell cycle checkpoints and divide uncontrollably, losing their specialized functions

Question 16

If a cell in G0 phase is stimulated to re-enter the cell cycle, which phase will it enter first?

Accepted Answer

G1 phase

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the difference between a replicated and an unreplicated chromosome?

Accepted Answer

A replicated chromosome consists of two sister chromatids joined at a centromere, while an unreplicated chromosome consists of a single chromatid

Question 18

A cell is observed with chromosomes at opposite poles, nuclear envelopes reforming, and chromatin decondensing. Which stage of mitosis is this?

Accepted Answer

Telophase

Question 19

Which of the following is a real-world example of a tissue that relies on rapid cell division via mitosis for its function?

Accepted Answer

Intestinal lining (epithelial tissue)

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why multiple mutations are usually required for a normal cell to become cancerous?

Accepted Answer

Multiple regulatory systems must be bypassed for uncontrolled division and loss of function

The Cell Cycle & Mitosis: Structure, Function, and Regulation

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