Question 1

Which of the following best describes the role of cell cycle checkpoints in normal cells?

Accepted Answer

They ensure that cells only proceed to the next phase if conditions are favorable.

Question 2

Cancer cells differ from normal cells in their response to external growth factors. Which statement is most accurate?

Accepted Answer

Cancer cells do not depend on external growth factors for cell cycle progression.

Question 3

A researcher observes that a group of cells continues to divide even when crowded and detached from the substrate. What property do these cells most likely exhibit?

Accepted Answer

Loss of density-dependent inhibition and loss of anchorage dependence.

Question 4

During which phase of the cell cycle is DNA replicated?

Accepted Answer

S phase

Question 5

Which equation best represents the process of mitosis in terms of chromosome number?

Accepted Answer

$$2n \rightarrow 2n + 2n$$

Question 6

A malignant breast tumor is observed to invade neighboring tissues and spread to distant organs. This process is known as:

Accepted Answer

Metastasis

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of cancer cells?

Accepted Answer

Dependence on density for division

Question 8

If a cell loses its ability to respond to density-dependent inhibition, what is the likely outcome?

Accepted Answer

The cell will continue dividing even when crowded, potentially forming a tumor.

Question 9

Which of the following best explains why cancer cells can form tumors in locations distant from their origin?

Accepted Answer

They lose anchorage dependence and can travel through the bloodstream.

Question 10

A scientist cultures cells with and without platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF). Normal cells only divide in the presence of PDGF, but cancer cells divide regardless. What does this experiment demonstrate?

Accepted Answer

Cancer cells do not require external growth factors to divide.

Question 11

Which checkpoint in the cell cycle is most critical for preventing the division of cells with damaged DNA?

Accepted Answer

G$$_1$$ checkpoint

Question 12

Which of the following statements about the relationship between 'bad luck' and cancer is supported by recent research?

Accepted Answer

Random mutations during cell division can contribute to cancer risk.

Question 13

A cell is observed to divide uncontrollably and invade other tissues. Which combination of properties is most likely present?

Accepted Answer

Loss of cell cycle control, loss of density-dependent inhibition, and loss of anchorage dependence

Question 14

Which of the following is a multi-step process that leads to the formation of a malignant tumor?

Accepted Answer

Uncontrolled cell division, invasion of neighboring tissues, and metastasis

Question 15

If a cell fails to pass the G$$_2$$ checkpoint, what is the most likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

The cell will not enter mitosis and will attempt to repair any damage.

Question 16

Which of the following best describes anchorage dependence in normal cells?

Accepted Answer

Cells must be attached to a substrate to divide.

Question 17

A patient’s tumor cells are found to have lost both density-dependent inhibition and anchorage dependence. What is the most likely clinical implication?

Accepted Answer

The tumor cells are likely to metastasize to other parts of the body.

Question 18

Which of the following is a correct sequence of events in the cell cycle?

Accepted Answer

G$$_1$$ → S → G$$_2$$ → M

Question 19

Which of the following is a real-world example of how loss of cell cycle control can lead to disease?

Accepted Answer

Cells divide uncontrollably, forming a malignant tumor that invades other tissues.

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why not all cancers are caused by 'bad luck'?

Accepted Answer

Environmental and genetic factors also contribute to cancer risk.

Cancer Biology: Cell Cycle, Control Systems, and Metastasis

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