Question 1

Which of the following best describes the main function of the mitotic spindle during mitosis?

Accepted Answer

It separates sister chromatids by attaching to their kinetochores and pulling them toward opposite poles.

Question 2

A human somatic cell contains 46 chromosomes. After DNA replication but before mitosis, how many chromatids are present in the cell?

Accepted Answer

$$92$$

Question 3

Which checkpoint in the cell cycle ensures that all chromosomes are properly attached to the spindle before anaphase begins?

Accepted Answer

M checkpoint

Question 4

Polyploidy is common in plants and can result in increased chromosome numbers. If a strawberry is octoploid ($$8n) $$and has 56 chromosomes, what is the basic haploid number ($$n) $$for strawberries?

Accepted Answer

$$n = 14$$

Question 5

Which of the following events occurs during prophase of mitosis?

Accepted Answer

The mitotic spindle begins to form and chromosomes condense.

Question 6

A mutation in a tumor suppressor gene, such as p53, can lead to cancer because:

Accepted Answer

It prevents the cell from repairing DNA damage or undergoing apoptosis.

Question 7

During which phase of the cell cycle does DNA replication occur?

Accepted Answer

S phase

Question 8

Which of the following best explains why cancer cells can divide uncontrollably?

Accepted Answer

They ignore cell cycle checkpoints due to mutations in regulatory genes.

Question 9

If a diploid organism has a haploid number $$n = 12$$, how many chromosomes will be present in each daughter cell after mitosis?

Accepted Answer

$$24$$

Question 10

Which of the following is a key difference between mitosis in animal cells and plant cells?

Accepted Answer

Plant cells form a cell plate during cytokinesis, while animal cells form a cleavage furrow.

Question 11

Which of the following statements about cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases (Cdks) is correct?

Accepted Answer

Cdks are only active when bound to a cyclin.

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

Crossing over, independent assortment, and random fertilization

Question 13

A cell is observed to have chromosomes aligned at the center of the cell, with spindle fibers attached to kinetochores. Which phase is this cell in?

Accepted Answer

Metaphase

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the role of proto-oncogenes in the cell cycle?

Accepted Answer

They encode proteins that promote cell cycle progression.

Question 15

If a cell fails the G1 checkpoint due to DNA damage, what is the most likely outcome?

Accepted Answer

The cell will repair the DNA or enter a non-dividing state ($$G_0).$$

Question 16

Which of the following is true about homologous chromosomes?

Accepted Answer

They carry genes controlling the same inherited characters.

Question 17

During which stage of mitosis do sister chromatids separate and move toward opposite poles?

Accepted Answer

Anaphase

Question 18

Which of the following best explains why independent assortment during meiosis increases genetic diversity?

Accepted Answer

It allows each pair of homologous chromosomes to orient randomly at metaphase I, resulting in many possible combinations of maternal and paternal chromosomes in gametes.

Question 19

A researcher observes a cell with a contractile ring forming at the center, pinching the cell into two. Which process is being observed?

Accepted Answer

Cytokinesis in an animal cell

Question 20

Which of the following is a direct consequence of a mutation that converts a proto-oncogene into an oncogene?

Accepted Answer

The cell may begin to divide uncontrollably, leading to cancer.

Cell Cycle, Mitosis, and Cancer: Principles of Eukaryotic Cell Division

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