$CDK_{active} = k \times [Cyclin]$

Question 1

Which of the following best describes how cells 'decide' whether to divide or not?

Accepted Answer

Cells process information from both internal and external signals, then respond by dividing or not dividing.

Question 2

Why is cell division tightly regulated in multicellular organisms?

Accepted Answer

To prevent unregulated division that can lead to cancer and to maintain tissue homeostasis.

Question 3

Which checkpoint in the cell cycle ensures that the cell is large enough and has enough energy and materials to proceed to DNA synthesis?

Accepted Answer

G1/S checkpoint

Question 4

A patient has a mutation that prevents the activation of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) during the S phase. What is the most likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

The cell will fail to replicate its DNA and will not progress to the next phase.

Question 5

Which of the following is a direct role of cyclins in cell cycle regulation?

Accepted Answer

Cyclins bind to CDKs, activating them to phosphorylate target proteins.

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

S phase

Question 7

A researcher observes that a cell is unable to pass the G2/M checkpoint. Which of the following is the most likely reason?

Accepted Answer

The cell has not grown large enough or has DNA damage.

Question 8

Which equation best represents the relationship between cyclin concentration and CDK activity?

Accepted Answer

$CDK_{active} = k 	imes [Cyclin]$

Question 9

If a cell fails to properly segregate its chromosomes during mitosis, which checkpoint is most likely to detect this error?

Accepted Answer

M checkpoint

Question 10

Which of the following scenarios would most likely trigger cell division in red blood cell progenitors?

Accepted Answer

Low oxygen signal from kidney cells

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT a factor evaluated at the G1/S checkpoint?

Accepted Answer

Completion of chromosome segregation

Question 12

A cell receives a signal from neighboring cells indicating that division is not needed. At which checkpoint is this signal most likely integrated?

Accepted Answer

G1/S checkpoint

Question 13

Which of the following best explains why DNA must be replicated before cell division?

Accepted Answer

To ensure each daughter cell receives a complete copy of the genome.

Question 14

Which of the following is a consequence of unregulated cell division?

Accepted Answer

Cancer may develop due to uncontrolled proliferation.

Question 15

Which of the following statements about cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) is correct?

Accepted Answer

CDKs require binding to specific cyclins to become active.

Question 16

A cell in G1 phase receives a growth signal and begins to express G1 cyclin. What is the next step in cell cycle progression?

Accepted Answer

Activation of CDKs leading to phosphorylation of growth targets.

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the role of phosphorylation in cell cycle regulation?

Accepted Answer

Phosphorylation changes the activity and structure of target proteins, allowing progression through the cell cycle.

Question 18

Which checkpoint is responsible for ensuring that the cell is ready to distribute one copy of each chromosome to each daughter cell?

Accepted Answer

M checkpoint

Question 19

If a cell is exposed to DNA-damaging agents during the S phase, which checkpoint will most likely halt its progression?

Accepted Answer

G2/M checkpoint

Question 20

Which of the following best illustrates the analogy between cell cycle checkpoints and airport security?

Accepted Answer

Checkpoints are like security agents who verify if passengers (cells) are ready to proceed.

Cell Cycle Regulation and Cellular Decision-Making

Study Guide - Practice Questions