Question 1

Which of the following best explains why cancer cells are able to divide uncontrollably, unlike normal cells?

Accepted Answer

Cancer cells have mutations that disrupt the cell cycle control system, allowing them to bypass normal regulatory checkpoints.

Question 2

A researcher treats cells with a chemical that prevents DNA synthesis from starting. In which phase of the cell cycle would these cells be trapped?

Accepted Answer

G1 phase

Question 3

Which of the following statements about binary fission in prokaryotes is correct?

Accepted Answer

Binary fission is a form of asexual reproduction that produces genetically identical daughter cells.

Question 4

During which stage of mitosis do chromosomes align at the metaphase plate?

Accepted Answer

Metaphase

Question 5

How does cytokinesis differ between animal and plant cells?

Accepted Answer

Animal cells form a cleavage furrow, while plant cells form a cell plate.

Question 6

A cell has the haploid number of chromosomes, but each chromosome has two chromatids. The chromosomes are arranged singly at the center of the spindle. What is the meiotic stage?

Accepted Answer

Metaphase II

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the outcome of meiosis in humans?

Accepted Answer

Four genetically unique haploid gametes are produced from one diploid cell.

Question 8

If a kangaroo has a diploid number of 16 chromosomes, how many possible chromosomal combinations can be produced in its gametes by independent assortment during meiosis?

Accepted Answer

$$2^8 = 256$

Question 9

Which event during meiosis increases genetic variation by exchanging segments between nonsister chromatids of homologous chromosomes?

Accepted Answer

Crossing over

Question 10

A karyotype is most useful for which of the following purposes?

Accepted Answer

Detecting chromosomal abnormalities such as extra or missing chromosomes

Question 11

Which of the following chromosomal alterations is most likely to result in cancer if it occurs in a somatic cell?

Accepted Answer

Reciprocal translocation

Question 12

What is the main difference between somatic cells and gametes in humans?

Accepted Answer

Somatic cells are diploid ($$2n$$), while gametes are haploid ($$n).$$

Question 13

Which of the following best explains why sexual reproduction requires meiosis?

Accepted Answer

Meiosis reduces the chromosome number by half, preventing chromosome doubling in each generation.

Question 14

Which of the following is a consequence of nondisjunction during meiosis?

Accepted Answer

Gametes with abnormal numbers of chromosomes, such as $$n+1 or$$ $$n-1$$

Question 15

Which of the following is NOT a function of mitosis in multicellular organisms?

Accepted Answer

Production of gametes

Question 16

Why is cancer not usually inherited from parent to offspring?

Accepted Answer

Most cancer-causing mutations occur in somatic cells, not in gametes.

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the difference between homologous chromosomes and sister chromatids?

Accepted Answer

Homologous chromosomes are similar but not identical, while sister chromatids are identical copies of a chromosome.

Question 18

Which of the following is a real-world example of a chromosomal disorder caused by nondisjunction?

Accepted Answer

Down syndrome (Trisomy 21)

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why controlled studies on human cancer are often not possible?

Accepted Answer

Ethical concerns prevent researchers from exposing humans to potential cancer risks.

Cell Division and Reproduction: Mitosis, Meiosis, and Chromosomal Alterations

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