Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference between somatic cells and gametes in humans?

Accepted Answer

Somatic cells have two sets of chromosomes, while gametes have one set.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

S phase

Question 3

A researcher observes a cell with chromosomes aligned at the center of the cell, attached to spindle fibers. Which stage of mitosis is this cell in?

Accepted Answer

Metaphase

Question 4

Which of the following statements about the mitotic spindle is CORRECT?

Accepted Answer

The mitotic spindle is made of microtubules and is responsible for chromosome movement during mitosis.

Question 5

Which of the following best explains why cancer cells can form tumors?

Accepted Answer

Cancer cells do not respond to normal cell cycle regulatory signals.

Question 6

A scientist fuses a cell in S phase with a cell in G₁ phase. What is the most likely outcome for the G₁ nucleus?

Accepted Answer

It will begin DNA synthesis and enter S phase.

Question 7

Which checkpoint is considered the most important for determining whether a cell will divide?

Accepted Answer

G₁ checkpoint

Question 8

What is the role of cyclin-dependent kinases (Cdks) in the cell cycle?

Accepted Answer

They must bind to cyclins to become active and regulate cell cycle progression.

Question 9

Which of the following events distinguishes anaphase from metaphase during mitosis?

Accepted Answer

Sister chromatids separate and move toward opposite poles.

Question 10

A patient is treated with a chemotherapeutic drug that inhibits microtubule depolymerization. Which stage of mitosis would be most directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Anaphase

Question 11

Which of the following is TRUE regarding binary fission in prokaryotes?

Accepted Answer

Binary fission involves chromosome replication and active movement of daughter chromosomes apart.

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the function of the kinetochore during mitosis?

Accepted Answer

It is a protein complex that attaches chromosomes to spindle microtubules.

Question 13

A cell is observed to have a cleavage furrow forming. What can you conclude about this cell?

Accepted Answer

It is an animal cell in the process of cytokinesis.

Question 14

Which of the following mechanisms ensures that daughter cells have the correct number of chromosomes after mitosis?

Accepted Answer

Cells will not begin anaphase until all chromosomes are properly attached to the spindle at the metaphase plate.

Question 15

Which of the following is a characteristic of malignant tumors but NOT benign tumors?

Accepted Answer

They can invade surrounding tissues and metastasize.

Question 16

A cell is exposed to platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF). What is the most likely response?

Accepted Answer

The cell will be stimulated to divide.

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the role of MPF (Maturation-promoting factor) in the cell cycle?

Accepted Answer

MPF triggers the cell's passage past the G₂ checkpoint into the M phase.

Question 18

Which of the following is a direct consequence if a cell fails to receive a go-ahead signal at the G₁ checkpoint?

Accepted Answer

The cell will exit the cell cycle and enter the G₀ phase.

Question 19

Which of the following statements about the evolution of mitosis is supported by current evidence?

Accepted Answer

Certain unicellular eukaryotes exhibit cell division processes intermediate between binary fission and mitosis.

Question 20

A cancer patient is treated with a drug that targets rapidly dividing cells. Which normal tissue is most likely to be affected as a side effect?

Accepted Answer

Intestinal lining

Cell Division and the Cell Cycle: Mechanisms and Regulation

Study Guide - Practice Questions