Question 1

Which of the following best describes an allele?

Accepted Answer

A version of a specific gene, often represented by capital or lowercase letters.

Question 2

A cell that contains two copies of each chromosome is called a ________ cell.

Accepted Answer

Diploid

Question 3

Human somatic cells have 23 pairs of chromosomes. How many chromosomes are present in a human gamete?

Accepted Answer

23

Question 4

Which of the following statements is true for a species with a chromosome number of $2n = 16$?

Accepted Answer

Each diploid cell of this species has 16 chromosomes.

Question 5

What is a karyotype?

Accepted Answer

An ordered display of all chromosomes in a cell.

Question 6

How do the two members of a pair of homologous chromosomes differ from each other?

Accepted Answer

In the sequence of DNA making up each of the chromosomes.

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT a step in the life cycle of sexual reproducers?

Accepted Answer

Apoptosis

Question 8

Meiosis produces gametes that are:

Accepted Answer

Genetically diverse and haploid.

Question 9

Before meiosis I in germ cells, which of the following must occur?

Accepted Answer

The DNA of the diploid cell is replicated.

Question 10

Meiosis is broken down into two rounds of cell division. What is the main event of Meiosis I?

Accepted Answer

Reduction of ploidy by separating homologous chromosomes.

Question 11

In Meiosis II, cytokinesis usually occurs after telophase II and produces:

Accepted Answer

Four haploid cells.

Question 12

Which of the following best describes homologous chromosomes?

Accepted Answer

Pairs similar in size/shape that carry the same genes but can have different alleles.

Question 13

If a human cell is haploid, how many autosomes does it contain?

Accepted Answer

22

Question 14

Which equation correctly represents the chromosome number in a diploid cell?

Accepted Answer

$2n$

Question 15

During fertilization, two gametes fuse to form a zygote. If each gamete has $n$ chromosomes, how many chromosomes does the zygote have?

Accepted Answer

$2n$

Question 16

Which process is responsible for producing genetically diverse gametes?

Accepted Answer

Meiosis

Question 17

Which of the following is a real-world consequence of errors during meiosis?

Accepted Answer

Genetic disorders such as Down syndrome due to nondisjunction.

Question 18

If a diploid cell undergoes meiosis, how many genetically unique haploid cells are produced?

Accepted Answer

4

Question 19

Which of the following steps must occur before a cell can enter mitosis?

Accepted Answer

DNA replication during S phase.

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why gametes are haploid?

Accepted Answer

To ensure that after fertilization, the zygote has the correct diploid number of chromosomes.

Cell Division, Chromosomes, and Human Life Cycle: Study Notes for General Biology

Study Guide - Practice Questions