Question 1

Which of the following best explains why cells must divide rather than simply grow larger indefinitely?

Accepted Answer

Larger cells have a reduced surface area-to-volume ratio, making it difficult to efficiently exchange materials with their environment.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

S phase

Question 3

Which of the following events distinguishes cytokinesis in plant cells from that in animal cells?

Accepted Answer

Formation of a cell plate in plant cells

Question 4

A researcher observes a cell with chromosomes aligned at the metaphase plate and spindle fibers attached to centromeres. Which phase is this cell in?

Accepted Answer

Metaphase

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Metaphase checkpoint

Question 6

Cancer cells often lose their anchorage dependence. What is a likely consequence of this loss?

Accepted Answer

Cancer cells can travel to new locations in the body, leading to metastasis.

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the role of telomeres in the cell cycle?

Accepted Answer

Telomeres shorten with each cell division, eventually leading to cell cycle arrest.

Question 8

A cell is observed to have exited the cell cycle and is no longer dividing. Which phase is it most likely in?

Accepted Answer

G0 phase

Question 9

Which of the following is a key difference between mitosis and meiosis in humans?

Accepted Answer

Mitosis produces diploid cells, while meiosis produces haploid cells.

Question 10

Which process during meiosis is primarily responsible for increasing genetic variation among offspring?

Accepted Answer

Crossing over during prophase I

Question 11

A patient is diagnosed with a tumor that does not invade adjacent tissues and can be removed surgically. What type of tumor is this?

Accepted Answer

Benign tumor

Question 12

Which of the following best explains why the Hayflick limit exists in normal human cells?

Accepted Answer

Telomeres shorten with each division, eventually preventing further cell division.

Question 13

Which of the following is a correct sequence of events in mitosis?

Accepted Answer

Prophase → Metaphase → Anaphase → Telophase

Question 14

Which of the following equations correctly represents the chromosome number in human somatic and gamete cells?

Accepted Answer

$$2n = 46 in $$somatic cells; $$n = 23 in $$gametes

Question 15

A scientist observes a cell with homologous chromosomes paired and crossing over occurring. Which stage of meiosis is being observed?

Accepted Answer

Prophase I

Question 16

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

Accepted Answer

One functional ovum and three polar bodies are produced.

Question 17

Which of the following is a real-world example of asexual reproduction?

Accepted Answer

Budding in yeast

Question 18

A cell is observed to have chromosomes that are unwinding and a nuclear envelope reforming. Which phase is this?

Accepted Answer

Telophase

Question 19

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

Accepted Answer

They produce telomerase, which maintains telomere length.

Question 20

Which of the following events occurs during anaphase of mitosis?

Accepted Answer

Sister chromatids separate and move toward opposite poles.

Cell Division: Mitosis, Meiosis, and Cancer – A Comprehensive Study Guide

Study Guide - Practice Questions