Question 1

Which of the following is NOT a reason why cells divide in multicellular organisms?

Accepted Answer

To increase genetic diversity during mitosis

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

S phase

Question 3

What is the primary difference between binary fission and mitosis?

Accepted Answer

Binary fission occurs in prokaryotes and involves a single circular chromosome, while mitosis occurs in eukaryotes with multiple linear chromosomes.

Question 4

Which structure is responsible for moving chromosomes during mitosis?

Accepted Answer

Mitotic spindle (microtubules)

Question 5

If a diploid cell (2n) undergoes mitosis, what is the chromosome number in each daughter cell?

Accepted Answer

$2n$

Question 6

Which phase of mitosis is characterized by the alignment of chromosomes along the center of the cell?

Accepted Answer

Metaphase

Question 7

A scientist observes a cell with condensed chromosomes and a broken-down nuclear envelope. Which phase of mitosis is this cell most likely in?

Accepted Answer

Prophase

Question 8

What ensures that each daughter cell receives the correct number of chromosomes during mitosis?

Accepted Answer

The attachment of spindle fibers to the centromeres of sister chromatids

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the role of the centromere during mitosis?

Accepted Answer

It holds sister chromatids together until they are separated during anaphase.

Question 10

In a plant root tip, rapid cell division is observed. Which phase of the cell cycle do most of these cells spend the majority of their time in?

Accepted Answer

Interphase

Question 11

Which event marks the transition from metaphase to anaphase during mitosis?

Accepted Answer

Separation of sister chromatids

Question 12

A mutation prevents the formation of spindle microtubules in a cell. What is the most likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

Chromosomes will not be properly separated during mitosis.

Question 13

Which of the following cell types is haploid ($n$) after division?

Accepted Answer

Gametes

Question 14

During which phase of mitosis do the chromosomes decondense and nuclear envelopes reform?

Accepted Answer

Telophase

Question 15

Which process immediately follows telophase in the cell cycle?

Accepted Answer

Cytokinesis

Question 16

If a cell fails to repair its DNA before entering S phase, what is the most likely outcome?

Accepted Answer

Mutations will be duplicated and passed to daughter cells.

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the relationship between sister chromatids?

Accepted Answer

They are identical copies of a chromosome held together at the centromere.

Question 18

A researcher observes a cell in which the chromosomes are being pulled toward opposite poles. Which phase is this?

Accepted Answer

Anaphase

Question 19

Which of the following is a correct sequence of the major phases of mitosis?

Accepted Answer

Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase

Question 20

Which of the following statements about the cell cycle is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Cells spend most of their time in interphase, where they grow and replicate DNA.

Cellular Division, Part 1: Mitosis and the Cell Cycle

Study Guide - Practice Questions