Question 1

Which of the following best describes the main difference between asexual and sexual reproduction?

Accepted Answer

Asexual reproduction produces offspring that are genetically identical to the parent, while sexual reproduction produces genetically unique offspring.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

S phase

Question 3

Which of the following is a key event that distinguishes anaphase of mitosis from anaphase I of meiosis?

Accepted Answer

Sister chromatids separate in mitosis, while homologous chromosomes separate in meiosis I.

Question 4

A human somatic cell contains 46 chromosomes. After mitosis and cytokinesis, how many chromosomes will each daughter cell contain?

Accepted Answer

$$46$$

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Binary fission results in two genetically identical daughter cells.

Question 6

What is the role of the mitotic spindle during mitosis?

Accepted Answer

It moves chromosomes to the middle of the cell and separates sister chromatids to opposite poles.

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

Mitotic checkpoint

Question 8

A researcher observes a cell with a cleavage furrow forming. What type of cell and process is most likely being observed?

Accepted Answer

An animal cell undergoing cytokinesis

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

They divide uncontrollably and do not respond to normal cell cycle controls.

Question 10

Which process increases genetic variation during meiosis?

Accepted Answer

Crossing over between homologous chromosomes during prophase I

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

Detecting chromosomal abnormalities such as trisomy 21

Question 12

If a cell with a diploid number of $$2n = 8$$ undergoes meiosis, how many chromosomes will each gamete contain?

Accepted Answer

$$4$$

Question 13

Which of the following events occurs during metaphase of mitosis?

Accepted Answer

Chromosomes align at the metaphase plate.

Question 14

What is the result of nondisjunction during meiosis?

Accepted Answer

Gametes with abnormal numbers of chromosomes

Question 15

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

Accepted Answer

Mitosis produces two genetically identical diploid cells, while meiosis produces four genetically unique haploid cells.

Question 16

A person with Klinefelter syndrome has the sex chromosome composition $$XXY. $$What is the most likely cause?

Accepted Answer

Nondisjunction during meiosis in egg or sperm formation

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the function of growth factors in cell division?

Accepted Answer

They stimulate cells to divide by binding to specific receptors on the plasma membrane.

Question 18

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

Accepted Answer

Translocation

Question 19

Why is sexual reproduction important for evolution?

Accepted Answer

It increases genetic variation through independent assortment, crossing over, and random fertilization.

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why cancer is not usually inherited?

Accepted Answer

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

Chapter 8: The Cellular Basis of Reproduction and Inheritance – Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards