Question 1

Which of the following best describes the function of histone proteins in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

They help package DNA by forming nucleosomes, allowing efficient chromosome condensation.

Question 2

During which phase of the eukaryotic cell cycle does DNA replication occur, and what is the result?

Accepted Answer

During S phase, resulting in duplicated chromosomes composed of sister chromatids.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Metaphase

Question 4

Which equation correctly represents the number of chromatids present in a human cell during metaphase of mitosis?

Accepted Answer

$4n$

Question 5

What is the primary difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell division?

Accepted Answer

Prokaryotic cells use binary fission, which involves copying circular DNA and splitting, while eukaryotic cells use mitosis and cytokinesis.

Question 6

If a mutation occurs at the centromere of a chromosome, which process during mitosis would be most directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Separation of sister chromatids during anaphase

Question 7

Which of the following statements about homologous chromosomes is correct?

Accepted Answer

They carry genetic information for the same set of hereditary characteristics, one from each parent.

Question 8

A plant cell is observed forming a cell plate during division. Which process is occurring?

Accepted Answer

Cytokinesis

Question 9

Which of the following best explains why the number of chromosomes does NOT indicate organismal complexity?

Accepted Answer

Chromosome number varies among species and does not correlate with complexity.

Question 10

During which stage of mitosis do the nuclear envelope fragments and spindle fibers attach to kinetochores?

Accepted Answer

Prometaphase

Question 11

A cell with 46 chromosomes undergoes mitosis. How many chromosomes will each daughter cell have after cytokinesis?

Accepted Answer

46

Question 12

Which of the following is the correct sequence of events in the eukaryotic cell cycle?

Accepted Answer

G$_1$ → S → G$_2$ → Mitosis → Cytokinesis

Question 13

Which structure is responsible for moving chromosomes during mitosis?

Accepted Answer

Mitotic spindle (microtubules)

Question 14

If a cell fails to complete cytokinesis after mitosis, what is the most likely outcome?

Accepted Answer

The cell will have two nuclei within a single cytoplasm.

Question 15

Which of the following best describes a gene?

Accepted Answer

A segment of DNA that codes for a protein.

Question 16

A karyotype is most useful for which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Determining the number and structure of chromosomes in a cell.

Question 17

Which phase of the cell cycle is typically the longest and involves cell growth and normal metabolic functions?

Accepted Answer

Interphase

Question 18

Which of the following equations represents the total number of chromosomes in a human somatic cell?

Accepted Answer

$2n = 46$

Question 19

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

Accepted Answer

Sister chromatids reach opposite poles and nuclear envelopes begin to reform.

Question 20

In a real-world scenario, a cancer cell is observed to divide uncontrollably. Which checkpoint in the cell cycle is most likely malfunctioning?

Accepted Answer

G$_1$/S checkpoint

Chapter 9: The Cell Cycle – DNA Packaging and Cell Division

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