Question 1

Which of the following best describes the structure of a DNA molecule?

Accepted Answer

A double-stranded helix with a sugar-phosphate backbone and nitrogenous base pairs held together by hydrogen bonds

Question 2

Which of the following equations correctly represents the base pairing in double-stranded DNA?

Accepted Answer

$$A = T$$ and $$G = C$$

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

S phase

Question 4

What is the main function of histone proteins in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

To package DNA into nucleosomes, aiding in chromosome compaction

Question 5

Which of the following statements about mitosis is correct?

Accepted Answer

Mitosis is used for growth, repair, and asexual reproduction in multicellular organisms

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the difference between homologous chromosomes and sister chromatids?

Accepted Answer

Sister chromatids are identical copies formed during DNA replication, while homologous chromosomes are similar but not identical and come from each parent

Question 7

Which checkpoint in the cell cycle ensures that the cell is ready to replicate its DNA?

Accepted Answer

G1 checkpoint

Question 8

A mutation causes a cell to skip the G2 checkpoint. What is a likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

The cell may enter mitosis with damaged or unreplicated DNA, leading to genomic instability

Question 9

Which of the following events occurs during prophase of mitosis?

Accepted Answer

Nuclear envelope disintegrates and spindle fibers begin to form

Question 10

In which type of cell division does crossing-over occur, and what is its significance?

Accepted Answer

Meiosis; it increases genetic variation among gametes

Question 11

Which of the following best explains why polyploidy is more common in plants than in animals?

Accepted Answer

Plants can tolerate extra sets of chromosomes, which often leads to larger and more robust individuals

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

Somatic cell: $$2n = 46$$, Gamete: $$n = 23$$

Question 13

Which of the following is a key difference between cytokinesis in plant and animal cells?

Accepted Answer

Animal cells form a cleavage furrow, while plant cells build a cell plate

Question 14

Which of the following best describes binary fission?

Accepted Answer

A rapid process in prokaryotes where the cell divides into two genetically identical daughter cells

Question 15

A cell with 8 chromosomes undergoes mitosis. How many chromosomes will each daughter cell have after division?

Accepted Answer

8

Question 16

Which of the following is true about the products of meiosis in animals?

Accepted Answer

Each cell is haploid and genetically unique

Question 17

During which stage of meiosis does synapsis and crossing-over occur?

Accepted Answer

Prophase I

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the alternation of generations in plants?

Accepted Answer

Plants alternate between a multicellular diploid sporophyte and a multicellular haploid gametophyte

Question 19

Which of the following is NOT a function of mitosis in multicellular organisms?

Accepted Answer

Production of gametes

Chromosomes, Mitosis, and Meiosis: Structure and Function of Genetic Material

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