Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference between somatic cells and gametes in humans?

Accepted Answer

Somatic cells have two sets of chromosomes, while gametes have one set.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

S phase

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Metaphase

Question 4

Which of the following statements about the mitotic spindle is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

The mitotic spindle is made of microtubules and controls chromosome movement during mitosis.

Question 5

What is the primary function of the G₁ checkpoint in the cell cycle?

Accepted Answer

To verify that the cell has enough resources and receives the correct signals to proceed with division.

Question 6

A scientist treats animal cells with a drug that prevents the formation of the cleavage furrow. What is the most likely result?

Accepted Answer

The cells will complete mitosis but fail to divide their cytoplasm, resulting in multinucleated cells.

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

Cancer cells do not require growth factors to divide and ignore normal cell cycle controls.

Question 8

Which of the following events distinguishes anaphase from other stages of mitosis?

Accepted Answer

Sister chromatids are separated and move toward opposite poles.

Question 9

A cell is observed to have a high concentration of cyclin and active cyclin-dependent kinases (Cdks). Which phase of the cell cycle is the cell most likely entering?

Accepted Answer

M phase

Question 10

Which of the following mechanisms ensures that daughter cells have the correct number of chromosomes after mitosis?

Accepted Answer

The spindle checkpoint ensures all chromosomes are attached to the spindle at the metaphase plate before anaphase begins.

Question 11

Which of the following is a key difference between mitosis and binary fission?

Accepted Answer

Mitosis involves the formation of a mitotic spindle, while binary fission does not.

Question 12

A patient is diagnosed with a malignant tumor. Which of the following characteristics would you expect this tumor to exhibit?

Accepted Answer

It can invade surrounding tissues and spread to other parts of the body (metastasis).

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the role of MPF (Maturation-promoting factor) in the cell cycle?

Accepted Answer

MPF triggers the cell's passage past the G₂ checkpoint into the M phase.

Question 14

Which of the following is an example of an external signal that can regulate the cell cycle?

Accepted Answer

The presence of growth factors such as PDGF.

Question 15

A scientist observes a cell that has exited the cell cycle and is not dividing. Which phase is this cell most likely in?

Accepted Answer

G₀ phase

Question 16

Which of the following statements about chromatin is correct?

Accepted Answer

Chromatin is a complex of DNA and protein that condenses during cell division.

Question 17

Which of the following best explains why chemotherapy often causes side effects such as hair loss and nausea?

Accepted Answer

Chemotherapy drugs specifically target normal cells that divide frequently, such as hair follicle and digestive tract cells.

Question 18

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

Accepted Answer

Prophase → Metaphase → Anaphase → Telophase

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the 'Pac-man' mechanism during anaphase?

Accepted Answer

Motor proteins at the kinetochore 'walk' chromosomes along microtubules, which depolymerize at the kinetochore ends.

Question 20

Which of the following statements about density-dependent inhibition is correct?

Accepted Answer

It prevents cells from dividing when they are in contact with neighboring cells.

The Cell Cycle and Cell Division: Mechanisms and Regulation

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