Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference between mitosis and meiosis in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Mitosis results in two genetically identical daughter cells, while meiosis results in four genetically unique daughter cells with half the chromosome number.

Question 2

During which phase of the cell cycle is DNA replicated?

Accepted Answer

S phase

Question 3

A cell is observed to have condensed chromosomes, a disintegrating nuclear envelope, and spindle fibers forming. Which phase of mitosis is this cell most likely in?

Accepted Answer

Prophase

Question 4

What is the role of the centromere during cell division?

Accepted Answer

It is the site where spindle microtubules attach to chromosomes via kinetochores.

Question 5

Which of the following is TRUE about the genome of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Prokaryotic cells usually have a single DNA molecule, while eukaryotic cells have multiple DNA molecules organized into chromosomes.

Question 6

In animal cells, cytokinesis is accomplished by which of the following mechanisms?

Accepted Answer

Cleavage furrow created by a contractile ring of microfilaments

Question 7

Which checkpoint in the cell cycle is considered the most important for determining whether a cell will proceed to divide?

Accepted Answer

G\_1 checkpoint

Question 8

A scientist observes that a group of cells continues to divide even when crowded and not attached to a substrate. What is the most likely explanation for this behavior?

Accepted Answer

The cells have lost cell cycle control and are likely cancerous.

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the function of cyclin-dependent kinases (Cdks) in the cell cycle?

Accepted Answer

Cdks are enzymes that, when bound to cyclins, regulate progression through cell cycle checkpoints.

Question 10

During which phase of mitosis do sister chromatids separate and move toward opposite poles of the cell?

Accepted Answer

Anaphase

Question 11

Which of the following external signals can stimulate a cell to divide?

Accepted Answer

Growth factors released by other cells

Question 12

A cell in the G\_2 phase of interphase is characterized by which of the following?

Accepted Answer

It is living with two copies of its DNA and preparing for mitosis.

Question 13

Which of the following is a correct sequence of events during mitosis and cytokinesis in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

DNA is copied, nuclear envelope breaks down, chromosomes move to opposite sides, nuclei reform, cell divides.

Question 14

In plant cells, cytokinesis differs from animal cells because:

Accepted Answer

Plant cells form a cell plate, while animal cells form a cleavage furrow.

Question 15

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 16

If a cell does NOT receive a go-ahead signal at the G\_1 checkpoint, what is the most likely outcome?

Accepted Answer

The cell will exit the cell cycle and enter a nondividing state called G\_0.

Question 17

Which of the following structures is responsible for organizing the mitotic spindle in animal cells?

Accepted Answer

Centrosome

Question 18

A researcher observes that a cell has two sets of chromosomes, one from each parent. What type of cell is this most likely to be?

Accepted Answer

Somatic cell

Question 19

Which of the following equations correctly represents the chromosome number in gametes compared to somatic cells?

Accepted Answer

$$n_{gamete} = \frac{1}{2} n_{somatic}$$

Question 20

Which of the following is a direct internal signal that can halt the cell cycle at the metaphase checkpoint?

Accepted Answer

Kinetochores are not attached to spindle microtubules.

The Cell Cycle and Eukaryotic Cell Division (Chapter 12) – Study Notes

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