Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Mitosis produces two genetically identical somatic cells, while meiosis produces four genetically unique gametes.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

S phase

Question 3

A scientist observes a cell with chromosomes aligned at the center of the cell. Which phase of mitosis is this cell most likely in?

Accepted Answer

Metaphase

Question 4

Which of the following equations best represents the relationship between the number of chromosomes before and after mitosis in a diploid cell?

Accepted Answer

$$2n \rightarrow 2n$$

Question 5

In animal cells, cytokinesis is accomplished by the formation of which structure?

Accepted Answer

Cleavage furrow

Question 6

Which checkpoint in the cell cycle is primarily responsible for ensuring that all chromosomes are properly attached to the spindle before proceeding?

Accepted Answer

M checkpoint

Question 7

A mutation causes a cell to bypass the G1 checkpoint. What is the most likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

The cell may divide uncontrollably, potentially leading to tumor formation.

Question 8

Which of the following best describes binary fission in bacteria?

Accepted Answer

It is a process similar to M phase but does not involve mitosis.

Question 9

If a plant cell is unable to form a cell plate during cytokinesis, what is the most likely outcome?

Accepted Answer

The cell will form two nuclei but remain as one cell with two nuclei.

Question 10

Which of the following statements about cancer is correct?

Accepted Answer

Cancer arises from cells in which cell-cycle checkpoints have failed.

Question 11

A researcher treats animal cells with a drug that prevents actin-myosin interactions. What is the most likely effect on cell division?

Accepted Answer

Cytokinesis will be blocked, preventing the formation of the cleavage furrow.

Question 12

Which phase of mitosis is characterized by the separation of sister chromatids to opposite poles of the cell?

Accepted Answer

Anaphase

Question 13

A cell is observed to have two nuclei but has not yet divided into two separate cells. Which stage of the cell cycle is this cell most likely in?

Accepted Answer

Telophase

Question 14

Which of the following is a critical function of cell-cycle checkpoints?

Accepted Answer

To allow the cell to decide whether to proceed with division based on internal and external signals.

Question 15

If a mutation causes the regulatory molecules at the M checkpoint to become nonfunctional, what is a possible result?

Accepted Answer

Cells may proceed through mitosis even if chromosomes are not properly attached to the spindle.

Question 16

Which of the following best explains why cancer is considered a family of diseases?

Accepted Answer

Cancer includes over 200 types, each arising from uncontrolled cell division in different tissues.

Question 17

Which of the following is NOT a correct pairing of cell cycle phase and its main event?

Accepted Answer

G1 phase – chromosome separation

Question 18

A patient is diagnosed with a tumor. Which of the following best describes what has occurred at the cellular level?

Accepted Answer

Cells are dividing uncontrollably due to failed cell-cycle checkpoints.

Question 19

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 form a cell plate.

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the role of protein filaments during bacterial cell division?

Accepted Answer

They attach to replicated chromosomes and pull them apart.

The Cell Cycle: Mechanisms and Regulation

Study Guide - Practice Questions