Question 1

Which phase of the cell cycle is responsible for the duplication of chromosomes, and what is the consequence if this phase is skipped?

Accepted Answer

S phase; daughter cells will lack complete genetic information

Question 2

During mitosis, which structure is responsible for moving chromosomes to opposite poles of the cell?

Accepted Answer

Mitotic spindle

Question 3

A researcher observes a cell with condensed chromosomes aligned at the center of the cell. Which stage of mitosis is this cell in?

Accepted Answer

Metaphase

Question 4

What is the role of cyclin-dependent kinases (Cdks) in the cell cycle?

Accepted Answer

They must bind to cyclins to regulate progression through cell cycle checkpoints

Question 5

Which checkpoint is considered the most important for determining whether a cell will divide?

Accepted Answer

G$$_1$$ checkpoint

Question 6

Cancer cells differ from normal cells in their response to growth factors. Which of the following best describes this difference?

Accepted Answer

Cancer cells do not need growth factors to divide and may produce their own

Question 7

In animal cells, cytokinesis is accomplished by which process?

Accepted Answer

Cleavage furrow formation

Question 8

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 switch into a nondividing state called G$$_0$$

Question 9

Which of the following best explains why multicellular organisms need cell division for renewal and repair?

Accepted Answer

Cell division replaces damaged or dead cells, maintaining tissue function

Question 10

A scientist observes a cell with two sets of chromosomes. What type of cell is this most likely to be?

Accepted Answer

Somatic cell

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 12

Which process do bacteria use to replicate, and what is a key feature of this process?

Accepted Answer

Binary fission; the chromosome replicates and the cell divides by pinching inward

Question 13

Which of the following is a real-world consequence of loss of density-dependent inhibition in cells?

Accepted Answer

Cells continue dividing even when crowded, leading to tumor growth

Question 14

During which stage of mitosis are sister chromatids separated and moved to opposite poles?

Accepted Answer

Anaphase

Question 15

Which molecular complex triggers a cell’s passage past the G$$_2$$ checkpoint into M phase?

Accepted Answer

Cyclin-Cdk complex (MPF)

Question 16

A cell is observed to have a nuclear envelope reforming around separated chromosomes. Which stage of mitosis is this?

Accepted Answer

Telophase

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the genetic relationship between daughter cells produced by mitosis?

Accepted Answer

They are genetically identical to each other and to the parent cell

Question 18

Which of the following is a characteristic of malignant tumors but not benign tumors?

Accepted Answer

They invade surrounding tissues and can undergo metastasis

Question 19

A cell is exposed to platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF). What is the expected cellular response?

Accepted Answer

The cell will be stimulated to divide

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why cyclin concentrations fluctuate during the cell cycle?

Accepted Answer

Cyclins are synthesized and degraded at specific times to regulate cell cycle progression

Ch. 12 The Cell Cycle: Mechanisms and Regulation

Study Guide - Practice Questions