Question 1

Which stage of mitosis is depicted in the first image, where chromosomes are being pulled apart toward opposite poles of the cell?

Accepted Answer

Anaphase

Question 2

During which phase of the cell cycle does DNA replication occur, as shown in the cell cycle diagram?

Accepted Answer

S phase

Question 3

A cell fails to pass the G1 checkpoint due to DNA damage. What is the most likely outcome for this cell?

Accepted Answer

It will enter G0 phase and stop dividing.

Question 4

Which of the following best describes the function of tumor suppressor genes such as p53?

Accepted Answer

They suppress cell division and activate repair or apoptosis when damage is detected.

Question 5

A mutation in an oncogene results in which of the following cellular behaviors?

Accepted Answer

Increased cell division and conversion of normal cells to cancer cells.

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of cancer cells compared to normal cells?

Accepted Answer

Cancer cells exhibit density-dependent inhibition.

Question 7

If a cell's 'accelerator' and 'brake' proteins are both malfunctioning due to mutations, what is the most likely result?

Accepted Answer

The cell will divide uncontrollably, leading to cancer.

Question 8

Which checkpoint ensures that chromosomes are properly aligned before the cell proceeds with division?

Accepted Answer

M checkpoint (metaphase)

Question 9

A patient inherits a defective BRCA1 gene. What is the most direct consequence of this inheritance?

Accepted Answer

Their DNA repair mechanisms are less effective, increasing cancer risk.

Question 10

Which of the following treatments targets rapidly dividing cells by inhibiting DNA replication, cell division, and cell growth?

Accepted Answer

Chemotherapy

Question 11

What is the main difference between a benign tumor and a malignant tumor?

Accepted Answer

Malignant tumors can spread to other parts of the body, while benign tumors remain localized.

Question 12

Which phase of the cell cycle takes up approximately 90% of the total cycle?

Accepted Answer

Interphase

Question 13

Which of the following is a real-world example of a contagious cancer?

Accepted Answer

Devil Facial Tumor Disease (DFTD) in Tasmanian devils

Question 14

Which equation best represents the exponential growth of cancer cells when cell division is unregulated?

Accepted Answer

$$N(t) = N_0$ e$$^{rt}$$

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why chemotherapy affects hair and skin cells as well as cancer cells?

Accepted Answer

Hair and skin cells divide rapidly, making them susceptible to drugs targeting cell division.

Question 16

Which of the following is NOT a function of the cell cycle checkpoints?

Accepted Answer

Ensuring the cell divides as quickly as possible.

Question 17

Which of the following is a plausible outcome if a cell accumulates severe DNA damage and fails to repair it?

Accepted Answer

The cell will undergo apoptosis (programmed cell death).

Question 18

Which of the following best describes density-dependent inhibition?

Accepted Answer

Cells stop dividing when they are crowded.

Question 19

Which checkpoint is responsible for verifying that the environment is favorable and DNA has been duplicated before mitosis?

Accepted Answer

G2 checkpoint

Question 20

Which of the following statements about cancer is correct?

Accepted Answer

Cancer is caused by an accumulation of mutations in multiple genes.

The Cell Cycle, Mitosis, and Cancer: Regulation and Disease

Study Guide - Practice Questions