Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference between a chromosome and a chromatid during the cell cycle?

Accepted Answer

A chromosome can consist of either one or two chromatids, depending on the phase of the cell cycle, while sister chromatids are the identical copies formed after DNA replication.

Question 2

During which phase of the cell cycle does DNA replication occur, and what is the result for the amount of DNA in the cell?

Accepted Answer

DNA replication occurs during the S phase, resulting in each chromosome consisting of two sister chromatids.

Question 3

Which checkpoint in the cell cycle ensures that all chromosomes are properly attached to the spindle before anaphase begins?

Accepted Answer

M checkpoint

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Metaphase

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

To phosphorylate target proteins, regulating progression through cell cycle checkpoints

Question 6

Which of the following best explains why chemotherapy is effective against cancer cells?

Accepted Answer

Chemotherapy specifically targets the cell cycle, affecting rapidly dividing cancer cells more than most normal cells.

Question 7

If a cell fails to pass the G1 checkpoint, what is the most likely outcome?

Accepted Answer

The cell enters the G0 phase and stops dividing.

Question 8

Which of the following events occurs during apoptosis but NOT during necrosis?

Accepted Answer

DNA and organelles are fragmented and packaged into vesicles for digestion by other cells.

Question 9

A mutation causes a cell to skip the M checkpoint. Which of the following is a likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

Chromosomes may not be properly separated, leading to daughter cells with abnormal chromosome numbers.

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the role of apoptosis during embryonic development?

Accepted Answer

It removes unnecessary cells, such as those between developing fingers and toes.

Question 11

Which of the following statements about cancer cells is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Cancer cells often ignore cell cycle checkpoints and can divide uncontrollably.

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

Prophase → Prometaphase → Metaphase → Anaphase → Telophase

Question 13

A cell is observed with a fragmented nuclear envelope and microtubules attaching to kinetochores. Which phase is this?

Accepted Answer

Prometaphase

Question 14

Which of the following equations best represents the relationship between the number of chromosomes ($$n) $$and the number of chromatids ($$c) in a $$human cell during metaphase?

Accepted Answer

$$c = 2n$$

Question 15

Which protein complex is responsible for triggering the cell’s entry into mitosis, and what happens to its concentration after mitosis?

Accepted Answer

Maturation-promoting factor (MPF); its concentration decreases sharply after mitosis.

Question 16

Which of the following scenarios would most likely result in a benign tumor?

Accepted Answer

A cell that divides uncontrollably but does not invade surrounding tissues.

Question 17

Which of the following best explains why apoptosis is important for protecting neighboring cells?

Accepted Answer

It packages cell contents into vesicles, preventing the release of harmful substances.

Question 18

Which of the following is a direct result of cyclin degradation after a cell cycle checkpoint?

Accepted Answer

Cdk activity decreases.

Question 19

A scientist observes a cell with two nuclei forming and chromosomes becoming less condensed. Which phase is this cell in?

Accepted Answer

Telophase

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the role of growth factors in the cell cycle?

Accepted Answer

They are required for all cells to exit the G0 phase and re-enter the cell cycle.

The Cell Cycle: Regulation, Phases, and Cellular Consequences

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