Question 1

Which of the following best describes the primary function of mitosis in multicellular organisms?

Accepted Answer

To enable growth, development, and tissue repair by producing genetically identical daughter cells

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

S phase

Question 3

A cell is observed under a microscope with chromosomes aligned at the center of the cell. Which phase of mitosis is this cell in?

Accepted Answer

Metaphase

Question 4

Which structure is responsible for moving chromosomes during mitosis?

Accepted Answer

Mitotic spindle

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Cell plate

Question 6

Which checkpoint in the cell cycle is most critical for determining whether a cell will divide?

Accepted Answer

G1 checkpoint

Question 7

A mutation causes a cell to ignore density-dependent inhibition. What is a likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

The cell may continue dividing uncontrollably, potentially leading to tumor formation

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the difference between benign and malignant tumors?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 9

Which molecular complex triggers a cell’s passage past the G2 checkpoint into the M phase?

Accepted Answer

Maturation-promoting factor (MPF)

Question 10

In the process of binary fission in bacteria, what is the first event that occurs?

Accepted Answer

The chromosome replicates beginning at the origin of replication

Question 11

A researcher fuses a cell in S phase with a cell in G1 phase. What is the most likely outcome for the G1 nucleus?

Accepted Answer

It will begin DNA synthesis and enter S phase

Question 12

Which of the following statements about cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases (Cdks) is correct?

Accepted Answer

Cdks are active only when bound to cyclins

Question 13

Which of the following is a real-life example of an external signal that can stimulate cell division?

Accepted Answer

Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) released at a wound site

Question 14

If a cell fails to attach all chromosomes to spindle microtubules during prometaphase, what is the likely result?

Accepted Answer

The cell will be delayed at the M checkpoint

Question 15

Which of the following equations correctly represents the chromosome number in human somatic cells and gametes?

Accepted Answer

$$2n = 46 in $$somatic cells; $$n = 23 in $$gametes

Question 16

A cell is observed with a visible nucleolus, uncondensed chromatin, and intact nuclear envelope. Which phase is this cell most likely in?

Accepted Answer

Interphase

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

They do not respond to normal cell cycle controls and may divide uncontrollably

Question 18

Which of the following is NOT a function of cell division in multicellular organisms?

Accepted Answer

Production of energy

Question 19

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

Accepted Answer

Anaphase

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the evolutionary relationship between binary fission and mitosis?

Accepted Answer

Mitosis evolved from binary fission, as both involve chromosome replication and segregation

The Cell Cycle: Structure, Function, and Regulation

Study Guide - Practice Questions