Question 1

Which of the following best defines the 'cell division cycle' (cell cycle)?

Accepted Answer

The series of events that take place in a cell leading to its division and duplication, producing two daughter cells.

Question 2

Which phase of the cell cycle is primarily responsible for DNA replication?

Accepted Answer

S phase

Question 3

Cyclin-dependent kinases (Cdks) are crucial for cell cycle regulation. What is required for their activation?

Accepted Answer

Binding to cyclins

Question 4

Which of the following is NOT a major cell cycle checkpoint in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

S/G2 checkpoint

Question 5

A mutation causes a cell to bypass the G1/S checkpoint. Which of the following is a likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

The cell may replicate damaged DNA, increasing the risk of cancer.

Question 6

What is the primary purpose of cyclin degradation during the cell cycle?

Accepted Answer

To irreversibly inactivate Cdks and allow progression to the next phase.

Question 7

Which of the following best describes apoptosis?

Accepted Answer

A regulated process of programmed cell death involving caspases.

Question 8

Which enzyme family is directly responsible for the execution phase of apoptosis?

Accepted Answer

Caspases

Question 9

A researcher observes that a cell has condensed chromatin, membrane blebbing, and DNA fragmentation. Which process is most likely occurring?

Accepted Answer

Apoptosis

Question 10

Which of the following events occurs during the M phase of the cell cycle?

Accepted Answer

Chromosome segregation and cytokinesis

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

Metaphase/Anaphase checkpoint

Question 12

Which of the following statements about intrinsic and extrinsic pathways of apoptosis is correct?

Accepted Answer

Both pathways activate caspases, but the intrinsic pathway is triggered by internal signals such as DNA damage.

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the role of caspases in apoptosis?

Accepted Answer

They cleave specific cellular substrates to dismantle the cell.

Question 14

A cell is exposed to a chemical that inhibits cyclin degradation. What is the most likely outcome?

Accepted Answer

The cell cycle will be disrupted due to persistent Cdk activity.

Question 15

Which of the following is a key feature that distinguishes apoptosis from necrosis?

Accepted Answer

Apoptosis is energy-dependent and does not cause inflammation, while necrosis is passive and often causes inflammation.

Question 16

Which of the following equations correctly represents the relationship between cyclin concentration $[C]$ and Cdk activity $A$ if Cdk activity is directly proportional to cyclin concentration?

Accepted Answer

$A = k[C]$

Question 17

A patient’s cells fail to undergo apoptosis in response to severe DNA damage. Which of the following is a potential consequence?

Accepted Answer

Increased risk of cancer due to survival of genetically damaged cells.

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the function of cell cycle checkpoints?

Accepted Answer

To monitor and verify whether the processes at each phase of the cell cycle have been accurately completed before progression to the next phase.

Question 19

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the application of cell cycle knowledge in cancer therapy?

Accepted Answer

Using drugs that inhibit Cdk activity to prevent uncontrolled cell division.

Question 20

If a cell is unable to pass the G2/M checkpoint due to incomplete DNA replication, what is the most likely cellular response?

Accepted Answer

The cell will arrest in G2 phase until DNA replication is complete or the damage is repaired.

Cell Cycle and Apoptosis: Chapter 24 Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards