$$\text{Parent DNA} \rightarrow \text{1 old strand} + \text{1 new strand}$$

Question 1

Which event during Meiosis I is primarily responsible for increasing genetic diversity among gametes?

Accepted Answer

Crossing over in Prophase I

Question 2

During DNA replication, which enzyme is responsible for synthesizing the RNA primer required for DNA polymerase to begin synthesis?

Accepted Answer

RNA primase

Question 3

If a diploid cell with $$2N = 8$$ chromosomes undergoes meiosis, how many chromosomes will each resulting gamete contain?

Accepted Answer

$$4$$

Question 4

Which of the following best describes the difference between the leading and lagging strands during DNA replication?

Accepted Answer

The leading strand is synthesized continuously, while the lagging strand is synthesized in short fragments called Okazaki fragments.

Question 5

Which phase of Meiosis I is characterized by the alignment of homologous chromosomes at the metaphase plate?

Accepted Answer

Metaphase I

Question 6

What is the primary purpose of independent assortment during meiosis?

Accepted Answer

To increase genetic variation among gametes

Question 7

Which of the following statements about DNA polymerase is FALSE?

Accepted Answer

DNA polymerase can synthesize DNA de novo without a primer.

Question 8

A mutation prevents crossing over during Prophase I of meiosis. What is the most likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

Gametes will have reduced genetic diversity.

Question 9

Which equation correctly represents the semi-conservative model of DNA replication?

Accepted Answer

$$	ext{Parent DNA} ightarrow 	ext{1 old strand} + 	ext{1 new strand}$$

Question 10

During which stage of meiosis do sister chromatids finally separate?

Accepted Answer

Anaphase II

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT a difference between mitosis and meiosis?

Accepted Answer

Mitosis results in genetic variation, meiosis does not.

Question 12

A cell is observed to have homologous chromosomes paired and crossing over occurring. Which stage is this cell most likely in?

Accepted Answer

Prophase I of meiosis

Question 13

Which factor does NOT affect the duration of the cell cycle?

Accepted Answer

Amount of sunlight

Question 14

In a laboratory experiment, a cell is exposed to a temperature that is much lower than optimal. What is the most likely effect on the cell cycle?

Accepted Answer

The cell cycle duration will increase.

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why meiosis results in four unique daughter cells?

Accepted Answer

Meiosis includes two rounds of division and genetic shuffling via crossing over and independent assortment.

Question 16

Which process ensures that gametes have half the chromosome number of the parent cell?

Accepted Answer

Meiosis

Question 17

What is the role of Okazaki fragments during DNA replication?

Accepted Answer

They allow the lagging strand to be synthesized in short segments.

Question 18

Which of the following is a real-world consequence of errors in meiosis?

Accepted Answer

Genetic disorders such as Down syndrome due to nondisjunction

Question 19

A scientist observes a cell with a cleavage furrow forming after homologous chromosomes have separated. Which stage is this?

Accepted Answer

Telophase I and cytokinesis of meiosis

Question 20

Which model best describes the structure of DNA as shown in the rope-ladder diagram?

Accepted Answer

Double helix

DNA Structure, Replication, and Cell Division: Meiosis and Mitosis

Study Guide - Practice Questions