Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic chromosomes?

Accepted Answer

Prokaryotic chromosomes are circular and found in the nucleoid, while eukaryotic chromosomes are linear and found in the nucleus.

Question 2

A human somatic cell contains 46 chromosomes. How many chromosomes are present in a human gamete?

Accepted Answer

$23$

Question 3

Which of the following statements about homologous chromosomes is correct?

Accepted Answer

They are similar in size, banding pattern, and gene loci, but may carry different alleles.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

S phase

Question 5

Which structure is responsible for the movement of chromosomes during mitosis?

Accepted Answer

Spindle fibers (microtubules)

Question 6

A cell is observed with chromosomes aligned along the metaphase plate, spindle fibers attached to kinetochores, and the nuclear envelope completely dissolved. Which stage of mitosis is this cell in?

Accepted Answer

Metaphase

Question 7

Which of the following best explains why mitosis is essential for multicellular organisms?

Accepted Answer

It enables growth, tissue repair, and maintenance by producing genetically identical cells.

Question 8

What is the main difference between cytokinesis in animal cells and plant cells?

Accepted Answer

Animal cells form a cleavage furrow, while plant cells form a cell plate.

Question 9

If a mutation prevents the formation of kinetochores, what would most likely happen during mitosis?

Accepted Answer

Spindle fibers would not attach to chromosomes, preventing proper chromosome segregation.

Question 10

A cytogeneticist observes a cell with 78 chromosomes. Based on the provided table, which organism is this most likely to be?

Accepted Answer

Dog

Question 11

Which of the following equations correctly represents the chromosome number in a diploid organism after DNA replication but before cell division?

Accepted Answer

$2n$ chromosomes, each consisting of two sister chromatids$

Question 12

Which phase of mitosis is characterized by the separation of sister chromatids toward opposite poles?

Accepted Answer

Anaphase

Question 13

A scientist is studying a cell that has entered the G$_0$ phase. Which of the following statements is most accurate?

Accepted Answer

The cell is expressing genetic information and performing normal functions but is not preparing to divide.

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the genetic similarity between two homologous chromosomes in a human?

Accepted Answer

They are about 99% identical, with small differences accounting for allelic variation.

Question 15

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

Accepted Answer

Production of gametes

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the role of centrosomes during mitosis?

Accepted Answer

They organize the spindle fibers that separate chromosomes.

Question 17

A mutation causes a cell to skip the S phase of the cell cycle. What is the most likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

The cell will not replicate its DNA and cannot properly divide.

Question 18

Which of the following best explains why the X and Y chromosomes are not considered homologous?

Accepted Answer

They differ greatly in size and genetic content, sharing only small regions of homology.

Question 19

Which of the following events occurs during telophase of mitosis?

Accepted Answer

Nuclear envelopes reform around the separated chromosomes.

Question 20

A researcher observes a cell with a contractile ring forming at the center, pinching the cell into two. This process is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Cytokinesis in an animal cell

Cell Division and Chromosome Heredity: Structure, Function, and Mitosis

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