Question 1

Which of the following statements correctly distinguishes prokaryotic cells from eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Eukaryotic cells have their genetic material enclosed within a nuclear envelope, whereas prokaryotic cells do not.

Question 2

In humans, how many genetically distinct gametes can be produced by independent assortment alone, ignoring crossing over?

Accepted Answer

$2^{23}$

Question 3

Which structure is responsible for organizing microtubules during cell division in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Centrosome

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

S phase

Question 5

What is the function of cohesin during mitosis?

Accepted Answer

It holds sister chromatids together until anaphase.

Question 6

Which protein complex is responsible for breaking down cohesin to allow sister chromatid separation during anaphase?

Accepted Answer

Separase

Question 7

A cell is observed to have chromosomes aligned at the equator, spindle fibers attached to kinetochores, and the nuclear envelope is absent. Which stage of mitosis is this cell most likely in?

Accepted Answer

Metaphase

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the role of the kinetochore during cell division?

Accepted Answer

It is the site where spindle fibers attach to chromosomes to facilitate their movement.

Question 9

If a mutation prevents the degradation of shugoshin during meiosis II, what is the most likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

Sister chromatids will fail to separate during meiosis II.

Question 10

Which of the following events increases genetic variation during meiosis?

Accepted Answer

Crossing over between homologous chromosomes

Question 11

A duplicated chromosome consists of two sister chromatids. After mitosis, what is the relationship between the chromosomes in the two daughter cells?

Accepted Answer

They are identical copies (daughter chromosomes) resulting from the separation of sister chromatids.

Question 12

Which phase of meiosis is characterized by the formation of chiasmata and crossing over?

Accepted Answer

Prophase I

Question 13

In a species with a diploid number of $2n = 8$, how many different combinations of chromosomes can be produced in gametes by independent assortment?

Accepted Answer

$2^4 = 16$

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT a function of the centromere?

Accepted Answer

It synthesizes tubulin for microtubule formation.

Question 15

Which of the following best describes an allele?

Accepted Answer

One of a number of alternative forms of a gene at the same genetic locus.

Question 16

During oogenesis in humans, what is the fate of the first polar body?

Accepted Answer

It typically degenerates and does not participate in fertilization.

Question 17

Which of the following is true regarding homologous chromosomes?

Accepted Answer

They have the same size, shape, and banding patterns, but may carry different alleles.

Question 18

A mutation in the gene encoding tubulin would most directly affect which cellular process?

Accepted Answer

Microtubule formation and spindle assembly during cell division

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why crossing over is beneficial for populations?

Accepted Answer

It creates new combinations of alleles, helping populations adapt to changing environments.

Question 20

Which molecular complex regulates the progression of the cell cycle by activating phase transitions?

Accepted Answer

Cyclin B-CDK complex

Genetics Lecture 2: Cell Division- Mitosis & Meiosis

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