Question 1

Which of the following statements best describes the difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells regarding their genetic material?

Accepted Answer

Eukaryotic cells have DNA closely associated with histones and contained within a nucleus.

Question 2

During which phase of the cell cycle does DNA synthesis occur, and what is the checkpoint that ensures DNA is fully replicated and undamaged before proceeding?

Accepted Answer

DNA synthesis occurs in S phase; G2/M checkpoint ensures DNA is fully replicated and undamaged.

Question 3

A diploid cell (2n) undergoes mitosis. What is the chromosome number and DNA molecule number in each daughter cell immediately after cytokinesis, if the original cell had 16 chromosomes?

Accepted Answer

Each daughter cell has 16 chromosomes and 16 DNA molecules.

Question 4

Which event is unique to meiosis I and contributes directly to genetic variation among gametes?

Accepted Answer

Crossing over between non-sister chromatids

Question 5

A secondary spermatocyte in a male animal has 12 chromosomes. How many chromosomes were present in the primary spermatocyte that gave rise to it?

Accepted Answer

24

Question 6

Which of the following structures is diploid in the plant life cycle?

Accepted Answer

Microsporocyte

Question 7

Which protein is responsible for holding sister chromatids together, and what is its fate during anaphase II of meiosis?

Accepted Answer

Cohesin; it is cleaved by separase after shugoshin breaks down during anaphase II.

Question 8

Which of the following is NOT an example of a haploid cell?

Accepted Answer

Primary oocytes of female animals

Question 9

If an ovum contains 18 chromosomes, how many chromosomes were present in the oogonium that produced it?

Accepted Answer

36

Question 10

Which event occurs in meiosis II but not in meiosis I?

Accepted Answer

Separation of chromatids

Question 11

Which of the following best explains the genetic consequences of the cell cycle in mitosis?

Accepted Answer

Produces two cells, each genetically identical to the parent cell.

Question 12

Which of the following events during meiosis is responsible for the random distribution of maternal and paternal chromosomes?

Accepted Answer

Random alignment of homologous pairs during metaphase I

Question 13

Following pollination in plants, the endosperm is:

Accepted Answer

Triploid

Question 14

Which of the following is a major difference between mitosis and meiosis I?

Accepted Answer

Homologous chromosomes pair and separate in meiosis I, but not in mitosis.

Question 15

Which cell cycle checkpoint ensures that the cell is committed to dividing after DNA synthesis?

Accepted Answer

G1/S checkpoint

Question 16

Which of the following is true about viruses in relation to prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Viruses are neither prokaryotic nor eukaryotic; they consist of a protein coat surrounding nucleic acid.

Question 17

Which stage of meiosis is characterized by the close pairing of homologous chromosomes and crossing over?

Accepted Answer

Prophase I

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the outcome of meiosis in plants?

Accepted Answer

Meiosis produces four haploid cells.

Question 19

Which event is NOT a feature of mitosis?

Accepted Answer

Reduction in chromosome number

Chromosomes and Cellular Reproduction: Study Notes for Genetics Students

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards