Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Eukaryotic cells have a nucleus containing DNA, whereas prokaryotic cells have DNA in the nucleoid region.

Question 2

A human somatic cell contains 46 chromosomes. After mitosis, how many chromosomes will each daughter cell contain?

Accepted Answer

$$46$$

Question 3

Which structure is responsible for linking sister chromatids together?

Accepted Answer

Centromere

Question 4

Which of the following best describes homologous chromosomes?

Accepted Answer

They carry genes for the same traits but may have different alleles.

Question 5

If a diploid organism has $$2N = 16$$ chromosomes, how many chromosomes will be present in its gametes after meiosis?

Accepted Answer

$$8$$

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT a function of telomeres?

Accepted Answer

Facilitating the attachment of spindle fibers during mitosis

Question 7

During which phase of the cell cycle is chromatin most relaxed and not visible as distinct chromosomes?

Accepted Answer

Interphase

Question 8

Which of the following statements about sister chromatids is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Sister chromatids are identical copies formed during DNA replication.

Question 9

A fruit fly has $$2N = 8$$ chromosomes. How many homologous pairs does it have?

Accepted Answer

$$4$$

Question 10

Which of the following best explains why the number of chromosomes does not correlate with organism complexity?

Accepted Answer

Chromosome number varies due to evolutionary history and does not reflect gene content or complexity.

Question 11

Which of the following is a correct sequence of DNA packaging in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Double helix $$\rightarrow$$ Nucleosome $$\rightarrow$$ Chromatin fiber $$\rightarrow$$ Chromosome

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the genetic outcome of meiosis compared to mitosis?

Accepted Answer

Meiosis produces haploid cells with genetic variation.

Question 13

A mutation causes the centromere of a chromosome to be located very close to one end. What is this chromosome type called?

Accepted Answer

Acrocentric

Question 14

Which of the following is a real-world consequence of telomere shortening in human cells?

Accepted Answer

Cellular aging and eventual cell death (senescence)

Question 15

If a horse has $$2N = 64$$ chromosomes, how many chromosomes would you expect to find in a sperm cell?

Accepted Answer

$$32$$

Question 16

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

Accepted Answer

It is the site where spindle fibers attach to separate sister chromatids.

Question 17

Which of the following scenarios would result in a cell with an abnormal number of chromosomes (aneuploidy)?

Accepted Answer

Failure of homologous chromosomes to separate during meiosis I

Question 18

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the genetic content of homologous chromosomes?

Accepted Answer

They carry genes for the same traits but may have different alleles.

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why sister chromatids are not considered homologous chromosomes?

Accepted Answer

Sister chromatids are identical copies formed during DNA replication, while homologous chromosomes are inherited from different parents.

Question 20

Which of the following is a key difference between mitosis and meiosis in terms of genetic diversity?

Accepted Answer

Meiosis increases genetic diversity through independent assortment and crossing over.

Mitosis and Meiosis: Cellular and Chromosomal Foundations

Study Guide - Practice Questions