Question 1

Which of the following best describes the main function of the plasma membrane in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

It delimits the cell from the external environment and regulates the movement of substances in and out of the cell.

Question 2

Which organelle is responsible for the synthesis of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Nucleolus

Question 3

A cell is observed to have a cell wall composed mainly of peptidoglycan. This cell is most likely:

Accepted Answer

A bacterial cell

Question 4

Which of the following statements about homologous chromosomes is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

S phase

Question 6

Which protein complex holds sister chromatids together until anaphase during mitosis?

Accepted Answer

Cohesin

Question 7

A mutation in which checkpoint protein could most directly lead to uncontrolled cell division and cancer?

Accepted Answer

Cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK)

Question 8

Which of the following best explains why meiosis increases genetic variation in sexually reproducing species?

Accepted Answer

It involves crossing over between homologous chromosomes during prophase I.

Question 9

If a diploid organism has a genome with $$2n = 8$$, how many chromosomes will be present in each gamete after meiosis?

Accepted Answer

$$4$$

Question 10

Which of the following events occurs during anaphase of mitosis?

Accepted Answer

Sister chromatids separate and move toward opposite poles.

Question 11

A human cell in metaphase I of meiosis contains how many tetrads?

Accepted Answer

$$23$$

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

Synthesizing ribosomal RNA

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the difference between mitosis and meiosis?

Accepted Answer

Mitosis produces genetically identical cells, while meiosis produces genetically variable cells.

Question 14

Which structure is responsible for organizing spindle fibers during mitosis and meiosis in animal cells?

Accepted Answer

Centrioles

Question 15

A cell is observed with chromosomes aligned at the metaphase plate, spindle fibers attached to kinetochores, and cohesin present at the centromeres. Which phase is this cell in?

Accepted Answer

Metaphase

Question 16

Which of the following is a real-world consequence of nondisjunction during meiosis?

Accepted Answer

Production of gametes with abnormal chromosome numbers, leading to conditions such as Down syndrome

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

It protects cohesin from being degraded at the centromere during meiosis I.

Question 18

In a plant cell undergoing cytokinesis, what structure forms to separate the two daughter cells?

Accepted Answer

Cell plate

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why the X and Y chromosomes are considered an exception to homologous chromosomes?

Accepted Answer

They differ in size, centromere placement, and genetic content but behave as homologs during meiosis.

Question 20

A mutation prevents the formation of the protein tubulin in a eukaryotic cell. Which cellular process would be most directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Movement of chromosomes during mitosis and meiosis

Mitosis and Meiosis: Cellular Basis of Genetic Inheritance

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