Question 1

Which of the following best describes the main difference between mitosis and meiosis in terms of chromosome number in the resulting cells?

Accepted Answer

Mitosis produces two cells with the same chromosome number as the parent, while meiosis produces four cells with half the chromosome number.

Question 2

A mutation in the gene encoding separase would most directly affect which stage of mitosis?

Accepted Answer

Anaphase, by preventing the separation of sister chromatids.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

S phase

Question 4

A cell with a diploid number of 8 ($$2n = 8) $$undergoes meiosis. How many chromosomes will each resulting gamete contain?

Accepted Answer

$$4$$

Question 5

Which of the following statements about homologous chromosomes is correct?

Accepted Answer

They carry the same genes at the same loci, but may have different alleles.

Question 6

In a human karyotype, how many pairs of homologous chromosomes are present in a typical somatic cell?

Accepted Answer

$$23$$

Question 7

Which of the following best explains why crossing over during meiosis increases genetic variation?

Accepted Answer

It results in the exchange of genetic material between non-sister chromatids of homologous chromosomes.

Question 8

A researcher observes a cell with chromosomes aligned at the metaphase plate, each consisting of two sister chromatids. The cell then divides, and each daughter cell receives one chromatid from each chromosome. Which process is being described?

Accepted Answer

Mitosis

Question 9

Which of the following is a function of the spindle fibers during cell division?

Accepted Answer

They move chromosomes during mitosis and meiosis.

Question 10

A cell is observed to have a centromere located very close to one end of the chromosome. What is the term for this centromere placement?

Accepted Answer

Acrocentric

Question 11

Which checkpoint in the cell cycle is primarily responsible for ensuring that DNA has been accurately replicated before mitosis begins?

Accepted Answer

G2 checkpoint

Question 12

In oogenesis, why does one daughter cell receive most of the cytoplasm during meiotic divisions?

Accepted Answer

To ensure the resulting ovum has sufficient resources for early development.

Question 13

A mutation causes shugoshin to be nonfunctional during mitosis. What is the most likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

Sister chromatids will separate prematurely at the centromere.

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the role of cyclins in the cell cycle?

Accepted Answer

They bind to kinases to activate them at specific points in the cell cycle.

Question 15

If nondisjunction occurs during anaphase I of meiosis, what is the expected outcome in the resulting gametes?

Accepted Answer

Half the gametes will have an extra chromosome, and half will be missing one.

Question 16

Which organelle is responsible for synthesizing ATP in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondrion

Question 17

A plant cell is observed to have a cell wall, chloroplasts, and a large central vacuole. Which of the following additional features would distinguish it from a prokaryotic cell?

Accepted Answer

Presence of a membrane-bound nucleus

Question 18

During which stage of meiosis does crossing over occur, and what is the structure formed by synapsed homologous chromosomes called?

Accepted Answer

Prophase I; tetrad

Question 19

A cell is observed to have entered G0 phase. Which of the following best describes its state?

Accepted Answer

It is metabolically active but not dividing.

Question 20

A geneticist is studying a species with a diploid number of $$2n = 12. $$After meiosis II, how many chromosomes and chromatids will each gamete contain?

Accepted Answer

$$6$$ chromosomes and $$6$$ chromatids

Mitosis and Meiosis: Cellular Basis of Genetic Continuity

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