Question 1

Why must DNA be packaged inside a cell?

Accepted Answer

To fit the long DNA molecules into the small space of the nucleus and organize them for cell division

Question 2

What is chromatin?

Accepted Answer

A complex of DNA and proteins that forms chromosomes within the nucleus

Question 3

What role do histone proteins play in DNA organization?

Accepted Answer

They help package DNA into nucleosomes, allowing it to be compacted and organized

Question 4

Which of the following best describes a nucleosome?

Accepted Answer

A segment of DNA wrapped around a core of histone proteins

Question 5

When do chromosomes become visible in a cell?

Accepted Answer

During mitosis, when chromatin condenses

Question 6

What is the relationship between sister chromatids?

Accepted Answer

They are identical copies of a chromosome joined together at the centromere

Question 7

How is bacterial cell division (binary fission) different from eukaryotic cell division?

Accepted Answer

Binary fission does not involve mitosis or a spindle apparatus

Question 8

What happens to DNA during the S phase of the cell cycle?

Accepted Answer

DNA is replicated, resulting in two identical sister chromatids

Question 9

What is the role of cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) in the cell cycle?

Accepted Answer

They regulate the progression of the cell cycle by activating or deactivating target proteins

Question 10

Which of the following best describes a cell cycle checkpoint?

Accepted Answer

A point where the cell checks for errors and decides whether to proceed with division

Question 11

What is the main difference between apoptosis and necrosis?

Accepted Answer

Apoptosis is a controlled, programmed cell death, while necrosis is uncontrolled cell death due to injury

Question 12

What is the function of the anaphase-promoting complex (APC) during mitosis?

Accepted Answer

It triggers the separation of sister chromatids by targeting proteins for degradation

Question 13

Why is cancer often described as a disease of the cell cycle?

Accepted Answer

Because cancer results from unregulated cell division due to failures in cell cycle control

Question 14

Which of the following best describes a tumor suppressor gene?

Accepted Answer

A gene that normally inhibits cell division and prevents uncontrolled growth

Question 15

What is metastasis?

Accepted Answer

The spread of cancer cells from the original site to other parts of the body

Question 16

A patient is diagnosed with a malignant tumor. Which of the following characteristics would you expect this tumor to have?

Accepted Answer

It can invade nearby tissues and spread to distant sites

Question 17

Which equation best represents the number of chromosomes after DNA replication but before cell division in a diploid cell with $$n$$ chromosomes?

Accepted Answer

$$2n$$ chromosomes, each with two sister chromatids

Question 18

During which phase of mitosis do sister chromatids separate and move toward opposite poles?

Accepted Answer

Anaphase

Question 19

How does cytokinesis differ between plant and animal cells?

Accepted Answer

Animal cells form a cleavage furrow, while plant cells build a cell plate

Question 20

A mutation in a proto-oncogene results in a gain of function. What is the likely outcome?

Accepted Answer

Uncontrolled cell division, potentially leading to cancer

Study Guide: The Cell Cycle and Cell Division (Study Unit 7)

Study Guide - Practice Questions