Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference between a chromosome and a chromatid during mitosis?

Accepted Answer

A chromosome refers to either a single DNA molecule or two identical DNA molecules (sister chromatids) joined at a centromere, while a chromatid is one of the two identical DNA molecules after replication.

Question 2

During which phase of the cell cycle does DNA replication occur, and what is the result for each chromosome?

Accepted Answer

DNA replication occurs during S phase, resulting in each chromosome consisting of two sister chromatids.

Question 3

A human somatic cell in G2 phase contains 46 chromosomes. How many DNA molecules are present in this cell?

Accepted Answer

$$92$$

Question 4

Which checkpoint ensures that all chromosomes are properly attached to the spindle before anaphase begins?

Accepted Answer

Spindle assembly (metaphase) checkpoint

Question 5

What is the primary function of the centromere during mitosis?

Accepted Answer

It is the region where spindle microtubules attach via the kinetochore.

Question 6

If a mutation disables the spindle assembly checkpoint, what is the most likely consequence for the cell?

Accepted Answer

The cell may divide with mis-segregated chromosomes, increasing the risk of aneuploidy and cancer.

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the difference between homologous chromosomes and sister chromatids?

Accepted Answer

Homologous chromosomes are similar in gene content and structure but may have different alleles, while sister chromatids are identical copies formed by DNA replication.

Question 8

A diploid organism has $$2n = 8. $$After mitosis, how many chromosomes and DNA molecules will each daughter cell have?

Accepted Answer

$$8$$ chromosomes and $$8$$ DNA molecules

Question 9

Which event marks the transition from metaphase to anaphase during mitosis?

Accepted Answer

Cleavage of cohesin proteins, allowing sister chromatids to separate

Question 10

In a cancer cell, which of the following is most likely to be observed compared to a normal cell?

Accepted Answer

Uncontrolled cell cycle progression due to defective checkpoint proteins

Question 11

Which of the following structures is found in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Ribosomes

Question 12

A researcher observes a cell with condensed chromosomes, a broken-down nuclear envelope, and spindle fibers attaching to kinetochores. Which phase is this cell most likely in?

Accepted Answer

Prometaphase

Question 13

Which of the following best explains why telomeres are important for chromosome stability?

Accepted Answer

They protect the ends of chromosomes from degradation and prevent fusion with other chromosomes.

Question 14

During which phase of mitosis do chromosomes align at the metaphase plate?

Accepted Answer

Metaphase

Question 15

A cell is observed to have a fully formed spindle, chromosomes aligned at the metaphase plate, and tension across sister chromatids. What is the next event that should occur if the cell cycle proceeds normally?

Accepted Answer

Sister chromatids separate and move to opposite poles

Question 16

Which of the following is true regarding the G0 phase of the cell cycle?

Accepted Answer

Most adult cells are in G0, a non-dividing state.

Question 17

A scientist is studying a cell with a diploid number of $$2n = 10. $$After DNA replication but before mitosis, how many chromatids are present in the cell?

Accepted Answer

$$20$$

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the role of cohesin proteins during mitosis?

Accepted Answer

They hold sister chromatids together until anaphase.

Question 19

Which of the following is a key difference between animal and plant cell division during cytokinesis?

Accepted Answer

Plant cells form a cell plate, while animal cells form a cleavage furrow.

Mitosis and the Cell Cycle: Structure, Process, and Regulation

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