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Cell Cycle MCQs for MDCAT Practice

Biology section, Cell Cycle chapter. Up to eight free sample questions, each with the correct answer and a worked explanation. The full chapter opens in the app.

The bank has 611 active questions on this chapter. Your first 500 practice attempts are free, and every attempt includes a worked explanation.

  1. Question 1
    The diagram shows the maternal and paternal chromosomes from a diploid cell. If the cell divides by meiosis, which diagram shows a possible viable gamete?
    • Option A
    • Option B
    • Option C (correct answer)
    • Option D
    Correct answer: C
    This question tests understanding of chromosome segregation during meiosis I and II, focusing on how homologous chromosomes and sister chromatids separate to form viable gametes.
  2. Question 2
    During metaphase, chromosomes are attached to the spindle fibers by their:
    • Primary constrictions
    • Secondary constrictions
    • Kinetochores (correct answer)
    • Centromeres
    Correct answer: C
    During metaphase, chromosomes align at the equatorial plate, attaching to spindle fibers via specialized protein structures called kinetochores.
  3. Question 3
    Mature nerve cells cannot undergo cell division. These cells are probably considered in:
    • G2-phase
    • S-phase
    • Mitosis
    • Go - phase (correct answer)
    Correct answer: D
    Nerve cells, post-differentiation, exit the cell cycle by entering G0, a quiescent state, preventing further division.
  4. Question 4
    If you are provided with the root­ tips of an onion in your class and are asked to count the chromosomes, which of the following stages can you most conveniently look into?
    • Metaphase (correct answer)
    • Telophase
    • Anaphase
    • Late prophase
    Correct answer: A
    Metaphase is ideal for chromosome counting in onion root tips due to the alignment of chromosomes at the equatorial plate.
  5. Question 5
    What is the function of a centromere?
    • To protect the ends of chromosomes
    • To hold sister chromatids together (correct answer)
    • To carry genetic information
    • To initiate DNA replication
    Correct answer: B
    The centromere is crucial for chromosome segregation during cell division, acting as the attachment point for spindle fibers and holding sister chromatids together.
  6. Question 6
    Chromosome structure can be observed best during ____
    • Anaphase
    • Metaphase (correct answer)
    • Prophase
    • None of the above
    Correct answer: B
    Chromosomes are most condensed and observable during metaphase due to their alignment at the equatorial plate, facilitating detailed structural analysis.
  7. Question 7
    Prophase I of meiosis is further divided into how many substages?
    • 4
    • 6
    • 5 (correct answer)
    • 3
    Correct answer: C
    Prophase I of meiosis, the most complex stage, is divided into five distinct substages crucial for genetic recombination.
  8. Question 8
    The structure which disappeared during cell division is:
    • Vacuole
    • Lysosome
    • Nucleus (correct answer)
    • Endoplasmic reticulum
    Correct answer: C
    During mitosis and meiosis, the nucleus undergoes dramatic changes, including breakdown and reformation, making it transiently 'disappear'.

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