Biology: Cell Cycle, Mitosis, and Meiosis

Practice questions covering the eukaryotic cell cycle, the phases of mitosis and meiosis, and binary fission in bacteria.

What is the definition of the Cell Cycle according to the lecture notes?

The life cycle of a cell.

What are the two major phases that divide the cell cycle in eukaryotic cells?

Interphase and M-phase (or the mitotic/meiotic phase).

Which phase is described as the longest part of the cell cycle where the cell grows and copies its DNA?

Interphase.

What specific activity occurs during the S phase of interphase?

The cell synthesizes a complete copy of the DNA in its nucleus.

What is the non-dividing state called that cells enter if they exit the $G1$ phase and do not divide?

$G0$.

What term refers to programmed cell death used to prevent a cell from passing defects to its daughter cell?

Apoptosis.

What are the two types of M-phase?

Mitosis and Meiosis.

What is the primary purpose of mitosis?

Growth, tissue repair (healing), and fetal development.

How many daughter cells are produced at the end of mitosis, and what is their chromosomal state?

Two diploid daughter cells, which are genetically identical to each other.

What are the four basic phases of mitosis in strict sequential order?

Prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.

During which phase of mitosis does the nucleolus disappear and the mitotic spindle start to form?

Early prophase.

What happens to the chromosomes during metaphase?

The spindle captures all the chromosomes and lines them up at the middle of the cell at the metaphase plate.

What occurs to the sister chromatids during anaphase?

They separate from each other and are pulled towards opposite ends of the cell.

What structures are formed during cytokinesis in a plant cell?

A cell plate and a cell wall.

What is the end product of meiosis?

Four haploid daughter cells, which are not genetically identical to each other.

What is the primary function of meiosis?

Gamete production, usually in the cells of reproductive organs such as testes and ovaries.

In which stage of Meiosis I do homologous chromosomes pair up and exchange fragments?

Prophase I (Crossing over).

How many times does a cell undergo the phases of Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, and Telophase (PMAT) during meiosis?

Two times.

What is the definition of homologous chromosomes?

A set of chromosomes (one from each parent) that are very similar to one another and have the same size and shape.

What is the process by which bacterial cells divide, and what structure forms down the middle during this process?

Binary Fission; a septum forms down the middle of the cell.