Genetics : Cell Division

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for Genetics

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Example Questions

Example Question #21 : Genetics

Which of the following is true for meiosis, but not true for mitosis?

Possible Answers:

Before separating, chromosomes line up at the cell equator.

Recombination does not occur.

Initially, chromosomes replicate, during a stage called anaphase.

The daughter cells are haploid (n).

Correct answer:

The daughter cells are haploid (n).

Explanation:

Let's look closer at each answer choice and determine if it's true only for mitosis, only for meiosis, for both, or for neither.

"Before separating, chromosomes line up at the cell equator."

This is true for both cell reproduction processes. In mitosis, chromosomes line up at the cell equator (right along the middle) during metaphase, before sister chromatids split apart. In meiosis, an exact copy of each chromosome is created first, and we call these newly created copies chromatids. During a process called crossing over, the first pair of sister chromatids (clones of the first chromosome in a homologous pair) exchange genetic information with the second pair of sister chromatids (clones of the second chromosome in a homologous pair). The two pairs of sister chromatids (four chromatids total) are closely grouped together as a tetrad. In metaphase I, the tetrads align along the center of the cell. The tetrads will split apart (with one sister chromatid from each original pair going to each of the two cells) in anaphase I.

"Recombination does not occur."

This is true for only mitosis. As was just mentioned, in meiosis, a process called chromosomal cross-over occurs, as the two chromatids created from the individual's mother's donated half of a chromosomal pair exchange genetic information and material with the two chromatids created from the individual's father's chromosome. The resultant chromosomes, which consist of genetic information contributed from both the individual's parents, are called "recombinant." Crossing over occurs only in meiosis, so in mitosis, there is no recombination.

"Initially, chromosomes replicate, during a stage called anaphase."

This is true for neither cell reproduction process. It's true that chromosomes replicate (in both mitosis and meiosis, in fact) but it's not true that it occurs during anaphase. Anaphase refers to a stage at which the original cell splits in two after its chromosomes have lined up along the center.

"The daughter cells are haploid (n)."

This is true for only meiosis. Human somatic (body) cells are called diploid, because they possess two (that's the "di") copies of each chromosome, one from the mother and one from the father. However, gametes (the sex cells created through meiosis) are haploid because they only have one unpaired copy of each chromosome. Since this statement is only true for meiosis, this is the correct answer.

Example Question #21 : Cell Division

Which cell type has a high rate of turnover with high regenerative capacity?

Possible Answers:

skeletal muscle

nerves

hepatocyte

cardiac muscle

Correct answer:

hepatocyte

Explanation:

Cells with high rates of turnover include hepatocytes, bone marrow, epithelium, testes, breast, and fibroblasts. Tissue with low turnover, but can respond to stimuli include endothelial cells, glial cells, bone, cartilage, and smooth muscle. Cells with little or no capacity to divide are nerves, skeletal, and cardiac muscle

Example Question #22 : Cell Division

In which cell cycle phase do the chromosomes duplicate?

Possible Answers:

M

S

G2

G1

Correct answer:

S

Explanation:

S phase, or the synthesis phase, involves chromosomal duplication, and occurs between G1 and G2 phases. G1 phase includes growth and preparation for DNA synthesis. G2 phase involves growth and preparation for mitosis. M phase includes mitosis with prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase. 

Example Question #22 : Cell Division

Regulation of cyclin dependent kinases(CDK) involve all of the following except?

Possible Answers:

availability of cyclins

cytokinesis

phosphorylation and de-phosphorylation of CDKs

CDK inhibitors

Correct answer:

cytokinesis

Explanation:

CDK are protein kinases that are activated at specific points of the cell cycle, which lead to downstream gene expression. CDK are regulated by cyclins (binding partner which has different levels throughout the cycle), CDK inhibitors (such as INK4 and CIP/KIP family which block the CDK complex), and phosphorylation/de-phosphorylation (can activate, deactivate or change the localization of CDKs).

Telomeres are repetitive DNA sequences at the end of chromosomes that protect the chromosome from DNA damage.

Example Question #21 : Genetics

Ubiquitylation of the cyclin in the active cyclin-CDK complex results in __________?

Possible Answers:

destruction of both the cyclin and CDK

destruction of the CDK and inactive cyclin

replication of the cyclin-CDK complex

destruction of the cyclin and inactive CDK

Correct answer:

destruction of the cyclin and inactive CDK

Explanation:

Ubiquitylation is the process of adding a ubiquitin, which is a target protein for destruction. The ubiquitin is added to the cyclin, therefore the cyclin is destroyed and the CDK becomes inactivated.

Example Question #24 : Genetics

Which cyclin dependent kinase inactivates the entire CDK-cyclin complex?

Possible Answers:

CIP/KIP family

INK4

ATM/ATR kinase

p53

Correct answer:

CIP/KIP family

Explanation:

The CIP/KIP family of CDK inhibitors inactivates the CDK-cyclin complex; whereas, the INK4 family binds to CDK4/ CDK6 and blocks association with the cyclin. P53 acts as a tumor suppressor. ATM/ATR is regulated by DNA damage.

Example Question #21 : Genetics

CDK (cyclin dependent kinase) levels __________, but activity level __________.

Possible Answers:

varies, remains constant

remain constant, varies

remains constant, remains constant

varies, varies

Correct answer:

remain constant, varies

Explanation:

CDK levels remain relatively constant, but activity varies. Cyclin levels vary to which the CDKs must bind to become active. Also, the activity depends on cyclin levels, CDK inhibitors, and phosphorylation of CDKs.

Example Question #22 : Genetics

Which is not a real cell cycle control checkpoint?

Possible Answers:

S checkpoint

G0 checkpoint

G2/M checkpoint

G1 checkpoint

Correct answer:

G0 checkpoint

Explanation:

G1 checkpoint acts as the restriction point where the cell commits to cell cycle entry. This phase needs favorable environment in order to function properly. The G2/M checkpoint involves chromosome alignment on spindle in metaphase. This process requires adequate size for mitosis entry. The S checkpoint includes DNA quality control looking for proper duplication.

Example Question #25 : Cell Division

Failure to meet requirements of the checkpoint call result in all of the following except __________?

Possible Answers:

exit from the cell cycle

delay until conditions are appropriate 

necrosis

apoptosis

Correct answer:

necrosis

Explanation:

Failure to meet the checkpoint requirements may lead to delays from DNA damage, improper nutrients, or cell size. it may also lead to exiting the cell cycle and apoptosis (cell death). Necrosis is unprogrammed cell death, usually caused by inflammation, disease, or lack of oxygen/blood.

Example Question #26 : Cell Division

What is the term for the repetitive DNA sequences at the end of chromosomes that promote formation of protein caps protecting chromosomes from DNA damage response?

Possible Answers:

5' cap

poly-a-tail

telomeres

kinetichores

Correct answer:

telomeres

Explanation:

Telomeres are repetitive DNA sequences at the end of chromosomes and they shorten which each division. Poly-a-tails are added to RNA at the end of transcription. 5' caps are nucleotides added to mRNA aiding in translation. The kinetichore is a protein structure on chromatids that allow spindle fiber attachment.

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