GRE Subject Test: Biochemistry, Cell, and Molecular Biology : Cellular Processes

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Subject Test: Biochemistry, Cell, and Molecular Biology

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Example Questions

Example Question #14 : Cellular Division

A normal somatic human cell contains 46 chromosomes. During anaphase of meiosis I, prior to reformation of the nuclear envelope, how many chromosomes are present in a human cell?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

For this question it is important to know the distinction between the genetic material being separated in meiosis I versus meiosis II. During meiosis I homologous chromosomes are separated, and during meiosis II sister chromatids are separated. Reduction of ploidy therefore occurs during telophase I, after the nuclear envelope reforms (due to the segregation of homologous chromosomes). During anaphase I there are technically still 46 chromosomes in the cell, even though each contains two sister chromatids and have been pulled to different regions of the cell. The total amount of genetic material has not changed.

Note that during anaphase of meiosis II ploidy is also at 46 chromosomes. At this point, sister chromatids have been separated from each of the 23 chromosomes present, resulting in 46 separate genetic units. The cell is still considered haploid, since the homologous chromosomes are not present.

Example Question #322 : Gre Subject Test: Biochemistry, Cell, And Molecular Biology

Which event takes place in meiosis, but not in mitosis?

Possible Answers:

The chromosomes align in the center of the cell

The nuclear envelope reforms around the genetic material

Homologous chromosomes are separated from one another

Sister chromatids are separated from one another

Correct answer:

Homologous chromosomes are separated from one another

Explanation:

Meiosis has many key differences from mitosis, despite the fact that both are used to divide a parent cell into daughter cells. One of the main differences is that meiosis involves the separation of homologous chromosomes, which halves the chromosome number in the daughter cells. This event does not take place in mitosis, because both daughter cells are are still diploid following division. 

Example Question #62 : Cellular Processes

During what phase of meiosis does crossing over occur?

Possible Answers:

Prophase I

Telophase I

Metaphase I

Prophase II

Correct answer:

Prophase I

Explanation:

Meiosis results in genetically unique daughter cells due to the event of crossing over and the phenomenon of independent assortment. Crossing over takes place during prophase I when the homologous chromosomes come in contact with each other to form tetrads.

Example Question #11 : Cellular Division

Which of the following are true of meiosis?

Possible Answers:

Homologous chromosomes synapse in anaphase I

Homologous chromosomes line up on the equatorial plate by the end of anaphase I

Homologous chromosomes separate from one another in anaphase II

The centromeres separate from each other during anaphase I

Homologous chromosomes separate from one another in anaphase I

Correct answer:

Homologous chromosomes separate from one another in anaphase I

Explanation:

During anaphase I, spindle fibers form and homologous chromosomes (each consisting of two chromatids) move toward opposite poles of the cell. During anaphase II, sister chromatids separate at their centromeres and are pulled toward opposite poles of the cell. Synapsis happens during prophase I, not anaphase I, as chromosomes condense and homologs align.

Example Question #12 : Cellular Division

Suppose X is the amount of DNA in a mature human cell that is not actively replicating. What amount of DNA would be found in a mature cell that has fully completed meiosis?

Possible Answers:

0.5X

.25X

2X

X

4X

Correct answer:

0.5X

Explanation:

Gametes are the types of cells produced by meiosis. For example, a mature spermatozoan is a type of gamete. Adult cells are diploid, and through meiosis, gametes are haploid. Therefore, gametes have half of the genetic material of a mature cell. Thus, a gamete would be reflected with 0.5X as the amount of genetic material.

Example Question #1 : Help With Developmental Stages

The mesodermal germ layer can give rise to each of the following cell types except __________.

Possible Answers:

the notocord 

fibroblasts

myoblasts

alveoli 

Correct answer:

alveoli 

Explanation:

The mesoderm gives rise to the "middle" cells that line the body, such as the muscle. The notocord is a critical embryonic structure that forms from the mesoderm, and myoblasts and fibroblasts are cells that line the body. The alveoli are part of the lung, which originates from the endodermal germ layer.

Example Question #2 : Help With Developmental Stages

Which of the listed processes are part of gastrulation?

Possible Answers:

The ingression of cells from the epiblast to form a circular blastocyst

The invagination of the notochord to induce the formation of the neural plate

The formation of ectoderm and endoderm germ layers in radially symmetric organisms

The formation of the primitive streak that undergoes epithelial to mesenchymal transition

Correct answer:

The formation of the primitive streak that undergoes epithelial to mesenchymal transition

Explanation:

Gastrulation is the process of cells from the epiblast ingressing into the embryo to form the three germ layers of bilaterally symetrical animals. When gastrulation is complete, the embryo is referred to as a gastrula. The group of cells that lead the migration of cells into the embryo are called the primitive streak, and they undergo epithelial to mesenchymal transition to be able to migrate. You can image the epithelium as many tightly packed squares. Becomimg mesenchymal turns these cells into more malleable stage, like a soft cushion. They can then "drop" into the inner layer of the blastocyst and lead the process of gastrulation.

Example Question #1 : Differentiation

Which of the following statements about determination is true? 

Possible Answers:

Determination follows differentiation

Once determined, a cell changes its appearance

Determination occurs after two cell divisions in most organisms

No matter where its placed in an embryo, a determined cell will keep its determination

The pattern of transcription is the same in a differentiated cell as it is in a determined cell 

Correct answer:

No matter where its placed in an embryo, a determined cell will keep its determination

Explanation:

Determination is the process of a cell committing to a particular fate and is influenced by the cell's environment as well as its own genome. It's not possible to tell the difference between an undetermined and a determined cell since determined cells do not change in appearance. After determination comes differentiation. Differentiation results from differential gene expression (transcription, mRNA splicing, and translation). 

Example Question #4 : Help With Developmental Stages

Which of the following terms describes when the single germ layered blastula reorganizes into a structure with mesoderm, endoderm, and ectoderm germ layers? 

Possible Answers:

Somiteogenesis

Blastulation

Myogenesis

Morphogenesis

Gastrulation

Correct answer:

Gastrulation

Explanation:

The correct answer is gastrulation. Gastrulation occurs through five stages (1. invagination 2. involution 3. ingression 4. delamination 5. epiboly) and results in the formation of a gastrula with the mesoderm, endoderm, and ectoderm germ layers. Blastulation is the formation of the single germ layered blastula, which is a process that precedes gastrulation. Somiteogenesis forms somites in developing embryos to give rise to the future spine. Myogenesis is the formation of muscle tissue. Morphogenesis is the process of an organism forming its shape, driven by cell cycle progression, differentiation, and subsequent development of organs and appendages. 

Example Question #4 : Differentiation

Which embryonic structure is created by the process of gastrulation?

Possible Answers:

The notochord

The neural tube

The epiblast

The mesoderm

Correct answer:

The mesoderm

Explanation:

Gastrulation is a process occurring in week three of development. At this time, the epiblast will further differentiate into three germ layers: the ectoderm, the mesoderm, and the endoderm. As a result, we can say that gastrulation allows for the creation of the mesoderm.

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