The Cell Cycle, Mitosis, Meiosis (Questions)

Question 1

What are the two types of cells based on chromosome content?

Answer 1

The two types of cells are Gametes (haploid, n) and Somatic Cells (diploid, 2n).

Question 2

What is the chromosome count in gametes?

Answer 2

Gametes contain 23 different chromosomes (haploid, n), which includes ova and sperm.

Question 3

What are alleles?

Answer 3

Alleles are different versions of a gene that code for proteins that produce alternate versions of a trait.

Question 3

What are somatic cells?

Answer 3

Somatic cells include all cells of the body except those undergoing or resulting from meiosis, containing 46 chromosomes (diploid, 2n).

Question 3

What happens during Prophase in mitosis?

Answer 3

Chromosomes condense, nucleoli disappear, the nuclear envelope breaks down, and spindle microtubules attach to kinetochores.

Question 4

Define homologous chromosomes.

Answer 4

Homologous chromosomes are pairs of chromosomes (one from each parent) that are similar in length, centromere position, and have genes for the same trait at the same location.

Question 5

What occurs during the G1 phase of Interphase?

Answer 5

In the G1 phase, the cell grows, metabolizes, and begins centrosome replication.

Question 6

What is the cell cycle?

Answer 6

The cell cycle consists of the process through which a diploid somatic cell (2n) divides to produce two genetically identical diploid cells (2n).

Question 7

What are the two main stages of the cell cycle?

Answer 7

The two main stages of the cell cycle are Interphase and the Mitotic (M) phase.

Question 8

What happens in the S phase of Interphase?

Answer 8

During the S phase, chromosomes replicate, forming sister chromatids that remain attached at the centromere.

Question 9

What is the purpose of the G2 phase?

Answer 9

The G2 phase involves further growth, metabolism, and production of proteins needed for cell division.

Question 10

Describe the process of mitosis.

Answer 10

Mitosis involves the division of nuclear material (chromosomes) and has four phases: Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, and Telophase.

Question 11

How do chromosomes align during Metaphase?

Answer 11

During Metaphase, 46 replicated chromosomes line up along the cell equator.

Question 12

What occurs in Anaphase?

Answer 12

In Anaphase, spindle microtubules shorten, separating sister chromatids and pulling them towards opposite poles of the cell.

Question 13

What is the outcome of Telophase?

Answer 13

Chromosomes uncoil, nucleoli and the nuclear envelope reappear, and cytokinesis completes.

Question 14

What is meiosis?

Answer 14

Meiosis is a reproductive nuclear division that produces gametes (ovum and sperm), resulting in four genetically unique haploid cells (n) from one diploid cell (2n).

Question 15

What occurs during Anaphase I of meiosis?

Answer 15

Tetrads separate and migrate to opposite poles, with sister chromatids remaining attached.

Question 15

What is the significance of Prophase I in meiosis?

Answer 15

In Prophase I, homologous chromosomes attach together to form tetrads, allowing for genetic recombination.

Question 16

Describe Meiosis II.

Answer 16

Meiosis II resembles mitosis but starts with 23 chromosomes instead of 46, leading to the separation of sister chromatids.

Question 17

Why is meiosis important?

Answer 17

Meiosis is essential for reducing diploid germ cells to haploid gametes, allowing for the combination of genetic material during fertilization to form a zygote (2n).