1. Which tissue is best for observing mitosis in a plant?
- Xylem
- Seed coat
- Root tip
- Mature leaf
Answer: C) Root tip
Explanation: Root tips divide actively. AS & A Level Biology · Topic 5 The Mitotic Cell Cycle · 5.2 Chromosome behaviour in mitosis
MCQs / Biology / A Level Biology: The mitotic cell cycle
A Level Biology: The mitotic cell cycle MCQs — Biology
19 multiple-choice questions on A Level Biology: The mitotic cell cycle from Biology, each with the correct answer and, where available, a teacher's explanation. Read through them to revise the chapter, then practise the same questions one by one to test yourself.
2. Cytokinesis in plant cells differs from animal cells because
- plants do not divide the cytoplasm
- a cell plate forms instead of a cleavage furrow
- plants have centrioles
- animal cells form a cell wall
Answer: B) a cell plate forms instead of a cleavage furrow
Explanation: A new wall forms from vesicles. AS & A Level Biology · Topic 5 The Mitotic Cell Cycle · 5.2 Chromosome behaviour in mitosis
3. The function of telomeres is to
- attach spindle fibres
- start DNA replication
- prevent loss of genes from chromosome ends during replication
- code for histones
Answer: C) prevent loss of genes from chromosome ends during replication
Explanation: Telomeres are non-coding buffers. AS & A Level Biology · Topic 5 The Mitotic Cell Cycle · 5.1 Replication and division of nuclei and cells
4. The mass of DNA in a cell is highest during
- early S phase
- G1
- after cytokinesis
- G2
Answer: D) G2
Explanation: DNA has been doubled after S phase. AS & A Level Biology · Topic 5 The Mitotic Cell Cycle · 5.1 Replication and division of nuclei and cells
5. During which stage do chromosomes line up on the equator?
- Metaphase
- Telophase
- Prophase
- Anaphase
Answer: A) Metaphase
Explanation: Metaphase = middle. AS & A Level Biology · Topic 5 The Mitotic Cell Cycle · 5.2 Chromosome behaviour in mitosis
6. In anaphase,
- chromosomes line up on the equator
- the nuclear envelope re-forms
- sister chromatids are pulled to opposite poles
- chromosomes condense
Answer: C) sister chromatids are pulled to opposite poles
Explanation: Centromeres divide and chromatids separate. AS & A Level Biology · Topic 5 The Mitotic Cell Cycle · 5.2 Chromosome behaviour in mitosis
7. Which is NOT a role of mitosis?
- Producing gametes
- Growth
- Repair of tissues
- Asexual reproduction
Answer: A) Producing gametes
Explanation: Gametes are made by meiosis. AS & A Level Biology · Topic 5 The Mitotic Cell Cycle · 5.1 Replication and division of nuclei and cells
8. After DNA replication, each chromosome consists of
- four chromatids
- two sister chromatids joined at a centromere
- one chromatid
- two homologous chromosomes
Answer: B) two sister chromatids joined at a centromere
Explanation: Replicated chromosomes have two chromatids. AS & A Level Biology · Topic 5 The Mitotic Cell Cycle · 5.1 Replication and division of nuclei and cells
9. In a root tip squash, most cells are seen in
- anaphase
- metaphase
- interphase
- prophase
Answer: C) interphase
Explanation: Interphase is the longest phase. AS & A Level Biology · Topic 5 The Mitotic Cell Cycle · 5.2 Chromosome behaviour in mitosis
10. During G1 the cell
- divides its cytoplasm
- grows and makes proteins and organelles
- divides its nucleus
- replicates DNA
Answer: B) grows and makes proteins and organelles
Explanation: G1 is a growth phase. AS & A Level Biology · Topic 5 The Mitotic Cell Cycle · 5.1 Replication and division of nuclei and cells
11. In which phase of the cell cycle is DNA replicated?
- S phase
- Mitosis
- G1
- G2
Answer: A) S phase
Explanation: DNA is synthesised in S phase. AS & A Level Biology · Topic 5 The Mitotic Cell Cycle · 5.1 Replication and division of nuclei and cells
12. Stem cells are important in tissue repair because they
- cannot divide
- are already specialised
- produce gametes
- divide by mitosis and can differentiate into specialised cells
Answer: D) divide by mitosis and can differentiate into specialised cells
Explanation: They replace lost cells. AS & A Level Biology · Topic 5 The Mitotic Cell Cycle · 5.1 Replication and division of nuclei and cells
13. A tumour forms when
- cells stop dividing
- DNA is not replicated
- cell division becomes uncontrolled
- telomeres are too long
Answer: C) cell division becomes uncontrolled
Explanation: Uncontrolled mitosis produces a tumour. AS & A Level Biology · Topic 5 The Mitotic Cell Cycle · 5.1 Replication and division of nuclei and cells
14. Cytokinesis is the
- division of the cytoplasm
- condensation of chromosomes
- replication of DNA
- division of the nucleus
Answer: A) division of the cytoplasm
Explanation: Cytokinesis follows nuclear division. AS & A Level Biology · Topic 5 The Mitotic Cell Cycle · 5.1 Replication and division of nuclei and cells
15. DNA is wound around proteins called
- globins
- actins
- tubulins
- histones
Answer: D) histones
Explanation: Histones package DNA. AS & A Level Biology · Topic 5 The Mitotic Cell Cycle · 5.1 Replication and division of nuclei and cells
16. In telophase,
- chromatids separate
- nuclear envelopes re-form around the chromosomes at each pole
- DNA replicates
- the spindle forms
Answer: B) nuclear envelopes re-form around the chromosomes at each pole
Explanation: Telophase forms two nuclei. AS & A Level Biology · Topic 5 The Mitotic Cell Cycle · 5.2 Chromosome behaviour in mitosis
17. The nuclear envelope breaks down during
- prophase
- telophase
- metaphase
- anaphase
Answer: A) prophase
Explanation: Prophase removes the envelope. AS & A Level Biology · Topic 5 The Mitotic Cell Cycle · 5.2 Chromosome behaviour in mitosis
18. Spindle fibres are made of
- microtubules
- actin
- DNA
- collagen
Answer: A) microtubules
Explanation: Spindles are microtubules. AS & A Level Biology · Topic 5 The Mitotic Cell Cycle · 5.2 Chromosome behaviour in mitosis
19. Chromatids appear V-shaped during anaphase because
- the envelope re-forms
- they are condensing
- they are pulled by the centromere
- they replicate
Answer: C) they are pulled by the centromere
Explanation: The centromere leads the movement. AS & A Level Biology · Topic 5 The Mitotic Cell Cycle · 5.2 Chromosome behaviour in mitosis
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