The Cell Cycle
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Biology › The Cell Cycle
During which phase of the cell cycle does the parent cell split into two daughter cells?
M phase
G1 phase
S phase
G0 phase
Explanation
The cell cycle consists of four major phases: G1, S, G2, and M.
The G1 phase stands for gap 1 and is when organelles replicate and the cell grows.
The S phase stands for synthesis and is when DNA is replicated.
The G2 phase stands for gap 2 and is when DNA is proofread and DNA damage is repaired.
The M phase is mitosis, which is further broken down into prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase, and cytokinesis. Prophase is when the chromosomes condense. Metaphase is when the chromosomes line up at the metaphase plate in the center of the cell. Anaphase is when the sister chromatids are pulled to opposite sides of the cell. Telophase is when the cell begins to split and the nuclear membrane reassembles. Cytokinesis is when the cytoplasm pinches off and two daughter cells are formed.
G0 is a separate phase, in which the cell cycle is stopped. Cells in the G0 phase are known as quiescent cells, and do not divide.
During which phase of the cell cycle does the parent cell split into two daughter cells?
M phase
G1 phase
S phase
G0 phase
Explanation
The cell cycle consists of four major phases: G1, S, G2, and M.
The G1 phase stands for gap 1 and is when organelles replicate and the cell grows.
The S phase stands for synthesis and is when DNA is replicated.
The G2 phase stands for gap 2 and is when DNA is proofread and DNA damage is repaired.
The M phase is mitosis, which is further broken down into prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase, and cytokinesis. Prophase is when the chromosomes condense. Metaphase is when the chromosomes line up at the metaphase plate in the center of the cell. Anaphase is when the sister chromatids are pulled to opposite sides of the cell. Telophase is when the cell begins to split and the nuclear membrane reassembles. Cytokinesis is when the cytoplasm pinches off and two daughter cells are formed.
G0 is a separate phase, in which the cell cycle is stopped. Cells in the G0 phase are known as quiescent cells, and do not divide.
Most cells spend the vast majority of their time in .
interphase
meiosis
mitosis
anaphase I
prophase
Explanation
Most cells spend about 90% of their time in interphase. Note that mitosis and meiosis comprise only about 10% of the cell cycle.
During the cell cycle, there are several checkpoints to ensure proper cell growth and division. Which checkpoint ensures that each duplicated chromatid is appropriately attached to cellular machinery in order to segregate properly?
Metaphase checkpoint
G1 checkpoint
G2 checkpoint
G0 checkpoint
Explanation
During mitosis, the metaphase checkpoint ensures that each duplicated chromatid is attached to the spindle apparatus. If the metaphase checkpoint is not satisfied, the cell will not enter anaphase. This checkpoint is essential for preventing aneuploidy, a condition in which there are an abnormal number of chromosomes in a cell.
The G1 checkpoint determines if the cell will enter the S phase to replicate DNA and prepare for cell division. Quiescent cells, cells that do not frequently divide, are often stopped at the G1 checkpoint for long periods. The G2 checkpoint is used to prevent the cell from entering mitosis if there were errors in the replication of DNA during the S phase. Failure to pass the G2 checkpoint can result in apoptosis. There is no G0 checkpoint.
What is the initial checkpoint in a mammalian cell cycle whose major function is to allow or disallow a cell to mitotically divide?
G1 checkpoint
G2 checkpoint
M checkpoint
G3 checkpoint
S checkpoint
Explanation
The G1 Checkpoint is the correct answer, because if a cell gets a signal at this checkpoint then the cell goes on to complete the S, G2, and M phases and will end up dividing. If this signal is not received at the G1 checkpoint then the cell enters the non-dividing G0 phase.
What is the initial checkpoint in a mammalian cell cycle whose major function is to allow or disallow a cell to mitotically divide?
G1 checkpoint
G2 checkpoint
M checkpoint
G3 checkpoint
S checkpoint
Explanation
The G1 Checkpoint is the correct answer, because if a cell gets a signal at this checkpoint then the cell goes on to complete the S, G2, and M phases and will end up dividing. If this signal is not received at the G1 checkpoint then the cell enters the non-dividing G0 phase.
There are several checkpoints during the cell cycle to ensure proper growth and division. Which checkpoint of the cell cycle is considered the "point of no return?"
G1 checkpoint
G2 checkpoint
Metaphase checkpoint
Telophase checkpoint
There is no point of no return. The cell can always go back and resume normal cell function.
Explanation
Once the cell passes the G1 checkpoint, the cell becomes committed to the cell cycle and enters the S phase where DNA is replicated. The checkpoint is to ensure the cell has grown enough and has enough resources to begin DNA replication. The next checkpoint is the G2 checkpoint, where the cell checks and makes sure the DNA replicated correctly before beginning mitosis. If the cell does not pass this checkpoint, it commences apoptosis and dies.
Most cells spend the vast majority of their time in .
interphase
meiosis
mitosis
anaphase I
prophase
Explanation
Most cells spend about 90% of their time in interphase. Note that mitosis and meiosis comprise only about 10% of the cell cycle.
During the cell cycle, there are several checkpoints to ensure proper cell growth and division. Which checkpoint ensures that each duplicated chromatid is appropriately attached to cellular machinery in order to segregate properly?
Metaphase checkpoint
G1 checkpoint
G2 checkpoint
G0 checkpoint
Explanation
During mitosis, the metaphase checkpoint ensures that each duplicated chromatid is attached to the spindle apparatus. If the metaphase checkpoint is not satisfied, the cell will not enter anaphase. This checkpoint is essential for preventing aneuploidy, a condition in which there are an abnormal number of chromosomes in a cell.
The G1 checkpoint determines if the cell will enter the S phase to replicate DNA and prepare for cell division. Quiescent cells, cells that do not frequently divide, are often stopped at the G1 checkpoint for long periods. The G2 checkpoint is used to prevent the cell from entering mitosis if there were errors in the replication of DNA during the S phase. Failure to pass the G2 checkpoint can result in apoptosis. There is no G0 checkpoint.
During the G1 phase of the cell cycle, in which form will Eukaryotic DNA be found?
Chromatin
Chromosomes
Plasmid
Unfolded continuous strand
Chromatid
Explanation
Chromosomes and Chromatid are both incorrect because eukaryotic DNA is condensed into these tightly packed chromosomal structures during M phase of mitosis. Plasmids are not found in eukaryotes and an unfolded continuous strand of DNA would be too long to fit within a nucleus. Thus, Chromatin is the correct answer choice; chromatin is a protein-DNA complex in a loosely packed form which allows for gene transcription which is necessary during the G1 phase of the cell cycle.