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All questions of Cellular Division for MCAT Exam

The enzyme telomerase is primarily associated with:
  • a)
    DNA replication in prokaryotes.
  • b)
    DNA repair during the G2 phase of the cell cycle.
  • c)
    Telomere maintenance and chromosome stability.
  • d)
    The formation of the mitotic spindle.
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Orion Classes answered
Telomerase is an enzyme that is responsible for the maintenance and replication of telomeres, which are specialized structures at the ends of chromosomes. Telomerase helps prevent the shortening of telomeres during DNA replication and ensures chromosome stability. Dysfunctional telomerase activity can lead to cellular senescence or genetic instability.

What is the significance of the spindle checkpoint during mitosis?
  • a)
    It ensures proper alignment of chromosomes at the metaphase plate.
  • b)
    It initiates the disassembly of the mitotic spindle during telophase.
  • c)
    It triggers the progression from G1 to S phase.
  • d)
    It promotes the separation of sister chromatids during anaphase.
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Orion Classes answered
The spindle checkpoint is a control mechanism that ensures the accurate alignment of chromosomes at the metaphase plate before allowing the cell to progress into anaphase. It monitors the attachment of chromosomes to the spindle fibers and prevents the separation of sister chromatids until all chromosomes are correctly positioned and attached to the spindle apparatus.

During which phase of the cell cycle does DNA replication occur?
  • a)
    G1 phase
  • b)
    S phase
  • c)
    G2 phase
  • d)
    M phase
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Orion Classes answered
DNA replication occurs during the S (synthesis) phase of the cell cycle. In this phase, the DNA is duplicated, resulting in the formation of two identical copies of each chromosome, called sister chromatids.

Which of the following proteins is responsible for the separation of sister chromatids during anaphase of mitosis?
  • a)
    Cohesin
  • b)
    Kinetochore
  • c)
    Separase
  • d)
    Cyclin
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Orion Classes answered
Separase is an enzyme that cleaves the cohesin protein complex, allowing the sister chromatids to separate and move to opposite poles of the cell during anaphase of mitosis. This process ensures the accurate distribution of genetic material to the daughter cells.

In meiosis, independent assortment refers to:
  • a)
    The separation of homologous chromosomes during anaphase I.
  • b)
    The random alignment of homologous chromosomes at the metaphase plate during metaphase I.
  • c)
    The recombination of genetic material between non-sister chromatids during prophase I.
  • d)
    The separation of sister chromatids during anaphase II.
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Orion Classes answered
Independent assortment occurs during meiosis I when homologous chromosomes pair up and align randomly at the metaphase plate. This random alignment results in different combinations of maternal and paternal chromosomes in the daughter cells, contributing to genetic diversity.

Which of the following is responsible for the condensation and coiling of chromosomes during mitosis and meiosis?
  • a)
    Cohesin
  • b)
    Centrioles
  • c)
    Histones
  • d)
    Cyclins
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Orion Classes answered
Histones are proteins that play a crucial role in organizing and compacting DNA into a condensed form. During mitosis and meiosis, histones help in the coiling and condensation of chromosomes, allowing for their proper segregation and movement during cell division.

What is the role of the protein p53 in the cell cycle?
  • a)
    It promotes cell cycle progression.
  • b)
    It initiates DNA replication.
  • c)
    It triggers apoptosis.
  • d)
    It stabilizes the mitotic spindle.
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Orion Classes answered
p53 is a tumor suppressor protein that plays a critical role in monitoring DNA integrity. When DNA damage is detected, p53 can initiate apoptosis, a programmed cell death, to prevent the proliferation of cells with damaged DNA, reducing the risk of mutations and cancer development.

What is the purpose of the G0 phase in the cell cycle?
  • a)
    It allows cells to repair DNA damage before entering S phase.
  • b)
    It initiates the formation of the mitotic spindle.
  • c)
    It promotes the progression from G1 to S phase.
  • d)
    It represents a non-dividing state where cells exit the cell cycle.
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Orion Classes answered
The G0 phase is a non-dividing state that some cells enter instead of proceeding through the cell cycle. Cells in G0 phase are in a resting state, carrying out their specialized functions without actively dividing. This phase is common in cells like neurons and muscle cells that have exited the cell cycle permanently.

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