Unlock hundreds more features
Save your Quiz to the Dashboard
View and Export Results
Use AI to Create Quizzes and Analyse Results

OR
Sign inSign in with Facebook
Sign inSign in with Google
Quizzes > Science > Biology

Cell Reproduction Quiz: How Well Do You Know Mitosis & Meiosis?

Ready for a mitosis & meiosis quiz? Challenge your cell division skills now!

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration for cell reproduction quiz on sky blue background

Embark on a journey through cellular life with our free cell reproduction quiz , crafted as the ultimate eukaryotic cell reproduction quiz for students, hobbyists, and professionals aiming to sharpen their biology skills. Test your grasp of each phase in a fun cell division assessment, from the precise choreography of mitosis in our mitosis quiz to the genetic reshuffling in the meiosis quiz. Receive instant feedback, identify knowledge gaps, and boost your confidence in eukaryotic cell division. Ready to challenge yourself and see how well you understand cell division? Dive in now!

Which phase of mitosis is characterized by the separation of sister chromatids toward opposite poles?
Metaphase
Telophase
Prophase
Anaphase
During anaphase, cohesin proteins are cleaved and sister chromatids are pulled apart to opposite poles by spindle fibers. This separation ensures each daughter cell receives an identical set of chromosomes. Anaphase follows metaphase and precedes telophase in the mitotic process. Wikipedia - Anaphase
Which process produces two genetically identical daughter cells?
Meiosis I
Binary fission
Meiosis II
Mitosis
Mitosis is the eukaryotic cell division process that yields two genetically identical diploid daughter cells. It involves one round of DNA replication followed by one division. Meiosis involves two divisions and produces genetically distinct haploid cells. Wikipedia - Mitosis
During which phase of the cell cycle does DNA replication occur?
G1 phase
G2 phase
M phase
S phase
DNA replication takes place during the S (synthesis) phase of the cell cycle. In S phase, each chromosome is duplicated to form sister chromatids. G1 precedes S and involves cell growth, while G2 follows S and prepares for mitosis. Wikipedia - Cell cycle
What structure holds sister chromatids together until anaphase?
Kinetochore
Centromere
Telomere
Spindle fiber
The centromere is the constricted region of a chromosome where sister chromatids are tightly joined. It serves as the attachment site for kinetochores and spindle microtubules. During anaphase, cohesion at the centromere is dissolved, allowing chromatids to separate. Wikipedia - Centromere
How many daughter cells are produced at the end of meiosis?
Four
Eight
One
Two
Meiosis consists of two successive divisions (meiosis I and II) without an intervening round of DNA replication, yielding four haploid daughter cells. Each daughter cell contains half the chromosome number of the original cell. This reduction is critical for sexual reproduction. Wikipedia - Meiosis
Crossing over between homologous chromosomes occurs during which stage of meiosis?
Prophase I
Telophase I
Metaphase I
Anaphase I
During prophase I, homologous chromosomes pair up in a process called synapsis, and non-sister chromatids exchange genetic material at chiasmata. This crossing over increases genetic diversity. It does not occur in meiosis II. Wikipedia - Crossing over
What is the primary purpose of meiosis?
To produce haploid gametes
To repair damaged DNA
To synthesize proteins
To replicate mitochondria
Meiosis reduces the chromosome number by half to form haploid gametes for sexual reproduction. This ensures that the fusion of sperm and egg restores the diploid number. Meiosis also generates genetic variation through crossing over and independent assortment. Wikipedia - Gamete
After mitosis, the chromosome number in each daughter cell is:
The same as the parent cell
Variable depending on conditions
Half of the parent cell
Double the parent cell
Mitosis produces daughter cells with the same diploid chromosome number as the original parent cell. This maintains genetic consistency in somatic tissues. Any deviation would lead to aneuploidy or cell dysfunction. Wikipedia - Mitosis
During which stage of meiosis do homologous chromosomes pair up and synapse?
Anaphase I
Prophase I
Telophase I
Metaphase I
In prophase I, homologous chromosomes undergo synapsis, forming tetrads connected by the synaptonemal complex. This pairing is essential for crossing over to occur. Synapsis does not happen in later stages of meiosis. Wikipedia - Synapsis
What protein subunits form the microtubules of the mitotic spindle?
Myosin
Actin
Keratin
Tubulin
Microtubules are polymers of alpha- and beta-tubulin dimers that form the mitotic spindle. They are dynamic structures that grow and shrink to align and separate chromosomes. Actin filaments are involved in cytokinesis, not spindle formation. Wikipedia - Microtubule
At which point during mitosis do sister chromatids become individual chromosomes?
Telophase
Metaphase
Anaphase
Prophase
In anaphase, the enzyme separase cleaves cohesin rings, allowing sister chromatids to separate and function as independent chromosomes. This is the key event that ensures each pole receives an identical set of chromosomes. Before anaphase, chromatids remain paired. Wikipedia - Anaphase
Which checkpoint ensures that DNA is fully replicated and undamaged before mitosis begins?
Restriction checkpoint
Spindle checkpoint
G2/M checkpoint
G1/S checkpoint
The G2/M checkpoint verifies that DNA replication in S phase is complete and checks for DNA damage. If issues are detected, repair pathways are activated before mitosis proceeds. The spindle checkpoint operates later during metaphase. Wikipedia - Cell cycle checkpoint
What is the primary function of the kinetochore?
Signal for cell apoptosis
Site of protein synthesis
Attachment site for spindle microtubules
Origin of DNA replication
The kinetochore is a multi-protein complex assembled at the centromere that attaches chromosomes to spindle microtubules. It mediates chromosome movement and checkpoint signaling. It is not involved in DNA replication initiation. Wikipedia - Kinetochore
Which division in meiosis reduces the chromosome number by half?
Binary fission
Meiosis II
Meiosis I
Mitosis
Meiosis I is called the reductional division because it separates homologous chromosomes, reducing the chromosome number from diploid to haploid. Meiosis II separates sister chromatids but maintains the haploid number. Mitosis does not change ploidy. Wikipedia - Meiosis I
Which enzyme unwinds the DNA double helix at the replication fork?
Topoisomerase
Helicase
Polymerase
Ligase
Helicase breaks hydrogen bonds between base pairs, unwinding the DNA helix to provide single-stranded templates. DNA polymerases then synthesize new strands. Topoisomerases relieve torsional strain but do not unwind helices directly. Wikipedia - DNA helicase
What term describes the physical site where crossing over occurs between homologous chromosomes?
Kinetochore
Centromere
Telomere
Chiasma
Chiasmata (plural of chiasma) are the visible X-shaped regions where non-sister chromatids exchange segments during prophase I. They are essential for genetic recombination. Centromeres and telomeres serve other chromosomal functions. Wikipedia - Chiasma
Which chromosomal disorder results from nondisjunction of chromosome 21 during meiosis?
Klinefelter syndrome
Down syndrome
Edwards syndrome
Turner syndrome
Down syndrome (trisomy 21) arises when an extra copy of chromosome 21 is present due to nondisjunction. Nondisjunction can occur during meiosis I or II. This leads to aneuploidy in the offspring. Wikipedia - Down syndrome
Which protein complex holds sister chromatids together until anaphase?
Kinetochore
Cohesin
Condensin
Centromere
Cohesin is a ring-like complex that encircles sister chromatids, maintaining cohesion until anaphase. Separase cleavage of cohesin triggers chromatid separation. Condensin compacts chromosomes but does not hold sister chromatids together. Wikipedia - Cohesin
Which complex initiates the entry into mitosis by phosphorylating target proteins at the G2/M transition?
Cyclin B-Cdk1
Cyclin D-Cdk4
Cyclin A-Cdk2
Cyclin E-Cdk2
The Cyclin B-Cdk1 complex (also called MPF) triggers the onset of mitosis by phosphorylating multiple substrates. Its activation leads to nuclear envelope breakdown and chromosome condensation. Other cyclin-Cdk complexes operate in earlier cell cycle phases. Wikipedia - MPF
Which enzyme cleaves cohesin rings to allow sister chromatid separation during anaphase?
Ligase
Separase
Topoisomerase
Helicase
Separase is a protease that cleaves the kleisin subunit of cohesin, releasing sister chromatids. This action is tightly regulated by securin until the appropriate time in anaphase. No other enzyme performs this specific function. Wikipedia - Separase
What is the synaptonemal complex?
A microtubule organizing center
An RNA transcription factor
A DNA repair complex
A protein structure that holds homologous chromosomes together
The synaptonemal complex is a tripartite protein scaffold that forms between homologous chromosomes in prophase I to facilitate pairing and recombination. It stabilizes homolog alignment and promotes crossing over. It disassembles before metaphase I. Wikipedia - Synaptonemal complex
Which statement distinguishes spermatogenesis from oogenesis?
Oogenesis produces four functional gametes, while spermatogenesis yields one.
Both processes yield the same number of functional gametes.
Spermatogenesis yields four functional gametes per cycle, while oogenesis yields one.
Spermatogenesis involves two meiotic divisions, whereas oogenesis involves three.
During spermatogenesis, one diploid spermatocyte undergoes meiosis to produce four functional sperm. In oogenesis, cytokinesis is asymmetric, creating one ovum and polar bodies that typically degenerate. Both involve two meiotic divisions but yield different gamete counts. Wikipedia - Oogenesis
What mechanism contributes to genetic variation by random alignment of homologous chromosome pairs during metaphase I?
DNA replication
Independent assortment
Crossing over
Cohesion
Independent assortment refers to the random orientation of homologous chromosome pairs along the metaphase plate in meiosis I. This generates different combinations of maternal and paternal chromosomes in gametes. Crossing over exchanges segments but is a separate process. Wikipedia - Independent assortment
Which event occurs during metaphase II of meiosis?
Homologous chromosomes pair and synapse
Sister chromatids replicate
Chromosome number is reduced
Haploid chromosomes align at the equatorial plate
In metaphase II, the haploid set of chromosomes (each consisting of two sister chromatids) align individually at the equatorial plane. This is similar to mitotic metaphase but involves half the original chromosome number. Synapsis and reduction happen in meiosis I, not II. Wikipedia - Meiosis
During telophase I of meiosis, what major event occurs?
Synaptonemal complex forms
DNA replication occurs
Nuclear envelopes reform around haploid chromosome sets
Sister chromatids separate
In telophase I, the nuclear envelope reassembles around each set of haploid chromosomes, creating two distinct nuclei. Cytokinesis often follows, resulting in two daughter cells. DNA replication does not occur until after meiosis II. Wikipedia - Telophase
What is the restriction point in the G1 phase of the cell cycle?
The time when sister chromatids pair
The stage when the nuclear envelope breaks down
A checkpoint after which the cell is committed to DNA replication
The point where chromosomes condense
The restriction (R) point in late G1 is when a cell becomes irreversibly committed to entering S phase and replicating its DNA. Regulation at this point involves growth factors and cyclin D-Cdk4/6 activity. Before this point, cells can exit the cycle into G0. Wikipedia - Restriction point
What role does shugoshin play during meiosis?
Protects centromeric cohesin during meiosis I
Triggers synaptonemal complex breakdown
Initiates spindle assembly
Degrades cyclin B
Shugoshin safeguards centromeric cohesin from separase cleavage in meiosis I, ensuring sister chromatids stay together until meiosis II. Loss of shugoshin leads to premature chromatid separation and aneuploidy. It is essential for proper chromosome segregation. Wikipedia - Shugoshin
0
{"name":"Which phase of mitosis is characterized by the separation of sister chromatids toward opposite poles?", "url":"https://www.quiz-maker.com/QPREVIEW","txt":"Which phase of mitosis is characterized by the separation of sister chromatids toward opposite poles?, Which process produces two genetically identical daughter cells?, During which phase of the cell cycle does DNA replication occur?","img":"https://www.quiz-maker.com/3012/images/ogquiz.png"}

Study Outcomes

  1. Understand the Stages of Mitosis -

    Identify and describe each phase of mitosis, reinforcing your grasp of chromosome alignment and division during eukaryotic cell reproduction.

  2. Differentiate Mitosis and Meiosis -

    Compare and contrast the processes and outcomes of mitosis versus meiosis to clarify their distinct roles in cell reproduction.

  3. Analyze Genetic Variation -

    Evaluate how meiosis contributes to genetic diversity, interpreting crossover events and independent assortment in the context of the meiosis quiz.

  4. Apply Concepts in a Cell Reproduction Quiz -

    Use your knowledge to confidently answer targeted questions in our cell reproduction quiz, testing your understanding of cell division assessment.

  5. Interpret Quiz Results -

    Assess your performance to pinpoint strengths and areas for improvement, guiding further study of eukaryotic cell reproduction processes.

  6. Identify Common Misconceptions -

    Recognize and correct typical errors in understanding mitosis and meiosis, strengthening your foundational knowledge of cell division.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Phases of Mitosis (PMAT) -

    Use the mnemonic "I Pee on the MAT" to recall Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, and Telophase and visualize the chromosome movements. This sequence underpins many mitosis quiz questions by highlighting key events like spindle formation and sister chromatid separation.

  2. Distinguishing Mitosis vs. Meiosis -

    Compare mitosis's single division yielding two identical diploid cells to meiosis's two divisions producing four distinct haploid gametes. Remember that crossing over and independent assortment occur only in meiosis I, driving genetic diversity on a meiosis quiz.

  3. Spindle Apparatus & Checkpoints -

    The spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) ensures all chromosomes are properly attached before anaphase onset. Mastering how errors here lead to nondisjunction will boost your performance on cell division assessment questions.

  4. Crossing Over & Genetic Variation -

    During prophase I of meiosis, homologous chromosomes exchange segments at chiasmata, creating new allele combinations. Recall that this recombination event is a prime topic in meiosis quizzes assessing eukaryotic cell reproduction.

  5. Cell Cycle Regulation by Cyclins & CDKs -

    Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) paired with cyclins act as molecular timers, driving transitions like G1/S and G2/M checkpoints. Familiarity with this regulatory network from sources like NIH and Khan Academy strengthens answers on cell reproduction quiz questions.

Make a Quiz (FREE) Copy & Edit This Quiz Create a Quiz with AI

Biology Quizzes

Powered by: Quiz Maker