Ready to dive into the world of cell division? This fun mitosis quiz tests your grasp of each phase, from prophase to cytokinesis, and includes some meiosis questions. Ideal for students, teachers, and curious minds, this mitosis and meiosis quiz helps you test and grow your understanding of key concepts like chromatid separation and homologous pairing. Think you can master the cell cycle? Head over to our cell cycle and mitosis quiz for interactive questions, then tackle the toughest mitosis questions to ace your study goals. Take the quiz on meiosis and mitosis now, boost your confidence, and conquer that mitosis meiosis test today!
What is the primary purpose of mitosis in multicellular organisms?
To produce gametes for sexual reproduction
To enable growth and tissue repair
To increase genetic variation
To convert RNA into proteins
Mitosis produces two genetically identical daughter cells, essential for growth and repair. It does not create gametes or increase variation. For more details, see Britannica on Mitosis.
How many daughter cells result from a single round of mitosis?
One
Two
Three
Four
Mitosis yields two daughter cells from one parent cell, each genetically identical. This is fundamental to asexual growth. See Khan Academy: Cell Division.
During which phase of mitosis do sister chromatids line up at the metaphase plate?
Prophase
Metaphase
Anaphase
Telophase
In metaphase, chromosomes align at the cell's equatorial plane before separation. Proper alignment ensures equal chromosome distribution. See Britannica: Metaphase.
What structure forms the spindle fibers during mitosis?
Centrioles
Ribosomes
Lysosomes
Golgi apparatus
Centrioles organize microtubules into spindle fibers that pull chromatids apart. Ribosomes, lysosomes, and Golgi are not involved. See Cells Alive: Mitosis.
In which mitotic phase does the nuclear envelope break down?
Prometaphase
Cytokinesis
G1 phase
S phase
During prometaphase, the nuclear envelope disassembles to allow spindle attachment. This follows prophase and precedes metaphase. See Nature Scitable.
What are identical copies of a chromosome called once DNA replication is complete?
Homologous chromosomes
Sister chromatids
Tetrads
Centromeres
After replication, each chromosome consists of two sister chromatids joined at a centromere. Homologous pairs are maternal and paternal. See Khan Academy.
Which process physically divides the cytoplasm at the end of mitosis?
Telophase
Cytokinesis
Interphase
Prophase
Cytokinesis separates the cytoplasm, forming two distinct cells after mitosis. Telophase reforms nuclei but doesn’t split the cell body. See Britannica: Cytokinesis.
Which checkpoint ensures DNA is undamaged before mitosis?
G1 checkpoint
G2 checkpoint
Spindle checkpoint
Metaphase checkpoint
The G1 checkpoint verifies DNA integrity before entering S phase. The G2 checkpoint checks replication completeness and damage. See NCBI Cell Cycle Checkpoints.
What term describes the region where sister chromatids are held together?
Telomere
Centromere
Kinetochore
Chromatin
The centromere is the constricted region binding sister chromatids. Telomeres cap chromosome ends. See Britannica: Centromere.
What organelle duplicates during interphase to play a key role in mitosis?
Mitochondrion
Centrosome
Lysosome
Endoplasmic reticulum
The centrosome, containing centrioles, duplicates during interphase to form spindle poles. Mitochondria and ER do not organize spindle fibers. See Cell Signal.
Which phase immediately follows telophase in the cell cycle?
G1 phase
S phase
G2 phase
Prophase
After mitosis completes, cells enter G1, where they grow and perform normal functions before DNA replication. S phase comes later. See Khan Academy.
How many phases are there in mitosis?
Three
Four
Five
Six
Mitosis is divided into prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. Cytokinesis is separate. See Britannica.
Which phase of mitosis is generally the longest?
Prophase
Metaphase
Anaphase
Telophase
Prophase involves chromosome condensation and spindle assembly, making it the longest stage. Later stages proceed rapidly. See Cells Alive.
What process is used by animal cells but not plant cells during cytokinesis?
Cell plate formation
Cleavage furrow formation
Chromosome segregation
Centrosome duplication
Animal cells form a cleavage furrow to pinch in two, while plant cells build a cell plate. Chromosome segregation occurs in both. See Britannica.
Which protein complex activates the separation of sister chromatids during anaphase?
Cohesin
Anaphase-promoting complex (APC/C)
Kinetochore
Cyclin B/CDK1
APC/C ubiquitinates securin, freeing separase to cleave cohesin and allow chromatid separation. Cohesin holds chromatids together prior. See Nature Scitable.
What happens during prometaphase of mitosis?
Chromosomes decondense
Nuclear envelope breaks down
Daughter cells separate
DNA replicates
Prometaphase is marked by nuclear envelope breakdown and spindle microtubule attachment. Chromosomes are condensed already. See Britannica.
How does cytokinesis differ between plant and animal cells?
Both form cleavage furrows
Plants build a cell plate, animals form furrows
Animals build cell walls, plants pinch in
Only animals undergo cytokinesis
Plant cells form a new cell plate that becomes a wall; animal cells pinch via a contractile ring. Both perform chromosome segregation similarly. See Khan Academy.
Which cyclin is crucial for the G2 to M transition in the cell cycle?
Cyclin A
Cyclin B
Cyclin D
Cyclin E
Cyclin B binds CDK1 to form MPF, driving entry into mitosis. Cyclin D/E regulate earlier phases. See Nature Scitable.
What role do kinetochores play in mitosis?
They degrade cohesin
They anchor chromosomes to spindle microtubules
They replicate DNA
They form the nuclear envelope
Kinetochores assemble on centromeres and attach chromosomes to spindle fibers. They also signal the spindle checkpoint. See Nature Scitable.
What is the main difference between mitosis and meiosis I?
Mitosis reduces chromosome number
Meiosis I separates homologous chromosomes
Mitosis involves crossing over
Meiosis I produces two identical cells
In meiosis I, homologous chromosomes segregate, halving ploidy. Mitosis separates sister chromatids without changing ploidy. See Britannica: Meiosis.
During which meiotic phase does crossing over occur?
Metaphase I
Prophase I
Anaphase I
Telophase I
Crossing over between homologous chromosomes happens in prophase I at chiasmata. This generates genetic diversity. See Nature Scitable.
What prevents cells from entering anaphase until all chromosomes are properly attached?
G1 checkpoint
Spindle assembly checkpoint
DNA damage checkpoint
Mitotic exit network
The spindle assembly checkpoint delays anaphase until kinetochores are correctly attached. It inhibits APC/C if errors exist. See NCBI Cell Cycle Checkpoints.
Which enzyme cleaves cohesin to allow sister chromatid separation?
Topoisomerase II
DNA helicase
Separase
Primase
Separase cleaves cohesin rings, freeing sister chromatids. It is activated when securin is degraded by APC/C. See Nature Scitable.
What structure forms between segregating chromosomes during telophase?
Mitotic spindle
Cleavage furrow
Cell plate
Nuclear envelope
In animal cells, a cleavage furrow appears during telophase leading into cytokinesis. Plant cells form a cell plate instead. See Britannica.
How many total divisions occur in meiosis compared to mitosis?
One in meiosis, two in mitosis
Two in meiosis, one in mitosis
One each
Three in meiosis, one in mitosis
Meiosis consists of two successive divisions (I and II), mitosis has only one. This produces four haploid vs two diploid cells. See Khan Academy.
What term describes paired maternal and paternal chromosomes during prophase I?
Sister chromatids
Homologous chromosomes
Nonhomologous chromosomes
Tetrads
Homologous chromosomes pair to form bivalents or tetrads in prophase I, facilitating recombination. Sister chromatids remain joined. See Britannica.
Which checkpoint monitors spindle attachment to chromosomes?
G2/M checkpoint
Spindle assembly checkpoint
DNA damage checkpoint
Restriction checkpoint
The spindle assembly checkpoint halts progression if kinetochores are unattached or tension is low. It ensures proper biorientation. See NCBI.
What is the role of Cyclin-Dependent Kinases (CDKs) in cell cycle control?
They degrade DNA
They phosphorylate target proteins to drive phase transitions
They replicate chromosomes
They form the mitotic spindle
CDKs partner with cyclins to phosphorylate proteins that trigger cell cycle phase changes, such as entry into mitosis. Their activity is tightly regulated. See Nature Scitable.
How does the Anaphase-Promoting Complex/Cyclosome (APC/C) facilitate progression through mitosis?
It activates CDKs
It ubiquitinates securin and cyclins for degradation
It phosphorylates cohesin
It synthesizes microtubules
APC/C tags securin and cyclin B for proteasomal degradation, releasing separase to cleave cohesin and inactivating MPF to exit mitosis. See Nature Scitable.
What is merotelic attachment and why is it problematic?
One kinetochore attaches to microtubules from both poles, causing missegregation
No microtubules attach to a kinetochore
All microtubules attach to one pole
Spindle fibers form too early
Merotelic attachment pulls a single chromatid toward both poles, leading to lagging chromosomes and aneuploidy. It's not detected by the spindle checkpoint. See PMC Article.
What molecular event triggers the metaphase-anaphase transition?
Activation of cohesin
Destruction of securin by APC/C
Fusion of nuclear envelopes
Phosphorylation of tubulin
APC/C-mediated securin degradation releases separase to cleave cohesin, initiating anaphase. This is the key molecular switch. See Britannica.
How do Aurora kinases contribute to mitotic progression?
They depolymerize actin
They regulate chromosome alignment and spindle checkpoint
They replicate DNA
They degrade cyclins
Aurora kinases phosphorylate kinetochore and microtubule proteins, ensuring proper alignment and tension; they also help silence the spindle checkpoint. See PMC Article.
Explain how the mitotic exit network (MEN) functions in yeast mitosis.
It activates MPF
It localizes CDKs to the nucleus
It triggers Cdc14 release to inactivate CDKs
It forms the spindle midzone
MEN releases Cdc14 phosphatase from the nucleolus, leading to CDK dephosphorylation and mitotic exit. This cascade is essential in budding yeast. See NCBI Bookshelf.
What distinguishes a regional centromere from a point centromere?
Regional centromeres are sequence-defined, point centromeres epigenetic
Point centromeres are longer than regional
Regional centromeres span larger DNA regions and are epigenetically defined
Only point centromeres recruit kinetochores
Regional centromeres cover large DNA blocks defined by chromatin marks; point centromeres use specific sequence. Both recruit kinetochores but differ in size. See Britannica.
How is DNA damage sensed at the G2/M checkpoint?
ATR/ATM kinases phosphorylate p53 and CHK1/2
Cyclin B levels drop
Spindle fibers attach prematurely
Cohesin complex forms
ATM/ATR kinases detect breaks and activate CHK1/2, stabilizing p53 and halting CDK1 activity to delay mitosis. This preserves genomic integrity. See NCBI.
What is merotelic attachment and why is it problematic?
A single kinetochore attached to microtubules from both poles causing missegregation
No microtubules attached to one kinetochore
Both sister kinetochores attached to the same pole
Spindle fibers growing from centrioles only
Merotelic attachments pull chromatids in opposite directions but escape the spindle checkpoint, leading to lagging chromosomes. This contributes to aneuploidy. See PMC Article.
Describe the difference between karyokinesis and cytokinesis.
Karyokinesis divides the cytoplasm, cytokinesis divides nuclei
Karyokinesis refers to nuclear division (mitotic phases), while cytokinesis physically splits the cell's cytoplasm. Both are required for full cell division. See Britannica.
How does cohesin loading differ between mitosis and meiosis?
Cohesin is loaded only in S phase for both
Meiotic cohesin is loaded in pre-meiotic S and tethers homologs; mitotic cohesin tethers sisters
Mitosis uses Rec8, meiosis uses Scc1
Cohesin loading is identical in both processes
Meiosis uses Rec8-containing cohesin, loaded pre-meiotically to hold homologs aside from sisters. Mitosis uses Scc1 cohesin to tether sister chromatids only. See PMC Article.
Which molecular pathway integrates growth signals to bypass the G1 checkpoint in many cancers?
Hippo pathway
p53-mediated DNA damage response
MAPK and PI3K/AKT pathways upregulating cyclin D
APC/C activation
Oncogenic MAPK/PI3K-AKT signaling increases cyclin D expression, inactivating Rb and pushing cells through the G1 restriction point. This bypasses normal controls. See PMC Article.
How are spindle orientation cues integrated during asymmetric cell division?
Random microtubule growth directs orientation
Cell polarity proteins recruit motor complexes to orient the spindle
Chromosomes dictate spindle angle
Golgi apparatus sets spindle axis
Polarity landmarks (Par proteins) recruit dynein and LGN to the cortex, pulling on astral microtubules to orient the spindle. This ensures asymmetric fate. See Nature Scitable.
Discuss the role of the Hippo pathway in coordinating mitotic exit with cell density.
Hippo phosphorylates cyclins to promote mitosis
Hippo signaling restrains cell division at high density by inactivating YAP/TAZ, affecting cytokinesis
Hippo activates APC/C directly
Hippo pathway is not linked to mitosis
At high density, Hippo kinases phosphorylate and inactivate YAP/TAZ, reducing expression of mitotic cyclins and delaying mitotic exit to maintain tissue integrity. See PMC Article.
What mechanisms ensure complete telomere replication during mitosis in human cells?
Telomerase extends G-rich overhangs during S phase
Shelterin degrades telomeres before mitosis
Cohesin complexes replicate telomeres
Spindle checkpoint elongates telomeres
Telomerase adds TTAGGG repeats to chromosome ends in S phase, counteracting end-replication loss. Shelterin protects structure but doesn’t replicate it. See Nature Reviews Genetics.
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Study Outcomes
Understand the sequence of mitosis phases -
Map out each stage from prophase to cytokinesis, identifying the key events that occur during mitosis to ensure accurate cell division.
Differentiate mitosis from meiosis processes -
Compare and contrast the mechanisms, outcomes, and genetic implications of mitosis and meiosis to reinforce your understanding of cell division types.
Analyze chromosome behavior during cell division -
Examine how chromosomes condense, align, and segregate, building your ability to pinpoint critical changes throughout mitosis and meiosis.
Apply knowledge to mitosis quiz questions -
Employ key concepts and recall strategies to tackle quiz on mitosis and meiosis questions effectively, enhancing your test-taking skills.
Evaluate your cell division knowledge gaps -
Review your quiz results to identify strengths and weaknesses, guiding targeted study areas for improved mastery of mitosis and meiosis.
Cheat Sheet
Phases of Mitosis -
Review each mitotic stage - prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase, and cytokinesis - as outlined by university biology courses like those at MIT or Harvard. A simple mnemonic, "PMAT C" (Please Make A Taco, Chef!), helps lock in the correct order. Recognizing hallmark events in each phase boosts accuracy on any mitosis quiz.
Chromosome Behavior in Meiosis -
Understand how homologous chromosomes pair up during prophase I and separate in anaphase I, then sister chromatids split in meiosis II, drawing on resources from Nature Education or reputable journals. The stages mirror mitosis in part but add recombination and two rounds of division. This core concept is vital for success in your mitosis and meiosis quiz.
Genetic Variation Mechanisms -
Learn how crossover (chiasmata formation) and independent assortment generate diversity, as explained in genetics texts from NIH and major universities. Practice tracing allele distribution in Punnett-square style diagrams. Mastering these meiosis questions solidifies your grasp of why no two gametes are identical.
Regulation of the Cell Cycle -
Familiarize yourself with cyclins and CDKs controlling the G1/S and G2/M checkpoints, based on insights from cell biology reviews in journals like Cell or Science. Recognize how external signals and tumor suppressors (e.g., p53) influence progression. This regulatory knowledge often appears on a mitosis meiosis test to assess your understanding of division control.
Comparative Differences and Mnemonics -
Contrast mitosis (one division, two identical cells) with meiosis (two divisions, four unique cells) using a table or Venn diagram from educational platforms such as Khan Academy. Use the phrase "Meiosis Makes Many, Mitosis Makes Mirrors" to recall outcomes. This trick is perfect for acing any quiz on meiosis and mitosis.
