Curious about the phases of cell cycle quiz that puts your biology savvy to the test? Dive into our free cell cycle stages quiz designed to challenge your understanding of interphase, mitosis, and cytokinesis. Whether you're brushing up on key concepts or aiming for top marks in a cell biology quiz, you'll sharpen your recall and boost your confidence. Look for tricky interphase quiz questions, explore the speed of mitosis, and master each stage step by step. Ready to see how you score? Explore interphase facts or jump straight into a mitosis quiz now!
Which phase of the cell cycle is primarily responsible for DNA replication?
S phase
G1 phase
M phase
G2 phase
The S phase (synthesis phase) is when the cell duplicates its DNA so that each daughter cell receives an identical set. This phase follows G1 and precedes G2. Proper completion of S phase ensures genomic integrity. Learn more about S phase.
During which phase does the cell grow and perform normal metabolic functions?
G2 phase
M phase
S phase
G1 phase
G1 phase (first gap) is when the cell increases in size, synthesizes proteins, and carries out routine functions. It precedes DNA replication. Cells also check for damage before committing to S phase. Read about G1 phase.
What is the name of the phase during which the nucleus divides?
G2 phase
Mitosis
Cytokinesis
Interphase
Mitosis is the process of nuclear division that ensures each daughter cell receives an identical set of chromosomes. It consists of prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. Mitosis is distinct from cytokinesis, which is division of the cytoplasm. Explore mitosis details.
Which process follows mitosis to complete cell division?
G1 phase
Interphase
Cytokinesis
S phase
Cytokinesis is the division of the cytoplasm that follows mitosis, physically separating the two daughter cells. In animal cells, a cleavage furrow pinches the membrane. In plant cells, a cell plate forms. Learn more about cytokinesis.
During which stage of mitosis are sister chromatids pulled apart?
Anaphase
Prophase
Telophase
Metaphase
Anaphase is when the cohesin proteins are cleaved and sister chromatids separate, being pulled toward opposite poles by spindle fibers. This segregation ensures each new nucleus receives one copy of each chromosome. Details on anaphase.
Interphase comprises how many subphases?
2
4
1
3
Interphase consists of three subphases: G1 (growth), S (DNA synthesis), and G2 (preparation for mitosis). During this time, the cell grows, duplicates its DNA, and readies itself for division. More on interphase.
Which of the following is NOT a part of interphase?
G2 phase
S phase
Prophase
G1 phase
Interphase includes G1, S, and G2 but does not include any mitotic stages such as prophase. Prophase is the first stage of mitosis. Read about prophase.
What structure forms to constrict animal cells during cytokinesis?
Spindle midzone
Chromatid bridge
Cleavage furrow
Cell plate
Animal cells form a contractile ring of actin and myosin that generates a cleavage furrow to pinch the cell into two. This process completes cytokinesis. Details on cleavage furrow.
Which organelle organizes the mitotic spindle microtubules in animal cells?
Mitochondrion
Endoplasmic reticulum
Centriole
Golgi apparatus
Centrioles within the centrosome duplicate and help organize spindle microtubules during mitosis in animal cells. They ensure proper bipolar spindle formation. More about centrioles.
Which checkpoint ensures that DNA replication is complete before mitosis?
Spindle checkpoint
G2 checkpoint
Start checkpoint
G1 checkpoint
The G2 checkpoint verifies DNA has been correctly replicated and checks for damage before allowing entry into mitosis. It prevents cells with incomplete or damaged DNA from dividing. Nature on G2 checkpoint.
Which protein complex drives the cell from G2 into mitosis?
Cyclin E - CDK2
Cyclin A - CDK2
Cyclin B - CDK1
Cyclin D - CDK4
The Cyclin B - CDK1 complex, also known as maturation-promoting factor (MPF), triggers entry into mitosis by phosphorylating key substrates. Its activation marks the G2/M transition. NCBI on MPF.
What aligns chromosomes at the cell's equatorial plate during metaphase?
Interpolar microtubules
Astral microtubules
Centrosomes
Kinetochore fibers
Kinetochore microtubules attach to the chromosome's kinetochore and exert forces that align chromosomes at the metaphase plate. Proper tension ensures correct bi?orientation. Metaphase overview.
Through what structure do spindle microtubules attach to chromosomes?
Centromere
Kinetochore
Telomere
Nucleolus
The kinetochore is a protein complex assembled at the centromere that links chromosomes to spindle microtubules. This interaction is critical for accurate chromosome segregation. Read about kinetochores.
Which event marks the onset of anaphase during mitosis?
Cleavage furrow formation
Cohesin cleavage
Nuclear envelope breakdown
Spindle assembly
Anaphase begins when separase cleaves cohesin proteins holding sister chromatids together. This allows chromatids to move to opposite poles. Anaphase explained.
Which enzyme unwinds the DNA double helix during S phase?
DNA helicase
RNA primase
DNA ligase
DNA polymerase
DNA helicase breaks hydrogen bonds between base pairs to unwind the double helix, allowing replication machinery access to single?stranded DNA. Helicase function.
What does the spindle assembly checkpoint monitor?
DNA damage
Cyclin degradation
Chromosome alignment and microtubule attachment
DNA replication fidelity
The spindle assembly checkpoint ensures that all chromosomes are properly attached to spindle microtubules at kinetochores before anaphase. It prevents missegregation. Nature on spindle checkpoint.
During telophase, which major event occurs?
Spindle fibers assemble
Chromosomes condense
DNA replicates
Nuclear envelope re-forms
In telophase, dephosphorylation of nuclear lamins leads to reassembly of the nuclear envelope around separated chromatid sets. Chromosomes also decondense. Telophase details.
M-phase promoting factor (MPF) consists of cyclin B and which cyclin-dependent kinase?
CDK4
CDK6
CDK2
CDK1
MPF is the complex of cyclin B bound to CDK1, driving the cell into mitosis by phosphorylating various substrates. Its activation and subsequent inactivation regulate mitotic entry and exit. NCBI on MPF.
Which protein is targeted for degradation by the anaphase-promoting complex to trigger sister chromatid separation?
Cyclin A
Aurora B
Histone H1
Securin
The APC/C ubiquitinates securin, marking it for proteasomal degradation. Once securin is degraded, separase is free to cleave cohesin, allowing anaphase to proceed. Read on APC/C and securin.
Ubiquitylation of cyclins directs them to which cellular machinery for degradation?
Ribosome
Proteasome
Endosome
Lysosome
Ubiquitin tags on cyclins target them to the 26S proteasome for proteolytic degradation. This process is key for orderly cell cycle progression. Proteasome function.
Which CDK - cyclin complex promotes the G1/S transition?
Cyclin B - CDK1
Cyclin E - CDK2
Cyclin D - CDK4/6
Cyclin A - CDK2
Cyclin E bound to CDK2 phosphorylates targets that drive the initiation of DNA replication at the G1/S boundary. It helps the cell commit to DNA synthesis. Nature on G1/S CDKs.
What molecular change leads to inactivation of MPF to allow an exit from mitosis?
Cyclin B degradation
Cyclin A accumulation
p53 activation
Phosphorylation of CDK1
Degradation of cyclin B by the ubiquitin - proteasome pathway inactivates MPF, leading to dephosphorylation of mitotic substrates and mitotic exit. Mitotic exit mechanisms.
Which type of microtubule shortens to pull chromatids toward poles during anaphase A?
Polar microtubules
Interpolar microtubules
Kinetochore microtubules
Astral microtubules
Kinetochore microtubules depolymerize at the kinetochore, pulling chromatids poleward during anaphase A. Polar microtubules mainly push poles apart. Mechanics of anaphase.
The restriction point in G1, regulated by Rb phosphorylation, is equivalent to which checkpoint in yeast?
Spindle checkpoint
G2/M
Start
DNA damage checkpoint
In budding yeast, the START checkpoint commits cells to a new cycle much like the Rb-regulated restriction point in mammalian cells at late G1. Passing START means cells will replicate DNA. Yeast cell cycle START.
Which protein activates separase by triggering securin degradation?
Mad2
Cyclin D - CDK4
MPF
APC/C-Cdc20
APC/C activated by Cdc20 ubiquitinates securin, targeting it for degradation. This releases separase to cleave cohesin and drive anaphase. APC/C function.
Which tumor suppressor protein halts the cell cycle at G1/S in response to DNA damage?
Rb
Cyclin E
MDM2
p53
p53 is stabilized upon DNA damage and promotes transcription of p21, which inhibits CDKs and enforces G1/S arrest. This prevents propagation of damaged DNA. p53 checkpoint role.
How does the mitotic checkpoint complex (MCC) prevent premature anaphase onset?
By degrading cohesin
By binding and inhibiting APC/C - Cdc20
By phosphorylating cyclin B
By inhibiting separase directly
The MCC binds to the APC/C activator Cdc20, preventing APC/C from ubiquitinating securin and cyclin B, thus delaying anaphase until all kinetochores are correctly attached. MCC and spindle checkpoint.
What role does Cdc14 phosphatase play in mitotic exit?
Ubiquitinates cyclin B
Phosphorylates lamins
Dephosphorylates CDK substrates
Activates separase
In budding yeast, Cdc14 is released from the nucleolus in late anaphase, dephosphorylating CDK substrates and promoting cyclin degradation and cytokinesis. This orchestrates mitotic exit. Cdc14 function.
In plant cytokinesis, which structure guides cell plate formation between daughter nuclei?
Contractile ring
Spindle midzone
Midbody
Phragmoplast
The phragmoplast is a plant-specific structure composed of microtubules and vesicles that directs building of the cell plate, which will become the new cell wall between daughter cells. Learn about phragmoplast.
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Study Outcomes
Identify Cell Cycle Phases -
Recall and name the four main phases of the cell cycle - G1, S, G2, and M - to establish a foundational understanding for the quiz.
Describe Interphase Subphases -
Explain key activities in G1, S, and G2 phases during interphase, highlighting DNA replication and cellular growth processes.
Analyze Mitosis Stages -
Distinguish the events of prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase to clarify chromosome alignment and separation during mitosis.
Evaluate Cytokinesis Mechanisms -
Assess how cytoplasmic division completes cell division, comparing processes in plant and animal cells.
Apply Knowledge to Quiz Questions -
Use your understanding of cell cycle stages to confidently answer interphase and mitosis quiz questions.
Interpret Cell Biology Scenarios -
Solve scenario-based questions to reinforce the role of cell cycle regulation in growth, development, and disease contexts.
Cheat Sheet
Interphase Core Steps (G1, S, G2) -
Interphase is the longest part of the cycle, featuring G1 (cell growth), S (DNA synthesis), and G2 (preparation for mitosis) phases. A handy mnemonic is "Grow, Copy, Grow" to recall that cells first grow, then replicate DNA, and finally grow again to ensure readiness for division. Mastering these steps lays a strong foundation for your interphase quiz questions and broader cell biology quiz success.
Mitotic Phases Breakdown (Prophase to Telophase) -
Mitosis is divided into Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, and Telophase (PMAT), with chromosome alignment, separation, and nuclear envelope reformation. Use the mnemonic "PMAT" and visualize chromosomes lining up at the metaphase plate to ace questions on a mitosis quiz or phases of cell cycle quiz. University-level resources like Alberts et al.'s Molecular Biology of the Cell provide detailed diagrams to reinforce each step.
Key Cell Cycle Checkpoints (G1, G2, M) -
Checkpoints at G1, G2, and M phases ensure DNA integrity and proper cell size; for instance, p53 protein halts progression if DNA damage is detected. Remember "Stop, Check, Go" to emphasize that cells pause, evaluate, and then either repair or proceed - a concept frequently tested in cell cycle stages quizzes. Official sources such as NCBI and cancer research institutes highlight how checkpoint failure can lead to tumorigenesis.
Cytokinesis Mechanisms -
Cytokinesis physically divides the cytoplasm: animal cells form a cleavage furrow via actin - myosin contraction, while plant cells build a cell plate using Golgi-derived vesicles. Visualizing a pinching waist (animal) versus a growing new wall (plant) helps in scaffold questions on cell biology quizzes. Review diagrams from reputable institutions like the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) for clear comparisons.
Regulation by Cyclins and CDKs -
Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) partner with cyclins to drive cell cycle transitions; different cyclin-CDK complexes (e.g., Cyclin D/CDK4 in G1) are checkpoints' gatekeepers. Apply the formula "Activity = Cyclin × CDK" to remember that both components are required for kinase activation, a fact often quizzed in advanced cell biology studies. Textbook examples from Cold Spring Harbor protocols demystify how cyclin levels oscillate to regulate progression.
