30 CELL CYCLE AND CELL DIVISION

EXERCISE – 3: Advance Objective Questions

Cell Cycle: Introduction cell cycle. Identify the phases and select the correct
1. Assertion: Interphase occupies 75-95% of the total option.
generation time.
Reason: Interphase (I-phase) is the long non-dividing
phase.
(a) If both assertion and reason are true and reason is
the correct explanation of assertion. A B C D
(b) If both assertion and reason are true but reason is (a) G2 G1 S M
not the correct explanation of assertion. (b) G S G2 M
(c) If assertion is true but reason is false. (c) G1 S G2 M
(d) If both assertion and reason are false. (d) M G1 S G2
Ans. (a) Ans. (c)
Sol. The cell cycle is divided into two basic phases: (I) Sol. The Gl phase or pre DNA synthesis phase is the 1st
interphase, (II) M-phase. The M phase represents the Gap phase. S phase is a DNA synthesis phase. The
phase when the actual cell division or mitosis occurs replication of nuclear DNA and the synthesis of
and the interphase represents the phase between two histone protein takes place in the S phase. G2 phase
successive M phases. In the 24 hours, the average is the 2nd Gap phase or post DNA synthesis phase.
duration of the cell cycle of human cells, cell division The final preparation of cell division occurs during
properly lasts for only about an hour. The interphase this phase where the amount of DNA content is
lasts more than 95% of the duration of the cell cycle. doubled while the chromosome number is the same.
The division phase or M-phase is also known as the
2. How many chromosomes will the cell have at G1, division phase or mitotic phase. In this phase, the
after S, and after M-phase respectively if it has 14 division of the nucleus and the division of the
chromosomes at interphase? cytoplasm occurs.
(a) 7, 14, 14 (b) 14, 14, 14
(c) 14, 14, 7 (d) 7, 7, 7
Mitosis
Ans. (b)
4. If a tissue at a given time has 1024 cells, how many
Sol. The cell will have 14, 14, 14 chromosomes at G1,
cycles of mitosis had the original parental single-cell
after S, and after M-phase respectively if it has 14
undergone?
chromosomes at interphase. In interphase, the cell
(a) 512 (b) 10
grows in size and prepares itself for the next division
(c) 1024 (d) 256
but replication of the cell doesn’t take place in this
Ans. (b)
phase. S phase is the DNA synthesis phase. In this
Sol. In mitotic division, the single parental cell divides
phase, the replication of nuclear DNA and the
into two daughter cells which are identical. This
synthesis of histone protein takes place. In the S
division mainly occurs in eukaryotic cells, also
phase, the amount of DNA doubles but the number of
called equational division. This phase has a time
chromosomes remains the same in each cell. The
period of 1 hour. Each cycle produces 2 daughter
division phase or M-phase is also known as the
cells. 10 cycles of mitotic divisions will give rise to
division phase or mitotic phase. In this phase, the
1024 cells.
division of the nucleus occurs and the division of the
cytoplasm occurs but a number of chromosomes
5. A cell’s division time is 1 minute. In 20 minutes, a
remain the same.
culture tube (culture medium) is 1/8th filled with
cells. When the tube will be fully filled?
3. The graph given shows the change in DNA content
(a) 21 minutes (b) 23 minutes
during various phases (A to D) in a typical mitotic
(c) 60 minutes (d) 160 minutes
Ans. (b)
CELL CYCLE AND CELL DIVISION 31

Sol. Generation time is 1 minute means after every min, 8. Recognise the figure and find out the correct
the number of cells doubles its initial value. In 20 matching.
mins, the culture tube is 1/8th filled with cells. Each
cell divides every single minute producing two
daughter cells. Therefore, in 21 min = 1/8×2 =¼.
​ In 22 min=1/4×2 =½. In 23 min = 1/2×2=1, that
means in 23 minutes, the culture tube will be fully
filled. (a) a-Early prophase, b- late prophase, c-transition to
metaphase
6. Assertion: Prophase is the first stage of mitosis (b) b-Early prophase, c- late prophase, a-transition to
which follows the S and G1 phases of interphase. metaphase
Reason: Prophase is marked by the initiation of (c) c-Early prophase, a-late prophase, b-transition to
clusters of chromosomes. metaphase
(a) If both assertion and reason are true and reason is (d) b-Early prophase, a-late prophase, c-transition to
the correct explanation of assertion. metaphase
(b) If both assertion and reason are true but reason is Ans. (a)
not the correct explanation of assertion. Sol.
(c) If assertion is true but reason is false.
(d) If both assertion and reason are false.
Ans. (d)
Sol. Prophase which is the first stage of mitosis follows
the S and G2​ phases of interphase. In the S and G2
Early prophase Late prophase Transition to metaphase
phases, the new DNA molecules formed are not
Early prophase-Mitotic spindle starts to form, the
distinct but intertwined. Prophase is marked by the
chromosome starts to condense, and the nucleolus
initiation of condensation of chromosomal material.
disappears. The late prophase-Mitotic spindle
The chromosomal material becomes untangled during
begins to capture and organize the chromosomes.
the process of chromatin condensation.
The chromosomes become even more condensed
and very compact. Transition to metaphase-Genetic
7. Centrioles undergo duplication during (i) of (ii) and
material gets condensed into chromosomes. The
begin to move towards opposite poles of the cell
disappearance of the nucleus and the appearance of
during (iii) stage of (iv).
the chromosome takes place in the cytoplasm of the
(a) (i)-S phase, (ii)-Interphase, (iii)-Prophase, (iv)-
cell.
Mitosis
(b) (i)-S phase, (ii)-Interphase, (iii)-Anaphase, (iv)-
9. The two chromatids of a metaphase chromosome
Mitosis
represent
(c) (i)-Prophase, (ii)- Mitosis, (iii)-Metaphase, (iv)-
(a) Replicated chromosomes to be separated at
Mitosis
anaphase
(d) (i)-Prophase, (ii)-Mitosis, (iii)-Anaphase, (iv)-
(b) Homologous chromosomes of a diploid set
Mitosis
(c) Non-homologous chromosomes joined at the
Ans. (a)
centromere
Sol. In animal cells, during the S phase, DNA replication
(d) Maternal and paternal chromosomes joined at the
begins in the nucleus and the centriole duplicates
centromere
itself in the cytoplasm. And these duplicated
Ans. (a)
centrioles move to the opposite poles during the
Sol. The two chromatids of a metaphase chromosome
prophase. So, the centrosome undergoes duplication
represent replicated chromosomes to be separated at
during the S phase of interphase and begins to move
anaphase. In anaphase, centromeres split, and the
towards opposite poles of the cell during the
two sister chromatids move to opposite poles. The
prophase stage of mitosis.
cell cycle has two basic phases-interphase and the
mitotic phase. In the mitotic phase, division of the
nucleus and cytoplasm takes place. It consists of
32 CELL CYCLE AND CELL DIVISION

prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. In (b) If both assertion and reason are true but reason is
interphase, the cell prepares itself for division. not the correct explanation of assertion.
Interphase is further divided into the Gap1 phase, S (c) If assertion is true but reason is false.
phase, and Gap2 phase. (d) If both assertion and reason are false.
Ans. (b)
Sol. In anaphase, chromosomes are arranged on the
10. Identify the structures indicated by labels (i), (ii), (iii), equatorial plate for a short period. In anaphase,
and (iv) and select the correct option. centromeres of chromosomes start to divide into two,
forming daughter chromatids with centromere in
each. Daughter chromosomes are repulsive so,
migrate towards opposite poles. Spindle fibers
attached to the centromeres shorten and pull the
chromosomes to the poles. In the anaphasic
movement of chromosomes, the centromeres lead
(a) (i)-Chromatid, (ii)-Centriole, (iii)-Centromere, the path while the limbs trail behind. So, anaphasic
(iv)-Chromosome chromosomes appear as V-, L-, J- and I-shaped.
(b) (i)-Chromosome, (ii)-Centriole, (iii)-Centromere,
(iv)-Chromatid 12. Mitotic anaphase differs from metaphase in
(c) (i)-Chromatid, (ii)-Centromere, (iii)-Centriole, possessing
(iv)-Chromosome (a) Same number of chromosomes and the same
(d) (i)-Chromosome, (ii)-Centromere, (iii)-Centriole, number of chromatids
(iv)-Chromatid (b) Half number of chromosomes and half number
Ans. (a) of chromatids
Sol. (c) Half the number of chromosomes and the same
number of chromatids
(d) Same number of chromosomes and half number
Centriole of chromatids
Ans. (d)
Sol. Mitotic anaphase differs from metaphase in
Chromosome
Chromatid processing the same number of chromosomes and a
different number of chromatids. During metaphase,
Centromere
the microtubules of the spindle get attached and the
chromosomes get aligned along with the metaphase
A chromatid is an identical half of a replicated plate in the equator of the cell whereas, during
chromosome. A centriole is a small set of anaphase, the sister chromatids are pulled apart and
microtubules that are arranged in a specific way and move towards the opposite poles of the cells.
are made from tubulin protein. Centromeres are the
fundamental chromosomal structure where proteins 13. In the below sequence of figures showing different
nucleate to form kinetochores that bind to spindle stages of cell division, the missing stage (ii) is
microtubules and mediate chromosome segregation
during cell division. The DNA molecule is packaged
into thread-like structures called chromosomes that
are made up of tightly coiled DNA around proteins
called histones that support its structure.

11. Assertion: During anaphase, the centromere of each

chromosome splits, and chromatids separate.
Reason: During anaphase, chromatids move to (a) (b)
opposite poles.
(a) If both assertion and reason are true and reason is
the correct explanation of assertion.
CELL CYCLE AND CELL DIVISION 33

Cytokinesis
15. Read the following statements and find out the
(c) (d) incorrect statements.
(a) In an animal cell, cytokinesis is achieved by the
appearance of a furrow in the plasma membrane
Ans. (a) (b) Furrow formation starts in the center of the cell
Sol. and grows outward to meet the existing lateral
walls
(c) Cell plate represents the middle lamella between
the walls of two adjacent plant cells
(d) During cytokinesis, organelles like mitochondria
and plastids get distributed between the two
daughter cells
Ans. (b)
Anaphase
In early anaphase interzonal fibers (small and Sol. Furrow formation during cell division is caused by a
contracted) appear at the equator of the cell. In this ring of actin microfilaments called the contractile
stage, the centromere of each chromosome splits ring which forms during the early anaphase. This
lengthwise (a division of centromere) and chromatids furrow will then advances inwards to separate the
separate and move to opposite poles. These changes two daughter cells. A cleavage furrow appears on a
occur after metaphase (i). Hence, (a) option is correct. cell surface when the cell gets prepared to divide.
Option (b) is wrong as whole chromosomes are Furrow formation marks the beginning of the cell
moving to opposite poles. Option (c) represents pinching of its cell membrane and the cytoplasm
prophase and (d) represents anaphase but this option down in the middle of the cell.
is wrong as there should be 4 chromatids (two moves
to one pole and the remaining moves to the opposite 16. Assertion: Cell growth results in disturbing the ratio
pole). between the nucleus and cytoplasm.
Reason: Mitosis helps the cell to restore the nucleo-
14. Identify the given stages of mitosis and select the cytoplasmic ratio.
correct option. (a) If both assertion and reason are true and reason is
the correct explanation of assertion.
(b) If both assertion and reason are true but reason is
not the correct explanation of assertion.
(c) If assertion is true but reason is false.
(d) If both assertion and reason are false.
A B C D Ans. (a)
(a) Prophase Metaphase Telophase Anaphase Sol. The growth of multicellular organisms is due to
(b) Metaphase Anaphase Prophase Telophase mitosis. The function of cells is controlled by the
(c) Anaphase Metaphase Prophase Telophase
nucleus. The size of the nucleus does not change,
(d) Prophase Metaphase Anaphase Telophase
but the cytoplasm increases during cell growth. An
Ans. (c)
increase in size disturbs the nucleo-cytoplasmic ratio.
Sol. Anaphase- During this, chromosomes break at
This ratio is restored to an efficient level through
centromeres, and sister chromatids move to opposite
cell division.
ends of the cell. Metaphase- Chromosomes get
aligned at the metaphase plate. In prophase,
chromatin condenses into chromosomes and the Meiosis
nucleolus disappears. Telophase- Nuclear membrane 17. What do (i) and (ii) represent in the given flowchart?
reforms, nucleoli reappear and chromosomes M-I
Parent cell 
M-II
 2 Daughter cell s  4 Daughter cells
decondensed. (2n) (i) (ii)

(a) (i) = 2n, (ii) = n (b) (i) = n, (ii) = n

34 CELL CYCLE AND CELL DIVISION

(c) (i) = n, (ii) = 2n (d) (i) = 2n, (ii) = 2n

Ans. (b) 20. Assertion: Crossing over leads to the recombination
Sol. In the given flow chart, parent cell (2n) undergoes M- of genetic material on the two chromosomes.
I that is meiosis 1 (reductional division) so, the Reason: Crossing over is the exchange of genetic
daughter cells would be (i) n, and then again it material between two homologous chromosomes.
undergoes M-II that is meiosis 2 (equational division) (a) If both assertion and reason are true and reason is
so the number of daughters cell will be (ii) n. the correct explanation of assertion.
(b) If both assertion and reason are true but reason is
18. Which of the following correctly shows a pair of not the correct explanation of assertion.
homologous chromosomes at the start of meiosis? (c) If assertion is true but reason is false.
(d) If both assertion and reason are false.
Ans. (a)
(a) (b) Sol. Crossing over or recombination occurs during
pachytene. Recombination involves the mutual
exchange of the corresponding segments of non-
sister chromatids of homologous chromosomes. It
(d) (d) takes place by breakage and reunion of chromatid
segments. Breakage, called nicking, is assisted by an
Ans. (d) enzyme endonuclease, and reunion, termed
Sol. Homologous chromosomes are identical in size and annealing, is aided by an enzyme ligase. Crossing
appearance. It contains identical genetic information. over leads to the recombination of genetic material
Homologous pairs of chromosomes are both present on the two chromosomes.
in haploid (one chromosome of each pair) as well as
diploid cells (pair of homologous chromosomes). 21. Chiasmata are formed due to
(a) Crossing over of same part between homologous
19. Which of the following is correct regarding the given chromosomes
figure? (b) Crossing over of same part between non-
homologous chromosomes
(c) Duplication of homologous and non-homologous
chromosomes
(d) Loss of some part of chromosomes
Ans. (a)
Sol. Chiasmata is the structure that formed due to
crossing over the same part between homologous
chromosomes during the diplotene stage of meiosis.
In the diplotene stage, the synaptonemal complex
Number of Number of Number of
begins to dissolve and chiasmata become visible.
pairs of chromatids centromeres
Homologous chromosomes remain attached to each
homologous
other only at the ends. Centrioles move towards the
chromosomes
opposite poles.
(a) 3 6 12
(b) 3 12 6
22. Match Column-I with Column-II and select the
(c) 6 6 12
correct option from the codes given below.
(d) 6 12 6
Column-I Column-II
Ans. (b)
Sol. In this figure, there are a total of 3 pairs of A. Chromosomes move (i) Pachytene
to the spindle
homologous chromosomes present in the nucleus of
equator
the cell. One chromosome consists of 2 chromatids, B. Centromere splits (ii) Zygotene
hence there are 6 chromosomes in total so, there and chromatids
would be 12 chromatids. And lastly, there are 6 move apart
centromeres present in the 6 chromosomes.
CELL CYCLE AND CELL DIVISION 35

C. Pairing between (iii) Anaphase

homologous
chromosomes
D. Crossing over (iv) Metaphase
between homologous
chromosomes
Which of the options below shows the next stage in
(a) A-(i), B-(ii), C-(iii), D-(iv) the process?
(b) A-(ii), B-(iii), C-(iv), D-(i)
(c) A-(iv), B-(iii), C-(ii), D-(i)
(d) A-(iii), B-(i), C-(iv), D-(ii) (a) (b)
Ans. (c)
Sol. Chromosomes move to the spindle equator at the
metaphase plate in the metaphase stage. Centromere
splits and chromatids move apart from each other in (c) (d)
the anaphase stage. The pairing between the
homologous chromosomes occurs during the
zygotene stage. Crossing over between the Ans. (b)
homologous chromosomes occurs during the Sol. The figure given represents the diplotene stage of
pachytene, a stage in prophase-I of meiosis I. prophase I of meiosis I. After prophase I, the next
stage will be metaphase I in which chromosomes
23. Identify the different stages with respect to the above align at the equator and homologous chromosomes
given features and select the correct option. pair up.
(i) Thin thread-like chromosomes with a beaded
appearance 25. Consider the given cell at the metaphase-I stage
(ii) Appearance of recombination nodules undergoing normal meiosis.
(iii) Formation of bivalents/tetrads
(iv) Terminalisation of chiasmata
(v) Apperance of chiasmata
(i) (ii) (iii) (iv) (v)
(a) Leptotene Zygotene Pachytene Diplotene Diakinesis
(b) Leptotene Zygotene Pachytene Diakinesis Diplotene
(c) Leptotene Pachytene Zygotene Diakinesis Diplotene Which of the following gametes will not be formed
(d) Leptotene Pachytene Diplotene Zygotene Diakinesis from this cell?
Ans. (c)
Sol. The thread-like chromosomes with a beaded
(a) (b)
appearance occur in the leptotene stage. The
appearance of recombination nodules is seen in the
pachytene stage. Formation of the bivalent or the
tetrad is visible in the zygotene stage.
Terminalisation of chiasmata occurs during the (c) (d)
diakinesis stage. The appearance of chiasmata is seen
in the diplotene stage. Ans. (d)
Sol. Crossing over takes place between the two non-
24. The figure given below shows a cell undergoing sister homologous chromosomes. In the given figure,
meiosis. option d will not be formed because the exchange of
chromosomes is between two sister homologous
chromosomes which is not correct.

26. What is the correct sequence of the steps given here?

Also, work out the process depicted in the steps?
36 CELL CYCLE AND CELL DIVISION

I. Homologous chromosomes move towards the stage of pachytene in prophase. Centromeres do

opposite poles of the cell; chromatids do not not separate but chromosomes move towards
separate. opposite poles in the stage of anaphase I.
II. Chromosomes gather together at the two poles of
the cell and the nuclear membranes reform. 28. If 2n = 4, then identify the figures A, B, and C, as
[Link] chromosomes pair and exchange per the following codes, and select the correct option.
segments.
[Link] chromosomes align on a central
plate.
V. The haploid cells separate completely.
(a) The correct sequence is IIIIVIII and the
process is meiosis-I i) Anaphase of meiosis-I
(b) The correct sequence is IIIVIVIII and the ii) Anaphase of mitosis
process is mitosis iii) Anaphase meiosis-II
(a) A-(ii), B-(i), C-(iii) (b) A-(iii), B-(ii), C-(i)
(c) The correct sequence is IVIIIIIIV and the
(c) A-(i), B-(ii), C-(iii) (d) A-(iii), B-(i), C-(ii)
process is meiosis-I
Ans. (a)
(d) The correct sequence is IIVIIVIII and
Sol.
the process is mitosis
Ans. (a)
Sol. In the process of meiosis, Homologous chromosomes
pair and exchange segments (prophase I). Than
homologous chromosomes align on a central plate
(metaphase I). Homologous chromosomes move
towards opposite poles of the cell; chromatids do not
separate (anaphase I). Then chromosomes gather Anaphase of mitosis |Anaphase of meiosis-I | Anaphase meiosis-II
together at the two poles of the cell and the nuclear If 2n=4 which is the diploid cell then, the anaphase
membranes reform (telophase I). of mitosis is (2n=4) chromosomes move to the poles
and kinetochores fiber, microtubules shorten.
27. Select the correct option. Anaphase of meiosis I (n=2), the two chromosomes
I II of each bivalent separate and move to the opposite
(a) Synapsis (i) Anaphase- poles. Anaphase of meiosis II is an equational
II division just like mitotic division.
(b) Synthesis of RNA and (ii) Zygotene
protein 29. Identify the given figures showing phases and select
(c) Action of enzyme (iii) G2-phase the correct option.
recombinase
(d) Centromeres do not (iv) Anaphase-
separate but chromosomes I
move towards opposite
poles
(v) Pachytene
A B C
(a) a-(i), b-(ii), c-(v), d-(iv)
(b) a-(ii), b-(iii), c-(iv), d-(v) (a) Metaphase Anaphase Telophase
(c) a-(ii), b-(i), c-(iii), d-(iv) (b) Metaphase-I Anaphase-I Telophase-I
(d) a-(ii), b-(iii), c-(v), d-(iv)
(c) Metaphase-II Anaphase-II Telophase-II
Ans. (d)
Sol. Synapsis occurs during the zygotene phase of mitotic (d) Anaphase-I Metaphase-I Telophase-I
division in the cell cycle. The synthesis of RNA
Ans. (b)
protein occurs during the G2 phase of the cell cycle.
Sol.
The action of enzyme recombination is seen during
CELL CYCLE AND CELL DIVISION 37

30. Assertion: Variations are important for the process

of evolution.
Reason: Meiosis increases the genetic variability in
the population of organisms from one generation to
the next.
Metaphase-I Anaphase-I Telophase-I (a) If both assertion and reason are true and reason is
Metaphase-I -the microtubules of spindle fiber gets the correct explanation of assertion.
attached and the chromosomes get aligned along with (b) If both assertion and reason are true but reason is
the metaphase plate. Anaphase-I - In this phase, the not the correct explanation of assertion.
homologous chromosomes separate and move to (c) If assertion is true but reason is false.
opposite poles while sister chromatids remain (d) If both assertion and reason are false.
associated at their centromere. Telophase-I - the last Ans. (b)
stage of cell division where the furrowing initiates Sol. Meiosis involves the exchange of genes between
and the cell divides. homologous chromosomes. So, the gametes
produced are genetically different from each other.
Offspring produced by the fusion of gametes also
show recombinations or genetic variations. These
variations in the offspring make organisms more
adaptable to the environment and these have a
definite role in evolution.