Mitosis and Meiosis: Key Concepts and Answers

What is the smallest structural and functional unit of an organism?

• Cell

• Nucleus

• Chromosome

• Chromatid

What is the significance of the centromere in chromosomes?

• It synthesizes proteins

• It holds sister chromatids together

• It produces energy for cell division

• It duplicates the DNA

What is the function of centrioles during cell division?

• DNA replication

• Lipid breakdown

• Protein synthesis

• Spindle fiber formation

Which cell type divides through mitosis?

• Somatic cells

• Germ cells

• Chromatids

• Spindle fibers

What is the result of mitosis in terms of cell identity?

• Two genetically different cells

• Four different cells

• Four identical cells

• Two identical cells

Which cells are more common in the human body, germ cells or somatic cells?

• Neither are common

• Both are equally common

• Somatic cells

• Germ cells

What is the role of spindle fibers in cell division?

• To form the cell wall

• To create cell energy

• To move chromosomes

• To duplicate DNA

What does crossing over during meiosis result in?

• Identical chromosomes

• Unchanged genetic structure

• Decreased genetic diversity

• Increased genetic diversity

During which phase do homologous chromosomes line up in the middle of the cell in meiosis?

• Anaphase I

• Prophase I

• Metaphase I

• Telophase

What is the outcome of meiosis in terms of chromosome number?

• Doubles the chromosome number

• Reduces chromosome number by half

• Maintains the same chromosome number

• Triples the chromosome number