Cell Division: Mitosis and Meiosis Quiz

Grade 10 · Science · Quiz

Test your understanding of the stages, purposes, and outcomes of mitosis and meiosis.

Questions

  1. How many chromosomes would a human body cell have after mitosis if it started with 46?

    1. 23
    2. 46
    3. 92
    4. 12
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    Answer: 46

    Mitosis maintains the diploid chromosome number. A human body cell starts with 46 chromosomes, replicates its DNA, then divides to produce two cells each with 46 chromosomes.

  2. Meiosis produces genetically identical daughter cells.

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    Answer: False

    Meiosis produces 4 genetically UNIQUE haploid cells due to crossing over (in Meiosis I) and independent assortment. Mitosis produces genetically identical cells.

  3. Which stage of meiosis involves the separation of homologous chromosomes?

    1. Meiosis II
    2. Anaphase II
    3. Meiosis I
    4. Telophase II
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    Answer: Meiosis I

    The defining event of Meiosis I is the separation of homologous chromosome pairs. Meiosis II then separates sister chromatids, like a second mitosis.

  4. Sperm and eggs are called ___ and are produced by meiosis.

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    Answer: gametes

    Gametes (sperm in males, eggs in females) are reproductive cells produced by meiosis. They are haploid (n) and fuse during fertilization to restore the diploid number.

  5. A cell with 2n = 8 undergoes meiosis. How many chromosomes will each gamete contain?

    1. 8
    2. 4
    3. 2
    4. 16
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    Answer: 4

    Meiosis halves the chromosome number. If 2n = 8, then the gametes will have n = 4 chromosomes.

  6. DNA replication occurs before both mitosis and meiosis.

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    Answer: True

    DNA replication occurs during S phase of the cell cycle — BEFORE both mitosis and meiosis. This ensures each daughter cell has a complete copy of the genome.

  7. Cancer results from uncontrolled ___ cell division.

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    Answer: mitotic

    Cancer is characterized by uncontrolled mitotic division — cells ignore normal stop signals (checkpoints) and divide excessively, forming tumors.

  8. Which process increases genetic diversity by exchanging DNA between homologous chromosomes?

    1. Cytokinesis
    2. Independent assortment
    3. Crossing over
    4. Replication
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    Answer: Crossing over

    During Prophase I, homologous chromosomes pair up and exchange DNA segments (crossing over), creating new combinations of alleles not present in either parent.

  9. Mitosis is used to produce sex cells in humans.

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    Answer: False

    Sex cells (sperm and eggs) are produced by meiosis, not mitosis. Mitosis is used for growth, tissue repair, and replacement of non-reproductive body cells.

  10. During which phase of mitosis do sister chromatids separate and move to opposite poles?

    1. Prophase
    2. Metaphase
    3. Anaphase
    4. Telophase
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    Answer: Anaphase

    During anaphase of mitosis, spindle fibers shorten and pull the sister chromatids of each chromosome apart, moving them to opposite poles of the cell.

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