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Cell Cycle and Cell Division — NEET MCQs with answers
Cells reproduce through the cell cycle, a coordinated sequence of growth, DNA replication and division that produces genetically identical daughter cells. Mitosis (equational division) maintains chromosome number and underlies growth and repair, while meiosis (reductional division) halves the chromosome number to form gametes and generates genetic variability.
Topics in this chapter
- 10.1 Cell Cycle
- 10.2 M Phase
- 10.3 Significance of Mitosis
- 10.4 Meiosis
- 10.5 Significance of Meiosis
Free practice questions
Growth and reproduction, i.e., cycles of growth and division, allow a single cell to form a structure consisting of:
- A. Four gametes
- B. A single giant cell
- C. Only two cells
- D. Millions of cells
Show answer
Answer: D — NCERT opening: cycles of growth and division allow a single cell to form a structure consisting of millions of cells.
NCERT Class 11 Biology · Ch 10 · 10.1 Cell Cycle
In a cell with 2n = 46, what is the total number of chromosomes momentarily present in the cell just after the centromeres split at anaphase?
- A. 23
- B. 92
- C. 184
- D. 46
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Answer: B — When centromeres split, each of the 46 chromosomes' 2 chromatids becomes a separate chromosome, so momentarily the cell has 2 × 46 = 92 chromosomes (with 46 destined for each pole).
NCERT Class 11 Biology · Ch 10 · 10.2 M Phase
Crossing over (exchange of segments between non-sister chromatids of homologues) is characteristic of:
- A. Both mitosis and meiosis equally
- B. Neither mitosis nor meiosis
- C. Mitosis (Prophase) — not meiosis
- D. Meiosis (Pachytene of Prophase I) — not mitosis
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Answer: D — NCERT places crossing over at pachytene of Prophase I, mediated by recombinase at recombination nodules. Mitosis has no synapsis and therefore no crossing over.
NCERT Class 11 Biology · Ch 10 · 10.4 Meiosis
Conservation of the specific chromosome number of each species by meiosis occurs in which type of organisms?
- A. Only unicellular prokaryotes
- B. Sexually reproducing organisms
- C. Only asexually reproducing organisms
- D. Only non-living entities
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Answer: B — The text specifies this conservation is achieved across generations in sexually reproducing organisms.
NCERT Class 11 Biology · Ch 10 · 10.5 Significance of Meiosis
Mitosis usually results in the production of daughter cells that are:
- A. Haploid with identical genetic complement
- B. Diploid with identical genetic complement
- C. Haploid with different genetic complement
- D. Polyploid with varied genetic complement
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Answer: B — 10.3 states mitosis usually results in the production of diploid daughter cells with identical genetic complement.
NCERT Class 11 Biology · Ch 10 · 10.3 Significance of Mitosis
Which of the following statements about metaphase is INCORRECT?
- A. Centromeres split and daughter chromosomes move to poles
- B. Each chromosome is made of two sister chromatids held at the centromere
- C. Spindle fibres attach to kinetochores
- D. Chromosomes are aligned at the metaphase plate
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Answer: A — Splitting of centromeres and movement of daughter chromosomes to poles is an anaphase event, not metaphase.
NCERT Class 11 Biology · Ch 10 · 10.2 M Phase
The four haploid cells formed by meiosis in animals develop into:
- A. Zygotes
- B. Gametes
- C. Somatic cells
- D. Diploid tissue cells
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Answer: B — Meiosis during gametogenesis leads to the formation of haploid gametes.
NCERT Class 11 Biology · Ch 10 · 10.4 Meiosis
In animal cells during the S phase, which event occurs in the cytoplasm?
- A. Nuclear envelope breakdown
- B. DNA replication
- C. Chromosome condensation
- D. Centriole duplication
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Answer: D — NCERT: in animal cells, during the S phase, DNA replication begins in the nucleus and the centriole duplicates in the cytoplasm.
NCERT Class 11 Biology · Ch 10 · 10.1 Cell Cycle
In sexually reproducing organisms, the constancy of chromosome number across generations depends on the coupling of meiosis with:
- A. Amitosis of the zygote
- B. Loss of homologous chromosomes
- C. Fertilisation (fusion of gametes)
- D. A second S phase within the gamete
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Answer: C — Meiosis halves the number in gametes and fertilisation (gamete fusion) restores it, so the two together keep the species number constant.
NCERT Class 11 Biology · Ch 10 · 10.5 Significance of Meiosis
Mitosis produces diploid daughter cells with identical genetic complement chiefly because:
- A. DNA is not replicated before division
- B. Four cells are produced from one
- C. Homologous chromosomes pair and cross over
- D. The chromosome number and genetic material of the parent are equally distributed and conserved
Show answer
Answer: D — Being an equational division, mitosis conserves the parent chromosome number and distributes identical genetic material, giving identical diploid daughters.
NCERT Class 11 Biology · Ch 10 · 10.3 Significance of Mitosis
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