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CELL CYCLE AND CELL DIVISION
Introduction :
Growth and reproduction are characteristics of cells, indeed of all living organisms. All cells reproduce by
dividing into two, with each parental cell giving rise to two daughter cells each time they divide. These newly
formed daughter cells can themselves grow and divide, giving rise to a new cell population that is formed by the
growth and division of a single parental cell and its progeny. In other words, such cycles of growth and division
allow a single cell to form a structure consisting of millions of cells.

Cell division is of two types :–

(1) Mitosis (2) Meiosis

MITOSIS
* Term mitosis was proposed by Flemming. Mitosis produced genetically identical cells, which are similar to
mother cell.
Cause of mitosis :-
(I) Kern plasm theory : Hertwig proposed kern plasm theory. According to this theory mitosis occurs
due to disturbance in Karyoplasmic Index (KI) or Nucleocytoplasmic ratio of cell.
Karyoplasmic Index :
Vn
KI = Vn = Volume of nucleus
Vc - Vn
Vc = Volume of cell
Vc – Vn = Volume of cytoplasm
* Karyoplasmic Index of small cell is high as they have less cytoplasm.
Nucleus efficiently controls the acitivity of cytoplasm in small cells.
* In a large cell nucleus fail to control the activity of cytoplasm. To attain
the control of nucleus on metabolism a large cell divides into two cells.

(II) Surface-volume Ratio :

• Surface-volume ratio is also considered as a cause of cell division. When a cell grows in size its volumes
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increases more than its surface. So a stage will reach when the surface area becomes insufficient to draw
the material. At such critical stage, division of cell started.

CELL CYCLE
* Cell division is a very important process in all living organisms. During the division of a cell, DNA replication
and cell growth also take place.
* All these processes, i.e., cell division, DNA replication, and cell growth, hence, have to take place in a coordinated
way to ensure correct division and formation of progeny cells containing intact genomes.
* The sequence of events by which a cell duplicates its genome, synthesises the other constituents of the cell and
eventually divides into two daughter cells is termed cell cycle.

* Although cell growth (in terms of cytoplasmic increase) is a continuous process, DNA synthesis
occurs only during one specific stage in the cell cycle.
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* The replicated chromosomes (DNA) are then distributed to daughter nuclei by a complex series of events during
cell division. These events are themselves under genetic control.

PHASES OF CELL CYCLE

• A typical eukaryotic cell cycle is illustrated by G0

human cells in culture. These cells divide once in ap-

proximately every 24 hours. Cy
to k G1
T e l o in e s
• Yeast can progress through the cell cycle in only about

M P ha se
p h a is
A na ph as es e
90 minutes. The time period of cell cycle is varied M eta p h as e
S
h as e
P ro p
from organism to organism and also from cell type
G2
to cell type.
Cell cycle involves two stages :-
(1) Interphase
(2) Division phase/M-phase
1. Interphase :- This is phase between two successive M-phase. In interphase cell grows in size and prepares
itself for next division. Interphase is most active phase of cell cycle. The interphase last more than 95% of the
duration of cell cycle.
• A series of metabolic changes occurs during interphase in cell. These changes were not visible under micro-
scope, So some scientist termed interphase as resting phase. It is the time during which cell is preparing for
division by undergoing both cell growth and DNA replication in an orderly manner.

• Howard and Pelc classified interphase into three sub stages :-

(i) G1 – phase or Pre DNA synthesis phase (Ist Gap phase)
* G1 phase corresponds to the interval between mitosis and initiation of DNA replication. During
G1 phase the cell is metabolically active and continuously grows
* During G1-most of cell organelles increases in cell and cell rapidly synthesizes different types of
RNA and proteins. Due to availability of protein, synthesis of new protoplasm takes place in cell and it
starts growing in size. Cell grows maximum in G 1 stage.
(ii) S – phase (DNA synthesis phase) :
* Replication of nuclear DNA and synthesis of histone protein takes place in s-phase. Replication of
cytoplasmic DNA may occur in any stage of cell cycle.
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* During this time the amount of DNA per cell doubles. If the initial amount of DNA is denoted as 2C then
it increases to 4C. However, there is no increase in the chromosome number; if the cell had diploid or 2n
number of chromosomes at G1, even after S phase the number of chromosomes remains the same, i.e., 2n.
* S-phase marks the phase of DNA replication and chromosome duplication (DNA content in a chromosome
become double).
* In animal cells, during the S phase, DNA replication begins in the nucleus, and the centriole duplicates in
the cytoplasm.
(iii) G2 – phase (2nd Gap phase) or Post DNA synthesis phase (Pre mitosis phase)
* Actual preparation (Final preparation) of M-phase occurs during this phase. Special materials
required for M-phase are synthesized in G2 phase. eg. Tubulin protein. –(Required for formation of
spindle fibres). Cell growth continues.

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G0 phase -
* Some cells in the adult animals do not appear to exhibit division (e.g., heart cells) and many other cells
divide only occasionally, as needed to replace cells that have been lost because of injury or cell death.
These cells that do not divide further exit G1 phase to enter an inactive stage called quiescent stage (G0)
of the cell cycle.
* Cells in this stage remain metabolically active but no longer proliferate (divide) unless called on to do so
depending on the requirement of the organism.

Checkpoints of cell cycle :-

G2-M Transition Metaphase-Anaphase
* Cell cycle is running by a group of Transition (APC)
Influenced by
special proteins "Cyclins and Cdks * Cell size Influenced by
* DNA damage * Chromosome attachments to spindle
(MPF). (Nurse, T.Hunt & Hartwell
* DNA replicaton * After attachment of spindle fibres to
2001 studies on saccharomyces) chromosomes, anaphase promoting
factor (APC) is activated.
* Cell cycle is running by a group of
* This APC is inolved in –
special proteins "Cyclins and Cdks. (i) Seperation of sister
M chromatids (division of
* The activity of enzymes, known as
centromere)
cyclin dependant kinases. (Cdk's) G2 (ii) Decondensation of
regulates the cell cycle. Kinase is an G1 chromosome and
enzyme that removes a phosphate reassembly of nuclear
(D membrane
group from ATP & add to another NA S
s yn
protein. The kinases involved in the the
sis
cell cycle are called Cdks because )
G0
they are activated when they combined
with key protein called cyclin.
G1–S Transition
* At some check points æ G1 ® S ö
ç G ®M ÷ a kinase Influenced by
è 2 ø
* Growth factors
enzyme combines with cyclin & this * Nutrients
* Cell size
moves the cell cycle forwardly. * DNA damage

* G2–M transition is triggered by maturation promoting factor (MPF) formed by M-cyclin + CDK2.

2. Division phase :
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* Division phase or M–phase or mitotic phase lasts for only about an hour in the 24 hour duration of cell cycle
of a human cell.
* The M-phase represents the phase when the actual cell division or mitosis occurs.
* In animals, mitotic cell division is restricted or only seen in diploid somatic cell except in some social insects.
Against this, the plants can show mitotic division in both haploid and diploid cells.
* This is the most dramatic period of the cell cycle, involving a major reorganisation of virtually all components
of the cell. Since the number of chromosomes in the parent and progeny cells is the same, it is also called as
equational division.
* Though for convenience mitosis has been divided into four stages of nuclear division, it is very essential to
understand that cell division is a progressive process and very clear-cut lines cannot be drawn between various
stages.
* The M-phae start with nuclear division, corresponding to the separation of daughter chromosome (Karyokinesis)
and usually ends with division of cytoplasm (cytokinesis).

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* Mitosis is divided into the following four stages :-
• Prophase
• Metaphase
• Anaphase
• Telophase
(1) Prophase :

* Prophase which is the first stage of karyokinesis of

mitosis follows the S and G2 phases of interphase.
* In the S and G2 phases the new DNA molecules
formed are not distinct but interwined.
* Prophase is marked by the initiat ion of
condensation of chromosomal material. The
chromosomal material becomes untangled during Early Prophase Late Prophase
the process of chromatin condensation.
* The centriole, which had undergone duplication during S phase of interphase, now begins to move towards
opposite poles of the cell.
* Formation of astral ray occurs due to gelation of proteins around centrioles in animal cells.
* Anastral and Amphiastral Mitosis : In higher plants, centrioles are absent and no asters are formed. Mitosis
without asters is known as anastral mitosis. In animals, the asters are present and the mitosis is described as
amphiastral or astral mitosis.
* The completion of prophase can thus be marked by the following characteristic events:
• Chromosomal material condenses to form compact mitotic chromosomes. Chromosomes are seen to be
composed of two chromatids attached together at the centromere.
• Centrosome which had undergone duplication during interphase, begins to move towards
opposite poles of the cell. Each centrosome radiates out microtubules called asters. The two
asters together with spindle fibres forms mitotic apparatus.
• Cell at the end of prophase when viewed under the microscope, do not show golgi complexes,
endoplasmic reticulum, nucleolus and nuclear envolope.
(2) Metaphase :
* The complete disintegration of the nuclear envelope marks the start of the second phase of mitosis, hence the
chromosomes are spread through the cytoplasm of the cell.
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* By this stage, condensation of chromosomes is completed and they can be observed clearly under the microscope.
This then, is the stage at which morphology of chromosomes is most easily studied.

* At this stage, metaphase chromosome is made

up of two sister chromatids, which are held
together by the centromere. Small disc-shaped
structures at the surface of the centromeres are
called kinetochores. These structures serve
as the sites of attachment of spindle fibres
(formed by the microtubules) to the
chromosomes that are moved into position
at the centre of the cell. Transition to Metaphase
Metaphase

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* Hence, the metaphase is characterised by all the chromosomes coming to lie at the equator
with one chromatid of each chromosome connected by its kinetochore to spindle fibres from one pole and its
sister chromatid connected by its kinetochore to spindle fibres from the opposite pole. The plane of alignment
of the chromosomes at metaphase is referred to as the metaphase plate.

* Chromosomal fibres (discontinous/kinetochore which run from pole to centromere) and supporting fibres
(continous/non-kinetochore, which run from pole to pole) arrange in cell.

* Centromere lies at equator and arms of chromosomes remain directed towards poles.

* The key features of metaphase are:

• Spindle fibres attach to kinetochores of chromosomes.

• Chromosomes are moved to spindle equator and get aligned along metaphase plate through spindle
fibres to both poles.

(3) Anaphase :

* Centromere of each chromosome splits simultaneously lengthwise (division of centromere). Sister chromatids
separate from each other and separated each chromatid is now reffered to as individual chromosome.

* Number of chromosome become double in cell.

* As each chromosome moves away from the equatorial plate, the centromere of each chromosome is towards
the pole and hence at the leading edge, with the arms of the chromosome trailing behind.

* The two new daughter chromosomes begin moving toward opposite ends of the cell as their
kinetochore microtubule shorten due to depolymerisation of tubulin protein towards kinetochoric
end. Because these mircotubules are attached at the centromere region, the centromeres are pulled
ahead of the arms. (Pulling)
* The cell elongates as the nonkinetochore microtubules lengthen.
Anaphase stage is characterised by the following key events:

• Centromeres split and chromatids separate.

• Chromatids (now reffered as chromosomes) move to opposite poles.

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Anaphase
Telophase Interphase

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(4) Telophase (Reverse prophase) :
* At the beginning of the final stage of karyokinesis, i.e., telophase, the chromosomes that have reached their
respective poles decondense and lose their individuality. The individual chromosomes can no longer be seen and
chromatin material tends to collect at each of the two poles. This is the stage which shows the following key
events:
• Chromosomes cluster at opposite spindle poles and their identity is lost as discrete elements.
• Nuclear envelope develops around the chromosome clusters at each pole forming two daughter nuclei.
• Nucleolus, golgi complex and ER reform.

CYTOKINESIS
* Mitosis accomplishes not only the segregation of duplicated chromosome into daughter nuclei (Karyokinesis) but
the cell itself is divided into two daughter cells by the separation of cytoplasm called cytokinesis at the end of
which cell division gets completed
* In animals cytokinesis occurs by constriction & furrow formation. Microtubules and microfilaments arrange
on equator to form midbody and at the periphary of the equator a contractile ring is formed that is made up of
actin and myosin protein. Due to interaction between actin and myosin ring contract, thus a furrow forms from
outside to inside in cell. Furrow deepens continuosly and ultimately a cell divides into two daughter cells. In
animals cytokinesis occurs in centripetal order.

¾® ¾®
¾® ¬¾
Mid body

* Cytokinesis in plants takes place by cell plate formation because constriction is not possible due to presence
of the rigid cell wall. Many golgi vesicles and spindle microtubules arrange themselves on equator to form
phragmoplast. Fragementes of ER may also deposit in phragmoplast. Membrane of golgi vesicles fuse to form
a plate like structure called cell plate. Golgi vesicles secret calcium and magnesium pectate. Further cell plate
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is modified into middle lamella. In plants, cytokinesis occurs in centrifugal order (cell plate formation is from
center to periphery).
* In some organisms karyokinesis is not followed by cytokinesis as a result of which multinucleate
condition arises leading to the formation of syncytium (e.g., liquid endosperm in coconut).

Cell Plate
Phragmoplast

¾® ¾®

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SIGNIFICANCE OF MITOSIS
1. Development of an organism occurs by mitosis. Every organism starts its life from a single cell i.e. zygote.
Repeated mitosis in zygote leads to the formation of the whole body.
2. The growth of multicellular organisms is due to mitosis.
3. Cell growth results in disturbing the ratio between the nucleus and the cytoplasm. It therefore becomes essential
for the cell to divide to restore the nucleo-cytoplasmic ratio.
4. A very significant contribution of mitosis is cell repair. The cells of the upper layer of the epidermis, cells of the
lining of the gut, and blood cells are being constantly replaced.
5. Mitotic divisions in the meristematic tissues – the apical and the lateral cambium, result in a continuous growth
of plants throughout their life.

MODIFICATIONS OF MITOSIS
1. Free nuclear division :- Karyokinesis is not followed by cytokinesis as a result of which multinucleated
condition arises.

2. Endomitosis :- This is duplication of chromosomes without division of nucleus. Endomitosis leads to polyploidy.
i.e. Increase in number of set of chromosomes. Colchicine induces polyploidy in plants. Colchicine is a mitotic
poison as it arrests the formation of spindle fibres.

3. Endoreduplication : Endoreduplication is a modification of endomitosis. The polytene chromosomes are

formed by the process of endoreduplication. In endoreduplication, the chromatids replicate but do not get
seperated. This process is also known as polyteny.
Note :
AMITOSIS : It is a simple method of cell division which is also called direct cell division. In this division there is no
differentiation of chromosomes and spindle. The nuclear envelope does not degenerate. The nucleus elongates
and constricts in the middle to form two daughter nuclei. This is followed by a centripetal constriction of the
cytoplasm to form two daughter cells. eg. Prokaryotes and Some unicellular eukaryotes.

GOLDEN KEY POINTS

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l During the division of a cell, DNA replication and cell growth take place.
l The sequnce of events by which a cell duplicates its genome, synthesis the other constituents of the cell and
eventually divides into two doughter cells is termed cell cycle.
l The interphase lasts more than 95% of the duration of cell cycle.
l S phape marks the phase of DNA replication and chromosome duplication.
l In prophase chromosomal material (Chromatin) condenses to form compact mitotic chromosome.
l In metaphase spindle fiberes attach to kinetochores of chromosome.
l In anaphase centromeres split and chromatids separate.
l In animal cell cytokinesis occurs by furrow formation and in plant cell occurs by cell plate method.
l A very significant contribution of mitosis is cell repair.

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BEGINNER'S BOX-1

CELL CYCLE, MITOSIS

1. First gap phase in cell cycle is :-
(1) interval between mitotic phase and DNA replication phase
(2) interval between DNA replication phase and DNA separation phase
(3) interval between karyokinesis and cytokinesis
(4) interval between DNA replication phase and second gap phase
2. The two chromatids of a metaphase chromosome represent :-
(1) replicated DNA to be separated at anaphase
(2) non homologous chromosomes joined at the centromere
(3) pair of homologous chromosomes
(4) maternal and paternal chromosomes joined at the centromere
3. A cell that is entering the mitotic phase (M-phase) of cell cycle is :-
(1) always haploid and with duplicated chromosomes
(2) either haploid or diploid and with duplicated chromosomes
(3) either haploid or diploid and with duplicated or unduplicated chromosomes
(4) always diploid and with unduplicated chromosomes
4. A cell examined during prophase of cell cycle contained 100 units of DNA and 50 chromosomes. What would
be the number of DNA and chromsomes in anaphase of this cell cycle?
(1) 200 DNA & 100 chromosomes (2) 100 DNA & 50 chromosomes
(3) 100 DNA & 100 chromosomes (4) 50 DNA & 25 chromosomes
5. Which type of chromosome is present in the prophase of cell cycle?
(1) 2 chromatid (2) 1 chromatid (3) 4 chromatid (4) 8 chromatid

MEIOSIS
* "Term meiosis" was proposed by Farmer and Moore.
* The specialised kind of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half results in the production of
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haploid daughter cells. This kind of division is called meiosis.

* Meiosis ensures the production of haploid phase in the life cycle of sexually reproducing organisms whereas
fertilisation restores the diploid phase. Meiosis occurs during gametogenesis, leads to the formation of haploid
gametes.
The key features of meiosis are as follows:
• Meiosis involves two sequential cycles of nuclear and cell division called meiosis I and meiosis II but only
a single cycle of DNA replication.
* Meiosis I :-
• Heterotypic division or reduction division. It leads to reduction in chromosome numbers. Division of
chromosome does not occurs in meiosis-I and only segregation of homologous chromosomes
takes place.
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• Meiosis I is initiated after the parental chromatids have replicated to produce identical sister chromatids
at the S phase.
• Meiosis I involves pairing of homologous chromosomes and recombination between non sister chromatids
of homologous chromosome.
* Meiosis II :-
• This is a homotypic division or equational division. It does not leads to any change in chromosome number.
• Division of chromosome or centromere occurs during meiosis II.
• Four haploid cells are formed at the end of meiosis II. All the four daugther cells produced by meiosis
are genetically diffrent from each other and also differ from the mother cell.
* In meiosis, division of nucleus takes place twice but division of chromosome occurs only once in
meiosis-II.
Meiotic events can be grouped under the following phases :

Meiosis I Meiosis II

Prophase I Prophase II

Metap hase I Meta phase II

Anaphase I Anaphase II

Telophase I Telop hase II

* Interphase – same as in mitosis

Stages of meiosis I
1. Prophase – I :

* Typically longer and more complex when compared to prophase of mitosis. Prophase I is classified in five
substages based on chromosomal behaviour :

PROPHASE-I
LEPTOTENE ZYGOTENE PACHYTENE DIPLOTENE DIAKINESIS
Nuclear envelope Chiasmata visible Nuclear envelope
fragmenting
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Bivalent forming

Synaptonemal
complex

Duplicated Synapsis form Crossing over Synaptonemal complex Bivalent ready

chromosomes occurs disappearing & chiasmata visible for metaphase

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(a) Leptotene r Chromatin threads condense to form chromosomes. Chromosomes are longest & thinest.
Chromosomes become gradually visible under the light microscope.

* All the chromosomes in nucleus remain directed towards centrioles, so group of chromosomes in nucleus appears like
a bouquet. (Bouquet stage)

(b) Zygotene or Synaptotene – Zygotene is characterized by pairing of homologous chromosomes (Synapsis).

Pairs of homologous chromosomes are called Bivalents or tetrads. However these are more clearly visible at
next stage (pachytene) A structure develops in between homologous chromosomes, Which is termed as
synaptonemal complex.

* The 1st two stages of prophase I is relatively short lived compared to the pachytene.

(c) Pachytene (Thick thread) – Due to increased attraction, homologous chromosomes tightly coil around each
other. Both the chromatids of each chromosome become distinct and are called sister chromatids.

* During this stage, the four chromotids of each bivalent chromosome become distinct and clearly appeared as
tetrad.

* Recombination nodules between nonsister chromatids of homologous pair develop and these non sister
chromatid exchange their parts i.e. crossing over.

* Crossing over leads to recombination of genetic material on the two chromosomes.

* Crossing over is an enzyme mediated process and the enzyme involved is called recombinase (Endonuclease +
ligase)
* Recombination between homologous chromosomes is completed by the end of pachytene, leaving the
chromosomes linked at the sites of crossing over.

(d) Diplotene – The begining of dipotene is recognised by dissolution of synaptonemal complex. Homologous
chromosomes start repulsing each other so X-shape structures appeard called chiasmata.

* Diplotene may last long up to months or years in oocytes of some vertebrates (Dictyotene).

(e) Diakinesis – It is final stage of meiotic prophase I. Marked by terminalization of chiasmata (Chiasmata open
in zip like manner).

* Chromosome are fully condensed and meiotic spindle is assembled to prepare the homologous chromosome for
separation.

* Centrioles move towards the opposite poles.

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* By the end of diakinesis nucleolus disappear and the nuclear envelop also breaks down.

* Diakinesis represents transition to metaphase.

2. Metaphase I :

* Bivalents arrange on equator (congression) of cell to form metaphase plate. The microtubules (spindle fibres)
from the opposite poles of the spindle attach to the pair of homologous chromosome with one kinetochore of
each chromosome.

* Two types of spindle fibres appear in the cell :-

(i) Chromosomal / Kinetochore Spindle fibres

(ii) Supporting / Continuous / non-kinetochore Spindle fibres

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3. Anaphase I :

* Due to shortening of kinetochore/chromosomal fibres homologous chromosomes segregate from each other
and move towards the opposite poles. Sister chromatids remain associated at their centromeres (i.e. chromo-
somes remain in double chromatid stage)

* Anaphase I is characterised by segregation or disjunction of chromosomes. Division of centromere is

absent.

4. Telophase I :

* The nuclear membrane and nucleolus reappear. Although in many case the chromosomes do undergo some
dispersion, but they do not reach the extremely extended state of the interphase nucleus.

* Cytokinesis follows telophase-I and a diploid (2n) cell divides into two haploid (n) daugther cells. This is called as
dyad of cells.

Prophase I Metaphase I
Anaphase I
Telophase I
Stages of Meiosis I

* Interkinesis :- Gap between meiosis I and meiosis II is called Interkinesis. Preparations of meiosis II occur
during interkinesis. It is like interphase of mitosis but replication of DNA is absent in interkinesis.

* Interkinesis is generally short lived. Interkinesis is followed by prophase-II, a much simpler prophase than
prophase-I.
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Stages of Meiosis – II

1. Prophase II:

* Meiosis II is initiated immediately after cytokinesis, usually before the chromosomes have fully elongated. In
contrast to meiosis I, meiosis II resembles a normal mitosis. The nuclear membrane disappears by the end of
prophase II. The chromosomes again become compact.

2. Metaphase II:

* At this stage the chromosomes align at the equator and the microtubules from opposite poles of the spindle get
attached to the kinetochores of sister chromatids.

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3. Anaphase II:

* It begins with the simultaneous splitting of the centromere of each chromosome (which was holding the sister
chromatids together), allowing them to move toward opposite poles of the cell by shortening of microtubules
attached to kinetochores.

4. Telophase II:

* Meiosis ends with telophase II, in which the two groups of chromosomes once again get enclosed by a nuclear
envelope; cytokinesis follows resulting in the formation of tetrad of cells i.e., four haploid daughter cells.

Prophase II Metaphase II
Anaphase II
Telophase II

Stages of Meiosis II

Significance of Meiosis :-

(1) Meiosis is the mechanism by which conservation of specific chromosome number of each species is
achieved across generations in sexually reproducing organisms, even though the process (per se
paradoxically) results in reduction of chromosome number by half.
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(2) It also increases the genetic variability in the population of organisms from one generation to the
next. Variations are very important for the process of evolution.

GOLDEN KEY POINTS

l Porophase-I furthure subdivide into five phases based on the chromosomes behaviour.

l Meiosis ensures the production of haploid phase in the life cycle of sexually reproducing organism.

l Meiosis involves pairing of homologous chromosomes and recombination betwen them.

l Chiasmata formation is the result of crossing over.

l Meiosis increases the genetic variability in the population of organism from one generation to next.

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DIFFERENCES BETWEEN MITOSIS AND MEIOSIS.

S.No. Mitosis Meiosis

1. GENERAL
1. The division occurs in somatic cells. It occurs in reproductive cells.
2. Both diploid and haploid cells show mitosis. Meiosis is found only in diploid cells.
3. It is a single division. It is a double division.
4. Mitosis produces two cells Meiosis produces four cells.
5. It does not introduce variation. Meiosis introduces variations due to gene
exchange.
6. Number of chromosome same as mother cells. Chromosome number reduced (halved).
7. It is required for growth, repair and healing. Meiosis involved in only sexual reproduction.
2. PROPHASE

8. It is simpler. Prophase - I is complicated.

9. Bouquet stage and synapsis absent. Bouquet stage (synizesis and synapsis occurs.
10. Crossing over and chiasma not seen. Crossing over and chiasma formation occurs.
3. METAPHASE
11. Centromeres are present over the Centromeres projects towards the poles.
equator or metaphase plate while arms
facing towards the poles.
4. ANAPHASE
12. Centromere devides during anaphase. Division of centromere is absent in anaphase - I
13. Chromosomes are single chromatided. Chromosome has two chromatids in anaphase - I
14. The two chromatids of a chromosome Chromatids do not separate in anaphase-I
separate and become as daughter
chromosomes.
15. Chromosomes moving towards the Chromosomes are dissimilar.
opposite poles are similar
5.TELOPHASE

16. It is an essential in which nucleolus Telophase-I may be absent.

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and nuclear membrane reappears

6. CYTOKINESIS
17. Cytokinesis takes place. Not compulsory (simulteneous after both the
divisions in plants)
18. Daughter cells posses same genetic All four daughter cells are differ.
constitution.

S.No. Mitosis Meiosis - II

1. An interphase occurs prior to mitosis. Interphase may or may not present prior to
meiosis-II if present then called interkinesis.
2. S-phase present. S-phase absent.
3. Daughter cells formed after mitosis Differ from mother cell, quantitatively and
resemble to mother cell. qualitatively.

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BEGINNER'S BOX-2
MEIOSIS
1. Synaptonemal complex is a nucleoprotein structure. It is visible or found from-
(1) zygotene to pachytene (2) leptotene to diplotene
(3) zygotene to metaphase (4) pachytene to diplotene

2. Which one of the following is correctly matched?

(1) Leptotene - formation of bivalents (2) Diplotene - chiasmata appear
(3) Pachytene - chiasmata terminalisation (4) Zygotene - formation of bouquet

3. In which stage of meiosis, chromosomes are thin, long, thread like?

(1) Zygotene (2) Leptotene (3) Pachytene (4) Diakinesis

4. Meiosis involves-
(1) one nuclear divisions and one chromosome division
(2) two nuclear divisions and one chromosome division
(3) one nuclear division and two chromosome divisions
(4) two nuclear divisions and two chromosome divisions

5. In meiosis, centromeres of chromosomes divide during-

(1) anaphase of meiosis-II (2) metaphase of meiosis-I
(3) anaphase of meiosis-I (4) prophase of meiosis-II
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ANSWER KEY
Que. 1 2 3 4 5
BEGINNER'S BOX-1
Ans. 1 1 2 3 1

Que. 1 2 3 4 5
BEGINNER'S BOX-2
Ans. 1 2 2 2 1
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EXERCISE-I (Conceptual Questions) Build Up Your Understanding

1. Which of the following not ocurs in Anaphase–I but 8. Which part of plant is suitable for the study of meiosis
occurs in Anaphase–II :– :-
(1) Condensation of chromosomes (1) Root apex
(2) Poleward movement of chromosome (2) Ovary
(3) Contraction of spindle fibers (3) Anther
(4) Splitting of centromere (4) Shoot apex

2. During G2 - phase a diploid cell contains the amount 9. Chromosomal movement in Anaphase occurs with the
of DNA equal to a :- help of :-
(1) Diploid cell (1) Astral rays (2) Centrioles
(2) Tetraploid cell (3) NOR (4) Spindle fibres

(3) Haploid cell 10. Nuclear envelope reappears at :-

(4) None of the above (1) Metaphase (2) Prophase
(3) Anaphase (4) Telophase
3. Crossing over takes place in :-
(1) Zygotene (2) Pachytene 11. Slipping of chiasmata towards the ends of bivalent
(3) Diplotene (4) Diakinesis is called :-
(1) Terminalisation (2) Diakinesis
4. A contractile mid body forms during cytokinesis in :-
(3) Interkinesis (4) Congression
(1) Animals (2) Higher plants
(3) Fungi (4) Algae 12. In meiosis, how many cycles of chromosome division
occurs ?
5. In which order, cytokinesis occurs in plants :- (1) One (2) Four
(1) Centripetal (2) Centrifugal (3) Two (4) Three
(3) Oblique (4) Equatorial
13. Which does not occurs in prophase ?
6. Which of the two events restore the normal number (1) Decondensation of chromatin
of chromosomes in life cycle ? (2) Condensation of chromatin
(1) Mitosis and Meiosis (3) Appearance of chromosome
(2) Meiosis and fertilisation (4) Disappearance of nuclear membrane and
(3) Fertlisation and mitosis nucleolus
(4) Only meiosis
14. In which stage of cell division, number of
7. Match the column–I with column–II and select the chromosomes best counted:-
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correct answer :- (1) Prophase (2) Metaphase

Column–I Column–II (3) Telophase (4) Interphase
(A) Pachytene (i) Bouquet stage
15. How many chromosome shall be present in a diploid
(B) Zygotene (ii) Chiasma visible cell at mitotic anaphase if its egg cell has ten
(C) Diplotene (iii) Terminalisation chromosome:-
(D) Leptotene (iv) Gene exchange (1) 10 (Ten) (2) 20 (Twenty)
(E) Diakinesis (v) Synapsis (3) 30 (Thirty) (4) 40 (Forty)
(1) A–i, B–ii, C–iii, D–iv, E–v
16. Chromosome exhibit high level of coiling at which
(2) A–iv, B–v, C–ii, D–i, E–iii
phase of karyokinesis:-
(3) A–iii, B–iv, C–v, D–ii, E–i
(1) Prophase (2) Metaphase
(4) A–ii, B–iii, C–iv, D–i, E–v
(3) Telophase (4) Interphase

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17. "Bouquet-stage" occur in which sub stages of 27. Diakinesis represents :-
prophase -I ? (1) transition to prophase
(1) Leptotene (2) Zygotene (2) transition to metaphase
(3) Pachytene (4) Diplotene (3) transition to anaphase
(4) transition to telophase
18. At anaphase - II of meiosis each chromosome
contains:- 28. Synaptonemal complex is characteristic of :–
(1) 4 DNA (2) 3 - DNA (1) Mitotic chromosomes
(3) 2 - DNA (4) 1 - DNA (2) Leptotene chromosomes
(3) Paired meiotic chromosomes
19. In which stage of mitosis, the chromosomes are
(4) Metaphase
composed of two chromatids ?
(1) Prophase & metaphase 29. During which stage a diploid cell becomes tetraploid
(2) Anaphase and telophase in mitosis:-
(3) Prophase and telophase (1) G2 (2) Prophase
(4) Metaphase and anaphase (3) Metaphase (4) Anaphase

20. In Anaphase – I each chromosome composed of:- 30. Division of centromere occurs in:-
(1) One chromatid (2) Two chromatid (1) Prophase
(3) Four chromatid (4) Many chromatid (2) Metaphase
(3) Anaphase
21. Gap betwee n division ph ase an d start of
(4) Telophase
DNA-replication is called :-
(1) G1 - phase (2) G2 - phase 31. Each chromosome composed of one chromatid in:-
(3) M - phase (4) Interkinesis (1) Anaphase – I
(2) Anaphase – II
22. In meiosis, division of centromere occurs during:-
(3) Metaphase – I
(1) Interphase (2) Anaphase - I
(4) Metaphase – II
(3) Anaphase - II (4) Metaphase - I
32. If the number of bivalents are 8 in metaphase – I,
23. In meiosis, nuclear membrane and nucleolus
what shall be the number of chromosomes in
disappear during :-
daughter cells after meiosis – I and meiosis – II
(1) Zygotene (2) Pachytene
respectively:-
(3) Diakinesis (4) Metaphase - I
(1) 8 and 4 (2) 4 and 4
24. In cell cycle, which stage is misnomerly called (3) 8 and 8 (4) 16 and 8
resting phase :–
33. Which one of the following statements is correct ?
(1) S–phase (2) Telophase
(1) Cell divided by cytokinesis only in mitosis
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(3) Cytokinesis (4) Interphase

(2) DNA is replicated before the start of meiosis
25. Separation of homologous chromosomes during only
Anaphase - I is called :- (3) Spindles consisting of microtubules are formed
(1) Synapsis (2) Disjunction only in mitosis
(3) Nondisjunction (4) Crossing over (4) Exchange of genetic materials occurs only
in meiosis
26. During cell division, spindle fibers attach to which
part of chromosome :- 34. Which of the following not occurs in Anaphase –I
(1) Primary constriction (1) Segregation of homologous chromosomes
(2) Secondary constriction (2) Shortening in spindle
(3) Telomere (3) Poleward movement of chromosomes
(4) Satellite (4) Division of centromere

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35. In meiosis :- 43. Pairing of homologous chromosomes is called:-
(1) Division of nucleus twice but replication of DNA (1) Disjunction (2) Synapsis
only once (3) Segregation (4) Polyteny
(2) Division of nucleus twice and replication of DNA
44. Preparation phase of mitosis is :–
twice
(1) G1–phase (2) S–phase
(3) Division of nucleus once and replication of DNA
(3) Prophase (4) Interphase
is also once
(4) Division of nucleus once and DNA - replication 45. Synaptonemal complex first appear :–
is twice (1) Leptotene (2) Pachytene
(3) Zygotene (4) Diplotene
36. After meiosis - I, the two chromatids of a
chromosome are :- 46. The correct sequence of prophase–I of meiosis is :–
(1) Genetically similar (1) Leptotene, pachytene, zygotene, diplotene,
(2) Genetically different diakinesis
(3) There occurs only one chromatid in each (2) Leptotene, diplotene, pachytene, zygotene,
chromosome diakinesis
(4) None of the above (3) Leptotene, zygotene, pachytene, diplotene,
diakinesis
37. Chiasmata appears during :-
(4) Leptotene, zygotene, diakinesis, diplotene
(1) Diakinesis (2) Synaptotene
(3) Diplotene (4) Leptotene 47. M–phase of cell cycle consist of :–
(1) G1, S and G2 phase
38. What happens in synthesis phase during cell cycle:- (2) Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase
(1) DNA synthesis (3) Interphase, Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase,
(2) Chromosome number becomes double Telophase
(3) Formation of two nuclei (4) Only prophase
(4) Synthesis of tubulin proteins
48. If the cell is diploid in G1 than after the S phase
39. Reappearance of nuclear membrane & nucleolus cell remain/become :-
along with thining & elongation in chromosomes (1) n (2) 4n
are diagnostic characters for the phase:- (3) 8n (4) 2n
(1) Anaphase (2) Metaphase
49. Nuclear membrane disappears in :–
(3) Interphase (4) Telophase
(1) Late prophase (2) Early prophase
40. Condensation of chromosomes and appearance of (3) Metaphase (4) Telophase
astral rays occur during :-
50. Pre - DNA synthesis phase is:-
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(1) Prophase (2) Metaphase

(1) G1 - phase (2) G2 - phase
(3) Anaphase (4) Telophase
(3) S-phase (4) Prophase
41. During telophase :-
51. Which of the following is called heterotypic
(1) Nuclear membrane is formed
division :–
(2) Nucleolus appears
(1) Meiosis–I (2) Meiosis–II
(3) Astral rays disappear (3) Mitosis (4) Amitosis
(4) All the above
52. DNA replication is found in :–
42. Chromosomal morphology (Structure) is best (1) Mitosis and meiosis–I
observed at :- (2) Mitosis and meiosis–I and meiosis–II
(1) Prophase (2) Metaphase (3) Meiosis only
(3) Interphase (4) Anaphase (4) Mitosis only
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53. Thick–thread stage occured in :– 62. Many cells function properly and divide mitotically
(1) Leptotene (2) Zygotene even through they do not have :-
(3) Pachytene (4) Diplotene (1) Plasma membrane (2) Cytoskeleton
54. How many times divisions will occur in an isolated (3) Mitochondria (4) Plastids
tip cell to form 128 cells ? 63. Centromere is required for –
(1) 128 (2) 127 (3) 32 (4) 7
(1) Movement of chromosomes towards poles
55. In which stage the DNA is doubled :- (2) Cytoplasmic cleavage
(1) Metaphase (2) Anaphase (3) Crossing over
(3) Interphase (4) Prophase (4) Transcription

56. The significance of Meiosis is that it - 64. At which stage of the cell cycle are histone proteins
(1) Produce four cells having chromosomal number synthesized in a eukaryotic cell ?
equal to mother cell (1) During telophase
(2) Occurs in all types of cells (2) During S–phase
(3) Maintains the constant Chromosomes number (3) During G2–stage of prophase
to a particular species
(4) During entire prophase
(4) Growth of animal body ograns
65. If the n=16 in plant cell then what is possible in
57. Cell Cycle of an ordinary animal cell -
metaphase - I of meiosis ?
Mitosis Fertilization Meiosis
(1) 2n ¾¾¾® n ¾¾¾¾® 2n ¾¾¾® 2n (1) 32 Bivalents
Meiosis Fertilization Mitosis
(2) 16 Telravalents
(2) n ¾¾¾® 2n ¾¾¾¾® 2n ¾¾¾® n
(3) 16 Bivalents
Meiosis Fertilization
(3) 2n ¾¾¾® n ¾¾¾¾® 2n ¾¾¾® 2n
Mitosis (4) 32 Bivalents

Fertilization Mitosis Meiosis 66. Prophase which follows the S and G2 phases of
(4) 2n ¾¾¾¾® (n) ¾¾¾® 2n ¾¾¾® n
interphase, is the first stage of :-
(1) Meiosis-II (2) Karyokinesis
58. The number of DNA in chromosome at G 2 state of
(3) Interphase (4) G1 phase
cell cycle :-
(1) One (2) Two (3) Four (4) Eight 67. The two asters together with spindle fibres form:-
(1) Mitotic apparatus (2) Asters
59. Crossing over that results in genetic recombination
(3) Astral fibres (4) Centrosome
in higher organisms occurs between –
(1) Non-sister chromatids of a bivalent 68. In prophase centrosome which had undergone
(2) Two daughter nuclei duplication during interphase, begins to move
(3) Two different bivalents towards :
(4) Sister chromatids of a bivalents (1) Same poles of the cell
(2) Opposite poles of the cell
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60. In the somatic cell cycle :-

(3) One towards centre while another towards pole
(1) DNA replication takes place in S–phase
(4) Both towards centre
(2) A short interphase is followed by a long mitotic
phase 69. During prophase each centrosome radiates out
(3) G2 phase follows mitotic phase microtubules called :
(4) In G1 phase DNA content is double the amount (1) Mitotic apparatus (2) Spindle apparatus
of DNA present in the original cell (3) Asters (4) Spindle fibres

61. Wh en synapsis is complete all alo ng the 70. Telophase is :

chromosome, the cell is said to have entered a stage (1) Final stage of karyokinesis
called (2) Final stage of mitosis
(1) Zygotene (2) Pachytene (3) Mid stage of karyokinesis
(3) Diplotene (4) Diakinesis (4) First stage of cytokinesis

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71. Which one of the following is most correct statement :- 75. In which on of the following stage, the four
(1) Chromatin material tends to collect in a mass in chromatids of each bivalent chromosomes becomes
the two poles distinct and clearly appears as tetrads.
(2) Each set of chromatin material tends to collect (1) Leptotene (2) Zygotene
at each of the two poles (3) Pachytene (4) Diplotene
(3) Each set of chromatin material tends to collect
76. Which one of the following statement is incorrect for
at metaphasic plate
interkinesis ?
(4) Chromatin material tends to collect in a mas at
(1) It is the stage between the two subphases of a
one pole
meiotic division
72. Nuclear envelop develops around the chromosome (2) There is no replication of DNA
clusters at : (3) DNA replicate but chromosome number
(1) One pole remains same
(2) Centre (4) It is generally short lived.
(3) Each pole
77. At anaphase-II, sister chromatids move towards
(4) Pole as well as centre both
opposite poles of the cell by :
73. Cytokinesis is : (1) Contraction in spindle fibre attached to
(1) Formation of cell wall kinetochores
(2) Formation of cell membrane (2) Shortening of microtubules attached to
(3) Separation of nucleoplasm kinetochores
(4) Separation of cytoplasm (3) Lengthening of microtubules attached to
kinetochores
74. Meiosis involves : (4) Relaxation in spindle fibre attached to
(1) Pairing of homologous chromosomes and kinetochores
recombination between sister chromatids of
nonhomologous chromosomes 78. G0 (Quiscent) stage is :
(2) Pairing of homologous chromosomes and (1) Part of interphase
recombination between nonsister chromatids of (2) Part of M-phase
homologous chromosomes (3) Part of G2 phase
(3) Pairing of nonhomologous chromosomes and (4) Not a part of cell cycle
recombination between nonsister chromatids of 79. In a slow dividing normal cell :
homologous chromosomes (1) G1 phase is more longer than S phase
(4) Pairing of homologous chromosomes and (2) S phase is more longer than G1 phase
recombination between sister chromatids of (3) Both phases are equal in duration
homologous chromosomes (4) Can't be determined

EXERCISE-I (Conceptual Questions) ANSWER KEY

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Que. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Ans. 4 2 2 1 2 2 2 3 4 4 1 1 1 2 4
Que. 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
Ans. 2 1 4 1 2 1 3 3 4 2 1 2 3 4 3
Que. 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45
Ans. 2 3 4 4 1 2 3 1 4 1 4 2 2 4 3
Que. 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60
Ans. 3 2 4 1 1 1 1 3 4 3 3 3 2 1 1
Que. 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75
Ans. 2 4 1 2 3 2 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 2 3
Que. 76 77 78 79
Ans. 3 2 4 1
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EXERCISE-II (Previous Year Questions) AIPMT/NEET & AIIMS (2006-2018)

AIPMT 2009 AIPMT Pre.-2011

1. Synapsis occurs between :- 5. Select the correct option with respect to mitosis
(1) Two homologous chromosomes
(1) Chromatids separate but remain in the centre
(2) A male and a female gamete
of the cell in anaphase.
(3) mRNA and ribosomes
(2) Chromatids start moving towards oposite poles
(4) Spindle fibres and centromere
in telophase.
2. Given below is a schematic break-up of the (3) Golgi complex and endoplasmic reticulum are
phases/stages of cell cycle :-
still visible at the end of prophase.
(4) Chromosomes move to the spindle equator
A
and get aligned along equatorial plate in
B C
metaphase
Mitosis
Inter- AIPMT Mains-2011
phase
D 6. At metaphase, chromosomes are attached to the
spindle fibres by their :-
(1) Centromere
Which one of the following is the correct indication (2) Satellites
of the stage/phase in the cell cycle ? (3) Secondary constrictions
(1) A – Cytokinesis (2) B – Metaphase (4) Kinetochores
(3) C – Karyokinesis (4) D – Synthetic phase
AIIMS-2011
AIPMT Pre. 2010
7. Meiosis is not having the one of the character out
3. During mitosis ER and nucleolus begin to disappear of the four given below-
at :
(1) It involves two stages of DNA replication,
(1) Early prophase (2) Late prophase
one before meiosis-I and another before
(3) Early metaphase (4) Late metaphase
meiosis-II
4. Which stages of cell division do the following (2) It involves recombination and crossing over
figures A and B represent respectively ? (3) Sister chromatids separate during anaphase-II
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(4) Nuclear membrane disappears during prophase

AIPMT Pre.-2012

8. During gamete formation, the enzyme recombinase

participates during :-
A B
(1) Prophase-I
(2) Prophase-II
(1) Prophase – Anaphase
(3) Metaphase-I
(2) Metaphase – Telophase
(4) Anaphase-II
(3) Telophase – Metaphase
(4) Late Anaphase – Prophase
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9. Given below is the representation of a certain event
Endoplasmic reticulum and
at a particular stage of a type of cell division. Which (1) Telophase
nucleolus not reformed yet.
is this stage ?
Nuclear envelop reforms,
(2) Telophase
golgi complex reforms.

Chromosomes move a
(3) Late anaphase away from equatorial plate,
golgi complex not present.

Cell plate formed,

(4) Cytokinesis mitochondria distributed
between two daughter cells.

(1) Prophase of Mitosis 13. The complex formed by a pair of synapsed

(2) Both prophase and metaphase of mitosis homologous chromosomes is called :
(3) Prophase I during meiosis (1) Axoneme
(4) Prophase II during meiosis (2) Equatorial plate
(3) Kinetochore
AIPMT Mains 2012
(4) Bivalent
10. Identify the meiotic stage in which the homologous
AIIMS 2013
chromosomes separate while the sister chromatids
remain associated at their centromeres :- 14. In which phase of cell cycle the amount of DNA
(1) Anaphase I in a diploid cell become four times as compared
(2) Anaphase II to a haploid cell ?
(3) Metaphase I (1) G1 (2) S
(4) Metaphase II (3) G2, S & M (4) Go

AIIMS 2012 AIPMT 2014

11. Which of the following is wrong about G1 phase? 15. During which phase(s) of cell cycle, amount of DNA
(1) G-1 Stage followed by Mitosis in a cell remains at 4C level if the initial amount
(2) Cell is metabolically active is denoted as 2C ?
(3) Cell grows continuously (1) G0 and G1
(4) Cell does not replicate its DNA (2) G1 and S
(3) Only G2
NEET-UG 2013
(4) G2 and M
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12. A stage in cell division is shown in the figure. Select

16. In 'S' phase of the cell cycle :-
the answer which gives correct identification of the
(1) Amount of DNA doubles in each cell.
stage with its characterstics.
(2) Amount of DNA remains same in each cell.
(3) Chromosome number is increased.
(4) Amount of DNA is reduced to half in each cell.

17. The enzyme recombinase is required at which stage

of meiosis :
(1) Pachytene
(2) Zygotene
(3) Diplotene
(4) Diakinesis
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23. In meiosis crossing over is initiated at :
AIIMS 2014
(1) Pachytene
18. Which of the following is longest phase of the cell
cycle ? (2) Leptotene

(1) Prophase (2) Interphase (3) Zygotene

(3) Telophase (4) M - phase (4) Diplotene

AIPMT 2015 NEET-II 2016

19. A somatic cell that has just completed the S phase 24. During cell growth, DNA synthesis takes place in:-
of its cell cycle, as compared to gamete of the same (1) G2 phase
species, has : (2) M phase
(1) same number of chromosomes but twice the
(3) S phase
amount of DNA
(4) G1 phase
(2) twice the number of chromosomes and four times
the amount of DNA 25. When cell has stalled DNA replication fork, which
(3) four times the number of chromosomes and twice checkpoint should be predominantly activated?
the amount of DNA
(1) M
(4) twice the number of chromosomes and twice the
(2) Both G2/M and M
amount of DNA
(3) G1/S
Re-AIPMT 2015
(4) G2/M
20. Arrange the following events of meiosis in correct
26. Match the stages of meiosis in Column–I to their
sequence : characteristic features in Column–II and select the
(a) Crossing over correct option using the codes given below :
(b) Synapsis
(c) Terminalisation of chaismata Column-I Column-II

(d) Disappearance of nucleolus a Pachytene i Pairing of homologous

chromosomes
(1) (b), (c), (d), (a)
(2) (b), (a), (d), (c) b Metaphase-I ii Terminalization of
chiasmata
(3) (b), (a), (c), (d)
c Diakinesis iii Crossing over takes
(4) (a), (b), (c), (d)
place
AIIMS 2015
d Zygotene iv Chromosomes align at
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21. During cell cycle in which phase normal components equatorial plate

of cell are synthesized, and assembled?

(1) S (2) G2 Codes :
(3) G1 (4) M a b c d

NEET-I 2016 (1) ii iv iii i

22. Spindle fibres attach on to :- (2) iv iii ii i
(1) Telomere of the chromosome (3) iii iv ii i
(2) Kinetochore of the chromosome
(4) i iv ii iii
(3) Centromere of the chromosome
(4) Kinetosome of the chromosome

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NEET(UG) 2017 NEET(UG) 2018

27. Which of the following options gives the correct 29. The stage during which separation of the paired
sequence of events during mitosis ? homologous chromosomes begins is
(1) Con densatio n ® nuclear membrane (1) Pachytene
disassembly ® arrangement at equator ® (2) Diplotene
centromere division ® segregation ® telophase
(3) Diakinesis
(2) Condensation ® crossing over ® nuclear
membrane disassembly ® segregation ® (4) Zygotene
telophase
AIIMS 2018
(3) Condensation ® arrangement at equator ®
centromere division ® segregation ® telophase 30. Interphase includes :-
(4) Condensation ® nuclear membrane disassembly (1) G0, G1, S, G2
® crossing over ® segregation ® telophase
(2) Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase
28. Anaphase Promoting Complex (APC) is a protein (3) Cytokinesis
degradation machinery necessary for proper mitosis (4) Mitosis/M-phase
of animal cells. If APC is defective in a human cell,
which of the following is expected to occur ?
(1) Chromosomes will be fragmented
(2) Chromosomes will not segregate
(3) Recombination of chromosome arms will occur
(4) Chromosomes will not condense

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EXERCISE-II (Previous Year Questions) ANSWER KEY

Que. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Ans. 1 4 2 4 4 4 1 1 3 1 1 2 4 2 4
Que. 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
Ans. 1 1 2 2 3 3 2 1 3 4 3 1 2 2 1
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EXERCISE-III (Analytical Questions) Check Your Understanding
EXERCISE-III(A) NCERT BASED QUESTIONS C. Chromosomal replication
1. Which one is correct for G0 stage ? D. Kinetochores attach to spindle fibres and
I. It is a quiescent stage. chromosome are arranged at equatorial plate
II. In this phase cell cycle is stopped E. Condensation of chromosomal materials
III. G 0 cells do not grow or proliferate but Which of the following correctly identifies each of
metabolically active the phases described-
IV. G0 cells can divide in response to some
Interphase Prophase Metaphase Anaphase Telophase
stimulus
(1) C E D A B
(1) All are correct (2) C D E A B
(2) I,II,III are correct (3) C E D B A
(3) I,II are correct (4) C A D E B
(4) Only I and IV are correct
2. Which of the following is not correctly matches a 7. Arrange the following events of meiosis in the correct
phase of the cell cycle with its function ? sequence -
(1) Second gap phase – Period of cytoplasmic A. Terminalisation of chiasmata
growth B. Crossing over
(2) First gap phase – Most of the organelle C. Synapsis
duplication D. Disjunction of chromosomes
(3) Interphase – Phase of preparation E. Dissolution of synaptonemal complex
for cell division The correct sequence is-
(4) DNA synthesis – Doubling of number of (1) A ® B ® C ® D ® E
phase chromosome in cell (2) E ® D ® C ® B ® A
3. Mark incorrect statements :- (3) C ® B ® D ® E ® A
(A) Meiosis involves only a single cycle of (4) C ® B ® E ® A ® D
DNA replication 8. Identify the following diagram-
(B) Four haploid cells are formed at the end of
meiosis–I
(C) Meiosis occurs in diploid cells
(D) In yeast, cell cycle takes about 90 minutes.
(1) A and B (2) A and C
(3) Only B (4) All are correct
4. Interval between mitosis and initiation of DNA
replication is called :- (1) Transition to Metaphase (mitosis)
(1) G2 – Phase (2) G1 – phase (2) Transition to Anaphase-II (meiosis)
(3) Karyokinesis (4) S – phase
(3) Transition to Metaphase-I (meiosis)
5. Diploid cell in human, where cell division does not
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occur :- (4) Transition to Anaphase (mitosis)

(a) Heart cell (b) Muscle cell 9. The drawing below shows a cell whose diploid
(c) Nerve cell chromosome number is four. This cell is in:-
(1) Only c (2) b and c
(3) a and c (4) a, b and c
6. The events shown below occur during different
phases -
A. Centromere splits, chromatids separate and
move to opposite poles, chromatids are now (1) Metaphase of mitosis
called chromosome (2) Anaphase of mitosis
B. Chromosomes cluster at opposite poles, (3) First anaphase of meiosis
decondensation of chromosome, reappearance (4) Second anaphase of meiosis
of NM, GB and ER.
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ALLEN
10. Label the structure indicated by (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv)- 16. In which of the following stages of mitosis,
chromosomes are most condensed ?
(ii) (1) Stage between the stage of cell plate formation
(i)
and stage of DNA replication
(iv) (2) Stage between the stage of centrioles separation
and stage of splitting of centromere
(3) Stage between the stage of DNA replication
(iii)
and stage of initiation of condensation of
(1) (i)-Chromatid, (ii)-Centriole, chromatin
(iii)-Centromere, (iv)-Chromosome (4) Stage between the stage of metaphase plate
(2) (i)-Chromosome, (ii)-Centriole, formation and stage of decondensation of
(iii)-Centromere, (iv)-Chromatid
(3) (i)-Chromatid, (ii)-Centromere, chromosomes
(iii)-Centriole, (iv)-Chromosome 17. If the cell had diploid or 2n number of chromosomes
(4) (i)-Chromosome, (ii)-Centromere, at G1, after S phase the number of chromosomes
(iii) Centriole, (iv)-Chromatid in the cell is ?
EXERCISE-III(B) ANALYTICAL QUESTIONS (1) 2 n (2) 4 n
11. A cell has 46 chromosomes at each pole in mitotic (3) n (4) 3n
telophase. In this division the number of chromatids 18. The following graphs (A and B) depicts changes in
at the metaphase was :- DNA Content during cell cycle. Identify the cell
(1) 23 (2) 46 (3) 92 (4) 69 division from A and B :-
12. A mouse cell is treated with a chemical that
interferes with the activity of microfilaments. Which
of the following will probably be affected the most?
(1) Formation of spindle fibres
(2) Division of cytoplasm
(3) Chromosome duplication
Cell cycle Cell cycle
(4) Pairing of homologous chromosomes (A) (B)
13. Number of chromosome pairs at equator in
metaphase-I of a diploid plant cell (n = 25 (1) A ® Meiosis–II, B ® Meiosis–I
chromosomes) shall be-
(1) 50 (2) 100 (3) 75 (4) 25 (2) A ® Mitosis, B ® Meiosis–I
14. How many meiotic divisions are required during the (3) A ® Meiosis–I, B ® Mitosis
formation of 500 zygotes, if in males one meiotic (4) A ® Mitosis, B ® Meiosis
division resutls in formation of four male gametes
and in females one meiotic division results in 19. In a diploid cell before S-phase quantity of DNA is
formation of one female gamete? 20 pico gram (pg) after meiosis I what will be the
(1) 625 (2) 500 (3) 1000 (4) 2500 quantity of DNA in each daughter cell ?
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15. Number of chromatids in each chromosome at

(1) 10 pg (2) 20 pg (3) 5 pg (4) 40 pg
anaphase is-
20. During meiosis how many cycles of nucleus division,
(1) One in mitosis, one in meiosis-I and two in meiosis-I
DNA replication and division of centromere take
(2) One in mitosis, two in meiosis-I and one in meiosis-II place respectively :-
(3) Two in mitosis, one in meiosis-I and two in meiosis-II (1) Three, Two, One (2) One, Two, Two
(4) Two in mitosis, two in meiosis-I and two in meiosis-II (3) Two, Two, One (4) Two, One, One

EXERCISE-III (Analytical Questions) ANSWER KEY

Que. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Ans. 1 4 3 2 4 1 4 1 3 1 3 2 4 1 2
Que. 16 17 18 19 20
Ans. 2 1 4 2 4

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