CELL CYCLE AND

CELL DIVISION
 CELL CYCLE & CELL DIVISION

INDEX

CONTENTS

THEORY .............................................................................. Page 1 - 19

EXERCISE–1 ...................................................................... Page 20 - 23
EXERCISE–2 ...................................................................... Page 24 - 27
EXERCISE–3(AIIMS Special) ........................................... Page 28
EXERCISE–4 (Previous Years Questions) ........................ Page 29 - 34
EXERCISE–5 (NCERT Based Questions) ........................ Page 35 - 37
ANSWER KEY .................................................................... Page 38
Bansal Quick Review Table ................................................ Page 39
 Cell Cycle and Cell Division
 Privost & Dumas described cell division. They studied cleavage of fertilized egg of frog.
 Remak studied cleavage of fertilized egg and stated that new cell arises from pre-existing
cell.
 Rudolf Virchow stated that new cell develops from the division of pre-existing cell.
 Strasburger stated that new nucleus arises from pre-existing nucleus. Strasburger firstly
observed mitosis in plant cell.
 Van Beneden and Flemming discovered mitosis in animal cell. The term ‘Mitosis’ coined by
Flemming. Strasburger, Van Benden, Winwarter, Braur, Sutton studied meiosis.
 The term meiosis coined by Farmer and moore.
 Some substances stimulate cell division these are called mitogen - Eg: Cytokinins, Epidermal
growth Factor or EGF, Platelet Derived Growth Factor or PDGF, Lymphokines.
 Some substances inhibit cell division these are called mitotic poison Eg: Cyanides, Azides,
Chalones, Colchicine.
 Low Surface volume ratio, Nucleo-cytoplasmic ratio also stimulate cell division in the cell.
 A cell divides when it has grown to a certain maximum size which disturb the karyoplasmic
index (KI)/Nucleoplasmic ratio (NP)/Kernplasm connection. Two processes take place during
cell reproduction.
(a) Cell growth : (Period of synthesis and duplication of various components of cell).
(b) Cell division : (Mature cell divides into two cells).

CELL CYCLE AND ITS PHASES

 Howard and Pelc (1953) first time described it.
 The sequence of events which occur during cell growth and cell division are collectively called
cell cycle. Cell cycle completes in two steps:
(i) Interphase
(ii) M-phase/Dividing phase

 The total duration of cell cycle varies from organism to organism and also from cell type to
cell type.
 Yeast for example, can progress through the cell cycle in only about 90 minutes.
1. Interphase :
 It is also called as preparatory phase and a period of great
metabolic activity.
 It is the stage, between two successive cell divisions in
which no division of chromosomes or cytoplasm occurs.
 In this stage the nucleus and cytoplasm remain metabolically
and synthetically very active.
 It generally covers over 95% of the total duration of cell
cycle.
 During this phase, replication of DNA, synthesis of nuclear histones, division of centrioles to
form a new pair of centrioles, synthesis of energy rich compounds, RNA and proteins occur.
Nuclear envelope remains intact.
 Chromosomes occur in the form of long, coiled, indistinctly visible chromatin fibres.
 The size of nucleolus is greatly increased due to accumulation of rRNA and ribosomal
proteins.
 Interphase is divided into three phases:
(a) G1 Phase
(b) S or Synthetic Phase
(c) G2 Phase
(a) G1 Phase (Post-mitotic gap phase) : It corresponds to the interval between mitosis and
initiation of DNA replication. Following biochemical changes occur during this sub-stage.
(i) The cell grows to its maximum size due to normal metabolic activity for the preparation of
DNA replication, but no change occurs in the DNA contents of the cell.
(ii) It undergoes synthesis of new proteins and RNA. Transcription of rRNA, tRNA and mRNA
occurs during this phase.
(iii) Nucleotides, amino acids and energy rich compounds (e.g., ATP) are formed.
(iv) It takes maximum time of all the stages. It is most variable in length, due to which time of cell
division differs in cell to cell. G1 can be terminated by various stimuli, but once a cell has
completed G1 and entered the 'S' phase to start replication of DNA, it cannot be terminated.
(v) 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 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 unless called on to do so, depending upon the requirement of the
organism. Hence, this exit may be temporary or permanent.
Antephase is the end of G1 when the cell reaches a stage whereby, it will divide even under
stress condition.
(b) S or Synthetic Phase
(i) In this phase, the synthesis or replication of DNA occurs on the template of existing DNA.
(ii) During this phase, the amount of DNA per cell doubles (means the organism will have
duplicate set of genes). However, there is no increase in the chromosome number (ploidy level
remains same). If the initial amount of DNA is denoted as 2C then, it increases to 4C, and if
the cell had 2n number of chromosomes at G1, even after S phase the number remains same,
i.e., 2n.
(iii) In animal cells, the replication occurs in nucleus, and the centriole duplicates in cytoplasm.
(iv) Histone proteins are synthesised in S-phase. S-phase is called invisible phase of cell cycle as
replicated chromosomes are not visible at this stage.
 (c) G2 Phase (pre-mitotic gap phase)
(i) In this phase, the cytoplasmic organelles such as mitochondria, chloroplast and golgi complex
are doubled.
(ii) Synthesis of RNA and protein continues. Spindle protein (tubulin) synthesis and aster
formation occurs.
(iii) A cell contains double the amount (4C) of DNA present in the original diploid (2N) cell.
(iv) The cell prepares itself to enter into "M" or Mitotic phase.
(v) It is also signified by the synthesis of some protein kinases for regulation of cell division.

2. M-Phase or Division Phase:

 It represents the phase when the actual cell division or mitosis occurs.
It is divided into two sub phases :
(i) Karyokinesis : Mitotic phase which starts with the nuclear division, corresponding to the
separation of daughter chromosomes.
(ii) Cytokinesis : Division of cytoplasm.
Regulation of Cell Cycle
Decision of a cell to divide occurs in G1 phase. If a cell is not to divide it will enter into G0
phase or Quiescent phase. When the conditions change, the cell can enter back into G1 phase.
G1  S transition in the cell cycle is called as Restriction point or check point. This is the
major check point. Once the cell crosses the restriction point rest of the cell cycle is completed.
Another minor check point is G2  M transition.

Concept Builder
(i) Cell cycle is regulated by cyclin-dependent protein kinase.
(ii) Cyclins are proteins that activate protein kinases to regulate eukaryotic cell cycle.
(iii) G1 to S transition is carried out by G1 cyclin + cdc 2 kinase.
(iv) G2 to M transition is triggered by maturation promoting factor (MPF) formed by mitotic cyclin
+ cdc2 kinase, Nucleus attains the maximum size.
(v) The factors which determine whether a cell has to divided or not are
(a) Surface area: Volume ratio. A cell should have high surface area : volume ratio.
(b) Karyoplasmic index.
(vi) Onion root tips or other meristematic tissues are used to study mitosis.
(vii) Mitogens are substances which induce mitosis. e.g., Auxin, Cytokinin, Gibberellin, Insulin etc.
(viii) In animal cell, mitosis is called as Amphiastral (Spindle is associated with 2 asters).
(ix) In plant cells, the mitosis is called as Anastral (no aster, no centriole).
(x) If mitosis is extranuclear, it is Eumitosis.
(xi) If mitosis is intranuclear, it is called as Premitosis. If centrioles are present then it is called as
centric.

 The cell division is of three types

I. Mitosis II. Meiosis III. Amitosis
I. MITOSIS
 It was first observed by Strasburger in plant cells and by Flemming in animal cells.
 It may be defined as, "The exact replication of a parent cell into two identical daughter cells
having the identical number, and kind of chromosomes, the identical DNA and identical
hereditary instructions as found in the parental cell".
 It mainly occurs in somatic cells of animals and in meristematic tissue cells of plants for
multiplication of undifferentiated cells.
 In mitosis the cell cycle involves series of changes which occur in a newly formed cell to
become fully grown and to be ready for cell division.

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) 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 of a cell plays an important role in starting cell division.
• A cell draws all the materials needed for its maintenance & growth from its surface. When a
cell grows in size its volumes 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.

Growth

G2
S 5 –10%
DNA replication M
30–50%
G1

Active protein and

RNA synthesis

Fig : Different stages of cell cycle (Mitotic cycle).

 Mitosis is divided into the following four stages :-
(a) Prophase (b) Metaphase (c) Anaphase (d) Telophase

Different stages of mitosis

(a) Prophase: It is the first phase of mitosis which is longest of the M-phase.
Following changes occur during this stage:
(i) The chromatin fibres become shorter and thicker due to the process of coiling and folding and
get condensed into distinct thread like chromosomes in late prophase.
(ii) Each chromosome appears double and consists of two coiled sister chromatids joined by a
centromere. Their ends are not visible in early prophase. Therefore, the chromosomes appear
like a ball of wool. It is also called spireme stage.
(iii) Cells at the end of prophase, when viewed under the microscope, do not show golgi complex,
endoplasmic reticulum, nucleolus and the nuclear envelope.
(iv) The centriole now begins to move towards opposite poles.
(v) Fine radiating microtubules appear around each pair of centrioles to form the astral rays. A pair
of centrioles and astral rays constitute a star like aster body.

(b) Metaphase
(i) The complete disintegration of the nuclear envelope
marks the start of the second phase of mitosis. By this
stage condensation of chromosomes is completed. At
this stage, metaphase chromosome appears to be made
up of two sister chromatids, which are held together by
the centromere.
(ii) Small disc shaped structures called kinetochores,
serve as the sites of attachment of spindle fibres to the
chromosomes that are moved into position at the centre
of the cell.
Hence, the metaphase is characterised by all the
chromosomes coming to lie at the equator and getting
aligned along metaphase plate or equatorial plate
through spindle fibres to both the poles.This chromosomal movement to equator is called as
congression.
(iii) Spindle fibres which connect the pole to the chromosomes at the kinetochores are called
chromosomal fibres (Tractile fibres) and those which extend without interruption from one
pole to other are the continuous fibres.
(iv) The morphology of chromosomes can be easily studied at this stage as they are in a highly
condensed stage and are distinctly visible. Chromosomes can be counted at this stage.

(c) Anaphase
(i) It is of shortest duration.
(ii) The centromere of each chromosome splits into two, resulting into daughter chromatids
(chromosome of future nuclei).
(iii) These begin to migrate towards respective poles. The centromeres always lead the daughter
chromosomes (towards the poles) and the arms trail behind.
(iv) As the daughter chromosomes move apart, fine microtubules in the form of interzonal fibres
appear in between them.
(v) Expansion of interzonal fibres and dissolution of microtubules of chromosomal fibres is
supposed to be the possible reason for anaphasic movement.

Chromatid separation during anaphase

(vi) The daughter chromosomes now assume V, J and I shapes depending upon the position of
centromere on them. Thus shape of chromosomes can be observed during this phase.
(vii) Finally, the polar migration of daughter chromosomes after reaching the opposite poles end,
which mark the end of anaphase.

(d) Telophase :
(i) Daughter chromosomes undergo decondensation and uncoiling at each pole, so they lose their
individuality.
(ii) The chromatin gets surrounded by discontinuous segments of nuclear membrane from
elements of ER, which become fully developed at the end of telophase.
(iii) New nucleoli, ER and golgi complex reform.
(iv) The spindle fibres and astral rays gradually disintegrate and disappear. These become absorbed
in the cytoplasm.
(v) Each daughter nucleus now enters into the interphase of cell cycle. The end of telophase marks
the end of karyokinesis.

 Cytokinesis : Karyokinesis results in formation of two nuclei inside a cell and now it is
followed by division of cytoplasm (Cytokinesis), thus forming two cells (daughter cells).
 (a) Cytokinesis occurs by two methods :
(i) Cell furrow method : This is characteristic of animal cells. Due to absence of rigid cell wall
here, the more flexible plasma membrane forms the outer layer of cell. A furrow or
invagination appears in plasma membrane at centre of equator, which deepens gradually and
finally two daughter cells are separated.
(ii) Cell plate method : This is characteristic of plant cells. Here, vesicles provided by Golgi
apparatus unite to form phragmoplasts, which join to form cell plate. Cell plate is first laid
down in centre and then proceeds towards periphery (i.e., centrifugal plate formation). Cell
wall materials are now laid down on both sides of cell plate, resulting in two daughter cells.

Cytokinesis by cell plate method in plant cells

Concept Builder
Mitotic Poisons
All those substances or chemicals which affect the cells during mitosis or prevent them from
entering into normal mitotic divisions are called mitotic poisons. The various mitotic poisons
are:
(i) The enzyme ribonuclease acts as poison at prophase. Azide and cyanide also inhibit prophase.
(ii) Mustard gas causes agglutination of chromosomes.
(iii) Chalones also inhibit mitosis. They are small peptides or glycoproteins in the extracellular
fluid.
(iv) The alkaloid colchicine inhibits the formation of mitotic spindle (inhibits polymerisation of
microtubules) and holds the cells in metaphase. The chromosomes and DNA undergo
replication but remain within the same cell. The nucleus does not divide. This increases the
number of chromosome sets per cell. This process leads to endopolyploidy or endomitosis in
which nucleus contains multiple sets of chromosomes instead of the normal two sets as found
in a diploid cell. Such cells are called polyploid cells.
(v) X-rays cause uncontrolled mitosis and induces breakage of chromosomes.

Abnormal Mitosis
(i) Intranuclear mitosis (Premitosis) : In Amoeba, Yeast, other fungi and a number of algae, the
nuclear envelope does not degenerate during mitosis. Spindle is intranuclear.
(ii) Dinomitosis : Dinoflagellates possess condensed chromosomes even in non-dividing nuclei.
Nuclear envelope does not degenerate. Division of chromosomes occurs with the help of
special channels that develop in the nucleus.
(iii) Free Nuclear Division : Sometimes, repeated mitosis occur without subsequent cytokinesis. It
produces multinucleated condition, e.g.:-Rhizopus, Vaucheria, Slime moulds, etc.
Conceptual Questions
Q.1 Fill in the blanks :
a. _________ are proteins that activate kinases to regulate eukaryotic cell cycle.
b. The morphology of chromosome is best studied in __________ .
c. Shortest stage of mitosis (M-phase) is __________ .
d. Cell plate is first laid down in ____ and then proceeds towards ___
Q.2 Which one of the following is not a mitotic poison?
(1) Chalones (2) Cytokinin (3) Ribonuclease (4) Mustard gas

Ans. Q.1 (a) Cyclins, (b) Metaphase, (c) Anaphase, (d) Centre, periphery Q.2 (2)

Significance of Mitosis
(i) It is an equational division since the number of chromosomes and the genetic constitution of
the daughter cells remain the same as found in parent cells. Thus, mitosis helps in the survival
of a species and continuation of its race. It provides a complete set of genetic information to
each cell.
(ii) Mitosis occurs in somatic cells (n or 2n) and gonad cells for the multiplication of cell number.
Thus, mitosis is related to the growth of an individual from zygote to adult stage. It also
provides an opportunity for the growth and development of organs and body of organisms.
(iii) Mitosis produces new cells to replace the old worn out and injured cells. Thus, it helps in
repairing of cells, healing of wounds and regeneration of body cells. Blood cells, intestinal
cells and skin cells are regularly regenerated and replaced by mitosis.
(iv) It is a method of restoring nucleocytoplasmic ratio.
(v) Mitosis helps the organisms in both sexual and asexual reproduction.

Self Assessment

Q.1 Which one of the following statement is incorrect for interphase stage?
(1) Period of great metabolic activity
(2) Also called as preparatory phase
(3) Absence of replication of DNA
(4) It covers over 95% of the total duration of cell cycle
Q.2 Post-mitotic gap phase is characterised by all, except
(1) Synthesis of histone proteins (2) Synthesis of RNA and nucleotides
(3) Most-variable in length (4) No change in DNA contents
Q.3 Duplicatdon of DNA occurs in
(1) G1-phase (2) S-phase (3) G2-phase (4) M-phase
Q.4 In plant cells, mitosis was first observed by
(1) Flemming (2) Strasburger (3) Farmer and Moore(4) Darlington
Q.5 Which of the following is correctly matched?
(1) Spireme stage -Late prophase
(2) Congression stage -Metaphase
(3) Interzonal fibres formation –Telophase
(4) Reappearance of ER and golgi bodies -Anaphase
Q.6 Centrifugal cytokinesis
(1) Occurs in animals
(2) Occurs by cell furrowing
(3) Occurs by cell plate formation
(4) Is characteristics of bacteria and lower plants only
Q.7 What will be the total number of mitotic divisions in the formation of 64 daughter cells?
(1) 6 (2) 32 (3) 63 (4) 16
Ans. Q.1 (3) , Q.2 (1), Q.3 (2), Q.4 (2), Q.5 (2), Q.6 (3), Q.7 (3)

II. MEIOSIS
The term meiosis was first introduced by Farmer and Moore. It can be defined as, "The
reductional division occurring only in diploid cells for the formation of haploid cells in which
the number of chromosomes and the nuclear DNA content are reduced to half and there is
recombination of hereditary material."

The key features of meiosis are as follows:

(a) It involves two sequential cycles of nuclear and cell division called meiosis I and meiosis II,
but only a single cycle of DNA replication.
(b) Meiosis I can initiate only after the S phase (where parental chromosomes have replicated to
produce identical sister chromatids)
(c) It involves pairing of homologous chromosomes and recombination between them.
(d) Four haploid cells are formed at the end of meiosis II.
(e) Meiotic events can be grouped under the following phases:
Meiosis-I Meiosis-II
Prophase-I Prophase-II
Metaphase-I Metaphase-II
Anaphase-I Anaphase-II
Telophase-I Telophase-II

PROCESS OF MEIOSIS
1. Meiosis I or Reductional or Heterotypic division : It starts after the interphase of the cell
cycle where DNA duplication occurs in S phase. It results in the reduction of chromosome
number to half.
 Meiosis I consists of four stages, i.e., Prophase-I, Metaphase-I, Anaphase-I and Telophase-I.
(a) Prophase-I :
It is very complex and of very long duration. It is divided into following substages on the basis
of chromosome behaviour :
(i) Leptotene or leptonema :
 The duplicated centrioles start moving apart. Aster formation occurs.
 The chromatin fibres undergo progressive condensation, coiling, shortening and thickening to
appear in the form of long, thin condensed filamentous chromosomes.
 These possess darkly stained bead like structures called chromomeres along their entire
length.
 The chromosomes are replicated but the chromatids are not distinguishable due to the presence
of nuclear protein between them.
 The chromosomes form loops whose ends are attached to the nuclear membrane at attachment
plate.
 This specific arrangement of chromosomes is often called the "bouquet stage".

(ii) Zygotene or Zygonema or Synaptic stage:

 The homologous chromosomes come to lie in pairs.
 In each homologous pair of chromosomes, one chromosome comes from mother through ova
and is called maternal chromosome and the other chromosome comes from father through
sperm and is called paternal chromosome.
 This pairing of homologous chromosomes is called synapsis and these paired chromosomes
are called bivalents.
 Homologous chromosomes in a pair are of the same length, carry the same genes in the same
sequence.
 Electron micrographs of this stage indicate that chromosome synapsis is accompanied by the
formation of complex, tripartite, protienaceous structure called synaptonemal complex.
 The number of bivalents in a cell is equal to the number of haploid chromosomes. The
chromatids are still not visible.

(iii) Pachytene or Pachynema :

 The bivalent chromosomes become more thickened, shortened and condensed.
 Each chromosome of a bivalent consists of two chromatids and are called sister chromatids.
 The two sister chromatids of one chromosome in a homologous pair with regard to the other
chromosome of pair are called non-sister chromatids.
 Four chromatids in a pair of homologous chromosomes constitute the tetrad.
 This stage is characterised by the appearance of recombination nodules, the sites at which
crossing over occurs between non-sister chromatids of the homologous chromosomes.
 Crossing over is the exchange of genetic material between two homologous chromosomes and
also an enzyme-mediated process and the enzyme involved is called recombinase.
 The best theory to explain crossing over is Darlington's theory of breakage and union :
(a) The enzyme endonuclease will help in the development of breaks (nicking.)
(b) The formation of gaps in the nicks is done by exonuclease.
(c) The separation of chromatid segments in gaps is done by U-protein or unwindase.
(d) Re-annealing (rejoining) is done by R-protein or Re-annealing protein.
 The newly constituted chromosomes, thus become different from the previous set of
chromosomes.
 This results in the formation of new characters (recombinants) and ultimately variations in the
population. These variations form the basis of evolution.

(iv) Diplotene or Diplonema :

 Longest phase of prophase-I. There is dissolution of synaptonemal complex, so the recombined
homologous chromosomes will start separating i.e., desynapsis.
 The separation of the homologous chromosomes is not completed.
 They remain attached to one or more points where crossing over has occured.
 These point of attachment are called as Chiasmata (X-shaped structures).
 In oocytes of some vertebrates, the diplotene can last for months or years.
 Suspended diplotene stage is called as Dictyotene stage.
 At this stage the chromosomes decondense and are engaged in rapid synthesis of RNA.
Terminalization of chiasmata starts.

(v) Diakinesis :
 This stage is marked by complete terminalisation of chiasmata.
 The nucleoli and the nucleolar membrane disintegrate and disappear.
 The spindle fibres extend from one pole of paired centrioles to the other pole of paired
centrioles.
 Astral rays and asters become fully developed.
 Centrioles are absent in plant cells and thus, no asters are formed.
 This marks the end of prophase-I and transition to metaphase-I.

(b) Metaphase-I :
 The bivalents arrange themselves on the equator of the bipolar spindle.
 Since, there are two centromeres in each bivalent, the centromeres of all the bivalents produce
a double equatorial or metaphasic plate.
 Each plate will have half the number of diploid chromosomes.
 The microtubule from the opposite poles of the spindle attach to the pair of homologous
chromosomes.
(c) Anaphase-I :
 One chromosome of each homologous pair moves to the opposite poles with recombined
characters of both paternal and maternal chromosomes.
 The movement of chromosomes occurs along the path of their tractile fibres (chromosome
fibres).
 Each chromosome consists of two chromatid threads joined by a centromere.
 There is no division of centromere.
 At the end of anaphase-I half of the chromosomes reach one pole and other half reach on to the
other pole.
 There occurs true reduction in the number of chromosomes at this stage.

(d) Telophase-I :
 The haploid number of chromosomes which has reached at each pole, undergo elongation,
uncoiling and decondensation and changes into chromatin network.
 Although in many cases the chromosomes do undergo some dispersion, they do not reach the
extremely extended state of the interphase nucleus.
 The nuclear envelope develops from the elements of ER around the chromatin fibres. New
nucleolus is formed.
 The astral rays and spindle fibres disintegrate and disappear.
 The two daughter nuclei, each containing haploid number of chromosomes are formed.
 The end of telophase-I marks the end of karyokinesis-I also.
 Karyokinesis-I may be followed by cytokinesis-I.
 By a cleavage furrow in an animal cell and a cell plate in a plant cell, the diploid parental cell
is divided into two haploid daughter cells each having half the number of chromosomes, but
double content of DNA.

Interkinesis or intrameiotic interphase :

 Each daughter cell formed from meiosis-I sometimes undergoes interkinesis, where there is no
replication phase of chromosomes and no duplication of genes.

2. Meiosis II or Homotypic Division : It resembles mitotic division.

Meiosis-II is necessary because each daughter cell formed from meiosis-I contains
chromosomes, each having two chromatids, each chromatid with 2C amount of DNA. This
reduction in DNA from 2C to 1 C DNA occurs only in Meiosis-II.
 It consists of following four phases :
(a) Prophase-II: One pair each of the centrioles migrate to the opposite poles. The nuclear
membrane and the nucleolus disintegrate and disappear. The chromatin fibres undergo
compaction to appear in the form of distinct chromosomes. Each chromosome consists of two
chromatid threads, joined by a centromere.
(b) Metaphase II : Chromosomes come to lie on the equator of the cell and thus, form a Single
equatorial or metaphasic plate. The spindle fibres become attached to both kinetochores of the
centromere of each chromosome.
(c) Anaphase-II: Begins with simultaneous splitting of the centromere of each chromosome that
allows them to move towards opposite poles of the cell.
 (d) Telophase-II: The daughter chromosomes on the opposite poles become decondensed to form
chromatin fibres. The nuclear envelope develops from ER. New nucleolus is reorganised. The
spindle fibres and astral rays disintegrate and disappear. It marks the end of the telophase-II
and karyokinesis-II. It is followed by cytokinesis (similar in mitosis) which divides each cell
into two daughter cells, resulting in formation of tetrad of cells.

Concept Builder
(i) Meiosis is commonly studied using onion buds.
(ii) Meiosis was first demonstrated by Van Benden and described by Winiwarter.
(iii) Gametic meiosis is also called as terminal meiosis.
(iv) Zygotic meiosis is also called as initial meiosis.
(v) Sporogenic meiosis is also called as intermediate meiosis.
(vi) Cytokinesis: Cytokinesis can be of two types, successive and simultaneous. In successive
type, cytokinesis occurs after every nuclear division. The four cells formed by successive
cytokinesis can be arranged either in a linear or isobilateral tetrad.
In the simultaneous type, cytokinesis takes place only at the end of both the divisions. The
nuclei are generally arranged in the form of a tetrahedron.

Conceptual Questions
Q.1 If a pollen grain contains 30 chromosomes and 50 Pg DNA, then what will be the number of
chromosomes and DNA amount in microspore mother cell in G2-phase, meiosis-I products and
meiosis-II products respectively?
Q.2 Fill in the blanks :
a. Darkly stained bead like structures called _______ appear along the entire length of
chromatin fibre in ________ stage of meiosis.
b. Number of bivalents formed in Ophiog/ossum (Adder's tongue fern) meiocyte is ________.
Q.3 Intra meiotic interphase is characterised by
(1) Genes duplication (2) Replication of DNA
(3) Centrioles duplication in animals (4) Disappearance of nucleolus
60 chromosome 30 chromosome 30 chromosome
Ans. Q.1 , and
200 Pg 100 Pg 50 Pg
Q.2 (a) Chromomeres, Leptotene, (b) 630 (No. of bivalent = No. of haploid chromosomes),
Q.3 (3)

Significance of Meiosis
1. Meiosis forms gametes that are essential for sexual reproduction.
2. Meiosis maintains the fixed number of chromosomes generation after generation in sexually
reproducing organisms. It is essential since the chromosome number becomes double after
fertilization.
3. Meiosis is the main cause of production of variations, which are very important for
evolutionary process.
 Difference between Mitosis and Meiosis
S.No. Characters Mitosis Meiosis
I. General
(1) Site of occurrence Somatic cells and during the Reproductive germ cells of
multiplicative phase of gonads.
gametogenesis in germ cells.
(2) Period of occurrence Throughout life. During sexual reproduction.
(3) Nature of cells Haploid or diploid. Always diploid.
(4) Number of divisions Parental cell divides once. Parent cell divides twice.
(5) Number of daughter Two. Four.
cells
(6) Nature of daughter Genetically similar to parental Genetically different from
cells cell. Amount of DNA and parental cell. Amount of DNA
chromosome number is same as and chromosome number is half
in parental cell. to that of parent cell.
II. Prophase
(7) Duration Shorter (of a few hours) and Prophase-I is very long (may be
simple. in days or months or years) and
complex.
(8) Subphases Formed of 3 subphases : Prophase-I is formed of 5
early-prophase, mid-prophase and subphases: leptotene, zygotene,
late-prophase. pachytene, diplotene and
diakinesis.
(9) Bouquet stage Absent. Present in leptotene stage.
(10) Synapsis Absent. Pairing of homologous
chromosomes in zygotene
stage.
(11) Chiasma formation Absent. Occurs during pachytene stage
and crossing over. of prophase-I.
(12) Disappearance of Comparatively in earlier part. Comparatively in later part of
nucleolus and nuclear prophase-I.
membrane
(13) Nature of coiling Plectonemic. Paranemic.
III. Metaphase
(14) Metaphase plates Only one equatorial plate Two plates in metaphase-I but
one plate in metaphase-II.
(15) Position of Lie at the equator. Arms are Lie equidistant from equator
centromeres generally directed towards the and towards poles in
poles. metaphase-I while lie at the
equator in metaphase-II.
(16) Number of Two chromosomal fibre join at Single in metaphase-I while two
chromosomal fibres centromere. in metaphase-II.
IV. Anaphase
(17) Nature of separating Daughter chromosomes Homologous chromosomes
chromosomes (chromatids with independent separete in anaphase-I while
centromeres) separate. chromatids separate in anaphase
in anaphase-II.
(18) Splitting of Occurs in anaphase. No splitting of centromeres.
centromeres and Inter-zonal fibres are developed
development of in metaphase-I.
inter-zonal fibres
V. Telophase
(19) Occurrence Always occurs Telophase-I may be absent but
telophase-II is always present.
VI. Cytokinesis
(20) Occurrence Always occurs Cytokinesis-I may be absent but
cytokinesis-II is always present.
(21) Nature of daughter 2N amount of DNA than 4N 1 N amount of DNA than 4 N
cells amount of DNA in parental cell. amount of DNA in parental cell.
(22) Fate of daughter cells Divide again after interphase. Do not divide and act as
gametes.
VII. Significance
(23) Functions Helps in growth, healing, repair Produces gametes which help in
and multiplication of somatic sexual reproduction.
cells.
Occurs in both asexually and
sexually reproducing organisms.
(24) Variations Variations are not produced as it Produces variations due to
keeps quality and quantity of crossing over and chance
genes same. arrangement of bivalents at
metaphase-I.
(25) In evolution No role in evolution. It plays an important role in
speciation and evolution.

III. AMITOSIS OR DIRECT CELL DIVISION

 It is the method of asexual reproduction, which occurs, in acellular organisms like bacteria,
protozoans, diseased cells, old cells, mammalian cartilage cells and in foetal membranes.
 It was first discovered by Remak. It is also called direct cell division.
 During amitosis, the nucleus of the cell elongates.
 Then, a constriction appears in the nucleus which gradually deepens and divides the nucleus
into two daughter nuclei.
 Finally, a constriction appears in the cytoplasm which divides the cytoplasm and the nuclei
into two daughter cells, each with a nucleus.
 In this division, no spindle formation and no distinct chromosome formation occurs. Nuclear
envelope remains intact.
 The daughter cells are approximately the two equal halves of a parental cell.
Concept Builder
Formulae Chart :
1. Number of mitotic division for the formation of n number of cells. n–1
Example : For getting 100 cells 99 mitotic division are required.
2. Number of generations (n) of mitosis for producing 'x' cells. x = 2n
n
3. Number of meiosis for the formation of 'n' seeds/grains/fruits. n
4

Self Assessment
Q.8 Which one of the following is not a diploid cell?
(1) Zygote (2) Microspore mother cell
(3) Primary oocyte (4) Ovum
Q.9 Ends of chromosomes are attached with nuclear envelope at attachment plate in
(1) Leptotene (2) Zygotene (3) Pachytene (4) Diplotene
Q.10 If there are 30 chromosomes in G,-phase, then what will be number of bivalents in zygotene
stage?
(1) 30 (2) 15 (3) 45 (4) 60
Q.11 Synaptonemal complex formation stage is
(1) Pachytene (2) Zygotene (3) Diplotene (4) Leptotene
Q.12 Match the column I with column II
Column I Column II
a. Appearance of recombination nodules (i) Diplotene
b. Desynapsis (ii) Pachytene
c. Disjunction of homologous chromosomes (iii) Anaphase-I
d. Centromere division (iv) Anaphase-II
(1 ) a(ii), b(i), c(iii), d(iv) (2) a(ii), b(i), c(iv), d(iii)
(3) a(i), b(ii), c(iii), d(iv) (4) a(iii), b(ii), c(i), d(iv)
Q.13 Bivalent chromosomes clearly appears as tetrad in
(1) Zygotene (2) Pachytene (3) Diplotene (4) Diakinesis
Q.14 Chromatids separation and centromere division occur in
(1) Anaphase (2) Anaphase-I
(3) Anaphase-II (4) More than one option is correct
Q.15 What will be the amount of DNA in meiosis-II products if meiocyte contains 30 Pg DNA in
G1-phase?
(1) 30 Pg (2) 60 Pg (3) 15 Pg (4) 120 Pg
Q.16 Interkinesis or intrameiotic interphase shows
(1) Centriole duplication (2) DNA synthesis
(3) Generally short lived (4) More than one option is correct
Q.17 Number of meiotic divisions required to produce 1000 pollen grains in Cyperus is
(1) 250 (2) 500 (3) 1000 (4) 1250
Ans. Q.8 (4), Q.9 (1), Q.10 (2), Q.11 (2), Q.12 (1), Q.13 (2), Q.14 (4), Q.15 (3), Q.16 (4), Q.17 (3)
 SUMMARY
1. According to the cell theory, cells arise from pre-existing cells. The process by which this
occurs is called cell division.
2. Any sexually reproducing organism starts its life cycle from a single-celled zygote.
3. Cell division does not stop with the formation of the mature organism but continues throughout
its life cycle.
4. The stages through which a cell passes from one division to the next is called the cell cycle.
5. Cell cycle is divided into two phases called (i) Interphase -a period of preparation for cell
division, and (ii) Mitosis (M phase) -the actual period of cell division.
6. Interphase is further subdivided into G1, Sand G2. G1-phase is the period when the cell grows
and carries out normal metabolism. Most of the organelle duplication also occurs during this
phase.
7. S-phase marks the phase of DNA replication and chromosome duplication.
8. G2-phase is the period of cytoplasmic growth.
9. Mitosis is also divided into four stages namely prophase, metaphase, anaphase and telophase.
10. Chromosome condensation occurs during prophase.
11. Simultaneously, the centrioles move to the opposite poles.
12. The nuclear envelope and the nucleolus disappear and the spindle fibres start appearing.
13. Metaphase is marked by the alignment of chromosomes at the equatorial plate.
14. During anaphase, the centromeres divide and the chromatids start moving towards the two
opposite poles.
15. Once the chromatids reach the two poles, the chromosomal elongation starts, nucleolus and the
nuclear membrane reappear. This stage is called the telophase.
16. Nuclear division is then followed by the cytoplasmic division and is called cytokinesis.
17. Mitosis thus, is the equational division in which the chromosome number of the parent is
conserved in the daughter cell.
18. In contrast to mitosis, meiosis occurs in the diploid cells, which are destined to form gametes.
It is called the reduction division since it reduces the chromosome number by half while
making the gametes.
19. In sexual reproduction when the two gametes fuse the chromosome number is restored to the
value in the parent.
20. Meiosis is divided into two phases -meiosis-I and meiosis-II. In the first meiotic division the
homologous chromosomes pair to form bivalents, and undergo crossing over.
21. Meiosis I has a long prophase, which is divided further into five phases. These are leptotene,
zygotene, pachytene, diplotene and diakinesis.
22. During metaphase-I , the bivalents arrange on the equatorial plate.
23. In anaphase-I, homologous chromosomes move to the opposite poles with both their
chromatids. Each pole receives half the chromosome number of the parent cell.
24. In telophase-I, the nuclear membrane and nucleolus reappear.
25. Meiosis-II is similar to mitosis.
26. During anaphase-II, the sister chromatids separate. Thus at the end of meiosis, four haploid
cells are formed.
 EXERCISE – 1
Q.1 The cell cycle of a somatic cell usually consists of all the following except
(1) The first part of interphase is called as G1 phase. During this there is maximum increase in
cell size and there is active synthesis of RNA and proteins
(2) In synthetic phase-'S' phase the DNA molecule of each chromosome replicates by synthesis
of a new DNA molecule
(3) During G2 phase a cell contains double the amount (4C) of DNA present in the original
diploid cell (2C)
(4) The cell cycle consists of a short interphase and long M-phase
Q.2 Which of the following is most important point in the regulation of cell cycle during which it
must decide whether the cell will start a new cycle or will become arrested in G0 phase?
(1) S-phase (2) G1-phase (3) G2-phase (4) Interphase
Q.3 Histone protein synthesis occurs during
(1) G0-phase (2) G2-phase (3) S-phase (4) Prophase
Q.4 The sequence of cell cycle is
(1) S, M, G1 and G2 (2) G1, G2, S and M (3) M, G1, G2 and S (4) G1, S, G2 and M
Q.5 During cell cycle DNA replicates
(1) Once (2) Twice (3) Many times (4) Not at all
Q.6 The synthesis of spindle proteins occur during
(1) G1-phase (2) S-phase (3) G2-Phase (4) M-phase
Q.7 If mitotic division is restricted in G1 phase of cell, the condition is knows as
(1) G2-phase (2) S-phase (3) G0-phase (4) M-phase
Q.8 Condensation of chromosome with visible centromere occurs during
(1) G1-phase (2) S-phase (3) G2-phase (4) M-phase
Q.9 The stage of cell cycle when cell has undergone differentiation is
(1) G0 (2) G1 (3) G2 (4) S
Q.10 Phase of cell cycle when DNA polymerase is active
(1) G1 (2) S (3) G2 (4) M
Q.11 G0-phase of cell denotes
(1) Exit of cell from cell cycle (2) Check point before entering the next phase
(3) Death of cell (4) Temporary pause
Q.12 During cell cycle, two molecules of DNA are present in chromosome during
(1) G1-phase (2) Beginning of S-phase
(3) G2-phase (4) End of M-Phase
Q.13 Which of the following materials you will select to study mitosis?
(1) Anthers (2) Onion root tips (3) Flower bud (4) Pollen
Q.14 Mitosis in animal cell is
(1) Anastral (2) Amphiastral
(3) Pre-mitosis, acentric (4) Eumitosis, acentric
Q.15 Mitosis is found in
(1) Lower animals (2) Higher animals (3) All plants (4) All living organisms
Q.16 Which of the following is proper sequence of stages in mitosis?
(1) Metaphase, telophase, prophase and anaphase
(2) Prophase, metaphase, anaphase and telophase
(3) Anaphase, metaphase, telophase and prophase
(4) Telophase, anaphase, metaphase and prophase
Q.17 The two daughter cells formed during mitosis contains
(1) The same amount of DNA but a set of chromosomes different from those of parental cells
(2) The same amount of DNA and the same set of chromosomes as those of the parent cell
(3) Half the amount of DNA and the same set of chromosomes as those of the parent cell
(4) Double the amount of DNA and a set of chromosomes different from those of the parent
cell
Q.18 Colchicine is a mitotic poison because it
(1) Causes splitting up of chromosomes (2) Inhibits the formation of mitotic spindle
(3) Causes non-pairing of chromosomes (4) Agglutinates the chromosomes
Q.19 During which phase the centromere splits and chromatids moves towards the opposite poles by
shortening of spindle fibres attached to centromeres
(1) Prophase (2) Metaphase (3) Anaphase (4) Telophase
Q.20 The region of the attachment of chromosome to spindle fibres is called
(1) Centromere (2) Centriole (3) Chromonemata (4) Centrosome
Q.21 Which of the following phases are longest and shortest in mitosis?
(1) Metaphase, Anaphase (2) Prophase, Anaphase
(3) Telophase, Anaphase (4) Prophase, Telophase
Q.22 Nuclear envelope disappears at
(1) Metaphase (2) Anaphase (3) Early prophase (4) Late prophase
Q.23 When nuclear division takes place without cytoplasmic division it results in the formation of
(1) Polyteny (2) Coenocyte (3) Polyploidy (4) Amitosis
Q.24 The cell would normally proceed to mitosis without interruption
(1) when it has entered S phase (2) Once it has entered G2 phase
(3) At any time during cell activity (4) Irrespective of any phase
Q.25 Term 'meiosis' was coined by
(1) Flemming (2) Farmer and Moore
(3) Strasburger (4) Hofmeister
Q.26 Meiosis is evolutionary significant, because it results in
(1) Recombinations (2) Eggs and sperms
(3) Four daughter cells (4) Genetically similar daughter cells
Q.27 All are the essential stages that take place during meiosis, except
(1) Two successive divisions without any DNA replication occuring between them
(2) Formation of chiasmata and crossing over
(3) Segregation of homologous chromosomes
(4) Number of chromosomes in daughter cells after meiosis II is reduced to half but the amount
of DNA remains the same
Q.28 Stages in proper sequence of prophase-I are
(1) Zygotene, Leptotene, Pachytene, Diakinesis and Diplotene
(2) Leptotene, Zygotene, Pachytene, Diplotene and Diakinesis
(3) Leptotene, Zygotene, Pachytene, Diakinesis and Diplotene
(4) Leptotene, Pachytene, Zygotene, Diakinesis and Diplotene
Q.29 Intimate pairing between the two members of each homologous chromosome pair is initiated
by the process called as synapsis, leading to bivalent formation, occurs in
(1) Zygotene (2) Pachytene (3) Diplotene (4) Diakinesis
Q.30 Mitosis differs from meiosis in not having
(1) Duplication of DNA (2) Long prophase
(3) Interphase (4) Synapsis and crossing over
Q.31 Recombination nodules which mediate for chromosome recombination appear during
(1) Zygotene (2) Diplotene (3) Diakinesis (4) Pachytene
Q.32 Crossing over occurs during
(1) Pachytene (2) Diplotene (3) Diakinesis (4) Zygotene
Q.33 In oocytes, which of the following phase can last for months or years, since it is at this stage
the chromosomes decondense and engage in RNA synthesis?
(1) Diakinesis (2) Diplotene (3) Pachytene (4) Leptotene
Q.34 Nuclear membrane and nucleoli can be distinctly seen in
(1) Prophase (2) Metaphase (3) Anaphase (4) lnterphase
Q.35 In the meiotic cell division, 56 daughter cells are produced by two successive divisions in
which
(1) First division is equational, second is reductional
(2) First division is reductional, and second is equational
(3) Both divisions are reductional
(4) Both divisions are equational
Q.36 Number of chromosomes in primary oocyte is
(1) Same as that of secondary oocyte (2) Half as that of secondary oocyte
(3) Double as that of secondary oocyte (4) Same as that of ovum
Q.37 Terminalization is completed in
(1) Diakinesis (2) Leptotene (3) Zygotene (4) Diplotene
Q.38 Meiosis involves
(1) One nuclear division 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
Q.39 In meiosis, the daughter cells differ from parent cell as well as amongst themselves due to
(1) Segregation and crossing over
(2) Independent assortment and crossing over
(3) Independent assortment, segregation and crossing over
(4) Segregation and independent assortment
Q.40 The movement of homologous chromosomes towards opposite poles occur by contraction of
spindle fibres during
(1) Anaphase (2) Anaphase-I (3) Anaphase-II (4) Metaphase
Q.41 In plant cells, cytokinesis occurs by
(1) Cell plate formation (2) Invagination
(3) Cleavage (4) Furrowing
Q.42 If egg of an organism has 10 Pg of DNA in its nucleus. How much DNA would a diploid cell
of same organism have in G2 phase of meiosis?
(1) 10 Pg (2) 5 Pg (3) 20 Pg (4) 40 Pg
Q.43 Minimum number of meiotic divisions required to produce 100 wheat grains are
(1) 400 (2) 125 (3) 200 (4) 25
Q.44 Amitosis
(1) Division involving forming of chromosome bridges
(2) Division involving spindle formation
(3) Division in which the chromosomes are unequally distributed
(4) Cleavage of nucleus without recognisable chromosome distribution
Q.45 Nuclear membrane is formed around the groups of daughter chromosomes during telophase by
(1) Endoplasmic reticulum (2) Golgi apparatus
(3) Lysosomes (4) Microbodies
Q.46 How many generations are required by a cell of meristem to produce 128 cells?
(1) 127 (2) 64 (3) 32 (4) 7
Q.47 To produce 102 pollen grains, how many meiotic divisions are required?
(1) 25 (2) 25.5 (3) 26 (4) 27
 EXERCISE – 2
Q.1 Find out the wrong statement
(1) Each metaphasic plate in heterotypic division of meiosis contains half the number of
diploid set of ch romosomes.
(2) Interkinesis is generally short lived
(3) Synaptonemal complex and nuclear membrane completely disappear in diplotene
(4) Homologous chromosomes move to respective poles in anaphase I
Q.2 What will be the content of DNA in a somatic cell at G2 if its meiotic products have 20
picogram of DNA?
(1) 40 Pg (2) 2 Pg (3) 80 Pg (4) 160 Pg
Q.3 Select the correct match
(1) Reformation of ER and golgi complex - Telophase
(2) Invisible phase of cell cycle - Metaphase
(3) Polar movement of chromatids - S-phase
(4) Recombination nodules formation - Zygotene
Q.4 All chromosomes of a cell are directed towards one side and are attached to the nuclear
membrane, can be observed in
(1) Leplotene (2) Zygotene (3) Pachytene (4) Diplotene
Q.5 Phragmoplast is formed by golgi complex and grows
(1) Centripetally to form cell plate
(2) Centrifugally to form cell plate
(3) Centripetally to produce a cleavage furrow
(4) Centrifugally to form a cleavage furrow
Q.6 Select an incorrect statement w.r.t. cell cycle
(1) Duplication of genes occurs twice in meiosis
(2) Karyokinesis occurs twice during meiotic division
(3) Cyclins are proteins that activate protein kinases to regulate the cell cycle
(4) At the end of telophase I, chromosome number is reduced to half.
Q.7 Spireme stage of chromosomes is associated with
(1) Early prophase (2) Late prophase (3) Metaphase (4) Telophase
Q.8 Which one of the following is correct for mitosis in most of the plants member?
(1) Amphiastral, anastral and eumitosis (2) Anastral, acentric and pramitosis
(3) Anastral, acentric and eumitosis (4) Astral, centric and eumitosis
Q.9 Maturation promoting factor formation triggers the cell to cross
(1) G1  S (2) S  G2 (3) G2  M (4) M  G1
Q.10 The main difference between a dividing animals and plant cell lies in-
(1) Cell plate formation (2) Coiling of chromosome
(3) Chromosome movement (4) Types of spindle fibres
Q.11 Cytoplasmic structures involved in cell division are-
(1) Mitochondria (2) Ribosomes (3) Lysosomes (4) Centrioles
Q.12 Cell division is not present in the cells of-
(1) Skin (2) Gonads (3) Brain (4) Bone marrow
Q.13 Before cell division, the entire DNA content of the cell gets doubled during interphase. This
doubling takes place-
(1) At the beginning of the interphase (2) At the end of the interphase
(3) Throughout the interphase (4) Somewhere during the middle of the interphase
Q.14 Where can we study mitosis-
(1) Brain (2) Nail base (3) Legs (4) Kidneys
Q.15 Tetrad is made of-
(1) Four non homologous chromatids
(2) Four homologous chromosomes with four chromatids
(3) Four non homologous chromosomes
(4) Two homologous chromosomes each with two chromatids
Q.16 During meiotic cells division, genetic recombinations between two homologous chromosomes
are facilitate by-
(1) Movement of centromeres (2) Extrusion of polar bodies
(3) Movement of centrioles (4) Formation of synaptonemal complex
Q.17 Meiosis I is reductional division. Meiosis II is equational division due to-
(1) Pairing of homologous chromosomes (2) Separation of chromatids
(3) Disjunction of homologous chromosomes
(4) Crossing over
Q.18 What is true about cell cycle–
a. During G1 phase there is active synthesis of RNA and proteins but no change in its DNA
content
b. In synthesis or S phase each chromosome carries a duplicate set of genes
c. During G2 phase a cell contains double the amount of DNA present in the original diploid
cell (2n)
d. In S-phase a cell doubles the original diploid (2n) chromosome number
(1) c and d (2) a, b and c (3) all (4) b, c and d
Q.19 Mitosis is not found in -
(1) Cartilage cells (2) Bone cells (3) Nerve cells (4) All of the above
Q.20 If the cells in the root of an angiosperm have 12 chromosomes, 6 chromosomes will be present
in -
(1) Synergid (2) Endosperm cell (3) Leaf cell (4) Cotyledonary cell
Q.21 The number of chromosomes present in the leaf tip cells of a plant species, having six
chromosomes in each of the four cells of its pollen tetrad, would be -
(1) Three (2) Six (3) Twelve (4) Twenty four
Q.22 At which stage during meiotic prophase I the synaptic forces, between homologous
chromosomes, are the maximum?
(1) Leptotene (2) Zygotene (3) Pachytene (4) Diplotene
Q.23 The number of chromatids in a chromosome at metaphase is -
(1) Two each in meiosis and mitosis (2) Two in mitosis and one in meiosis
(3) Two in mitosis and four in meiosis (4) One in mitosis and two in meiosis
Q.24 Decondensation of chromosome occurs in-
(1) Prophase (2) Metaphase (3) Anaphase (4) Telophase
Q.25 The quantity of DNA in a chromosome at metaphase is -
(1) Two each in meiosis and mitosis (2) Two in mitosis and one in meiosis
(3) Two in mitosis and four in meiosis (4) One in mitosis and two in meiosis
Q.26 A red blood cell was kept in a solution for a few minutes, where it got burst. The solution taken
was–
(1) Hypotonic (2) Concentrated sugar solution
(3) Isotonic (4) Hypertonic
Q.27 Function of telomeres in nucleus is –
(1) Poleward movement (2) To initiate the RNA synthesis
(3) To seal the ends of chromosome (4) To recognise the homologous chromosome
Q.28 The salivary gland chromosomes in the dipteran larvae, are useful in gene mapping because
(1) These are fused (2) These are much longer in size
(3) These are easy to stain (4) They have endoreduplicated chromosomes
Q.29 DNA synthesis takes place in -
(1) S phase (2) G1 phase (3) G2 phase (3) None
Q.30 When pairing occurs in chromosomes (meiosis) -
(1) Leptotene (2) Zygotene (3) Pachytene (4) Diakinesis
Q.31 Most active stage of cell cycle is -
(1) Prophase (2) Metaphase (3) Telophase (4) Interphase
Q.32 Which of the following is the method of cytokinesis in plant cell -
(1) By cell plate formation (2) By constriction
(3) By phragmoplast (4) (1) and (3) both
Q.33 In which stage of cell cycle nucleus becomes bigger -
(1) G1 (2) G2 (3) S (4) M
Q.34 What happens in interkinesis -
(1) DNA replication (2) Chromosome duplication
(3) Preparation of second meiotic div. (4) Resting stage
Q.35 Which can be observed in an interphase nucleus under the light microscope -
(1) Chromosomes (2) Nucleosomes (3) Centromere (4) Heterochromatin
Q.36 Angular divergence of spindle decreases at-
(1) Metaphase (2) Early anaphase (3) Late anaphase (4) Telophase
Q.37 Minimum number of meiotic division required to produce 62 pollengrains -
(1) 15 (2) 31 (3) 62 (4) 16
Q.38 In cell cycle, changes of which stage are not visible under microscope -
(1) Interphase (2) Prophase (3) Metaphase (4) Anaphase
Q.39 Which type of division leads to polyploidy-
(1) Cryptomitosis (2) Meiosis (3) Endomitosis (4) Amitosis
Q.40 Which of the following not ocurs in Anaphase-I but occurs in Anaphase-II -
(1) Condensation of chromosomes (2) Poleward movement of chromosome
(3) Contraction of spindle fibers (4) Splitting of centromere
Q.41 In which stage of cell division, division of matrix of chromosome occurs -
(1) Late prophase (2) Early metaphase (3) Late metaphase (4) Anaphase
Q.42 During G2 - phase a diploid cell contains the amount of DNA equal to a -
(1) Diploid cell (2) Tetraploid cell (3) Haploid cell (4) Nothing can be said
Q.43 Crossing over takes place in -
(1) Zygotene (2) Pachytene (3) Diplotene (4) Diakinesis
Q.44 A contractile mid body forms during cytokinesis in -
(1) Animals (2) Higher plants (3) Fungi (4) Algae
Q.45 In which order, cytokinesis occurs in plants -
(1) Centripetal (2) Centrifugal (3) Oblique (4) Equatorial
Q.46 Meiosis not occurs in -
(1) Ovule (2) Anther (3) Microsporangia (4) Shoot tip
Q.47 Which of the two events restore the normal number of chromosomes in life cycle -
(1) Mitosis and Meiosis (2) Meiosis and fertilisation
(3) Fertilisation and mitosis (4) Only meiosis
Q.48 Number of meiosis required to produce 100 ovules in angiosperms -
(1) 125 (2) 100 (3) 25 (4) 75
Q.49 Amitosis is characteristic of -
(1) Higher plants (2) Higher animals (3) Bryophyta (4) Lower organisms
Q.50 Slipping of chiasmata towards the ends of bivalent is called -
(1) Terminalisation (2) Diakinesis (3) Interkinesis (4) Heteropycnosis
Q.51 Which does not occurs in prophase -
(1) Hydration of chromatin
(2) Dehydration of chromatin
(3) Appearance of chromosome
(4) Disappearance of nuclear membrane and nucleolus
Q.52 During cell cycle, RNA and protein synthesis takes place during -
(1) G1 and G2 phase (2) S - Phase (3) M - phase (4) Cytokinesis
Q.53 In which stage of cell division, number of chromosomes best counted -
(1) Prophase (2) Metaphase (3) Telophase (4) Interphase
Q.54 Cell division in blue green algae similar to that in -
(A) Bacteria (B) Brown algae (C) Green algae (D) Higher plants
EXERCISE – 3 AIIMS Special Questions
INSTRUCTIONS
In the following questions, a statement of assertion (A) is followed by a statement of reason
(R).
(1) If both Assertion & Reason are true and the reason is the correct explanation of the
assertion, then mark (1).
(2) If both Assertion & Reason are true but the reason is not the correct explanation of the
assertion, then mark (2).
(3) If Assertion is true statement but Reason is false, then mark (3).
(4) If both Assertion and Reason are false statements, then mark (4).
Q.1 A: Endomitosis does not cause karyokinesis or cytokinesis.
R: In endomitosis, mitosis occurs within nucleus.
Q.2 A : Synaptonemal complex develops between two synapsed homologous chromosomes.
R: Mitosis cannot be completed without the synaptonemal complex.
Q.3 A : During anaphase-II, chromatids of a chromosome separate.
R : Centromere of a mitotic chromosome divides during anaphase.
Q.4 A : Dictyotene stage occurs in female only.
R : Gametogenesis rests for a long period at diplotene stage in female.
Q.5 A : Each chromosome of bivalent attaches with two spindles in metaphase.
R : In metaphase bivalents migrate towards metaphasic plate.
Q.6 A : The complete disintegration of the nuclear envelope marks the start of metaphase.
R : Chromosomes are distinct with two chromatids at this stage.
Q.7 A : Chiasmata counting stage is diplotene.
R : Dissolution of the synaptonemal complex occurs except at the sites of cross overs.
EXERCISE – 4 Previous Year's Questions
Q.1 Mitosis occurs in - [RPMT 2002]
(1) Haploid individuals (2) Diploid individuals
(3) Both (1) & (2) (4) In bacterial only
Q.2 The number of DNA in chromosome at G2 state of cell cycle - [RPMT 2002]
(1) One (2) Two (3) Four (4) Eight
Q.3 Which is correct for meiotic metaphase-I - [RPMT 2002]
(1) Bivalents are arranged at equator
(2) Univalents are arranged at equator
(3) Non-homologus chromosomes forms pair
(4) Spindle fibers are attached at chromomere
Q.4 In which stage of meiosis the chromosome number reduces to half - [RPMT 2004]
(1) Anaphase-I (2) Anaphase-II (3) Telophase-I (4) Telophase-II
Q.5 Chiasmata are formed as a result of - [RPMT 2004]
(1) Exchange of parts of paired homologus chromosome
(2) Exchange to part of unpaired non-homologus chromosome
(3) Duplication of parts of paired homologus chromosome
(4) Loss of parts of unpaired non-homologus chromosome
Q.6 If the n = 16 in plant cell then how many possible bivalent in metaphase - I of meiosis-
[RPMT 2007]
(1) 32 Bivalents (2) 16 Tetravalents (3) 16 Bivalents (4) 32 Bivalents
Q.7 Chromosomes at anaphase are of various shapes due to position of - [Uttaranchal PMT 2006]
(1) Setellite (2) Chromonema (3) Centromere (4) DNA
Q.8 The significance of meiosis lies in - [C.G. PMT 2004]
(1) Maintaining constancy in the number of chromosomes in an organism
(2) Production of genetic variability in the population of species
(3) Reduction of the diploid number of chromosomes to haploid
(4) All of the above
Q.9 Pairing of homologous chromosomes takes place in -l [C.G. PMT 2004]
(1) Pachytene (2) Zygotene (3) Diplotene (4) None of these
Q.10 How many meiotic divisions will be necessary to produce two hundred pollen grain -
[C.G. PMT 2004]
(1) 100 (2) 99 (3) 50 (4) 200
Q.11 In which mitosis does-not occur - [C.G. PMT 2005]
(1) Green algae (2) Fungi (3) Bacteria (4) Higher plants
Q.12 Repulsion of homologous chromosomes takes place in - [C.G. PMT 2005]
(1) Zygotene (2) Leptotene (3) Diakinesis (4) Pachytene
Q.13 Synthesis of DNA takes place in - [C.G. PMT 2005]
(1) G1 (2) G2 (3) S (4) None of these
Q.14 Four daughter cells formed after meiosis are - [C.G. PMT 2005]
(1) Genetically similar (2) Genetically different
(3) Anucleate (4) Multinucleate
Q.15 During meiosis the division of centromere takes place in - [C.G. PMT 2005]
(1) First prophase (2) First anaphase (3) Second metaphase (4) Second anaphase
Q.16 Shape of chromosome is determined by - [C.G. PMT 2005]
(1) Telomere (2) Centromere (3) Chromomere (4) Centrosome
Q.17 In cell division, spindle fibres are made up of protein - [Jharkhand 2006]
(1) Myoglobin (2) Tubulin (3) Albumin (4) Myosin
Q.18 Bulk of histone proteins synthesized in - [Jharkhand 2006]
(1) G1-phase (2) G2-phase (3) S-phase (4) G0-phase
Q.19 The longest phase of meiosis (I) is - [Jharkhand 2005]
(1) metaphse I (2) prophase I (3) anaphase I (4) telophase I
Q.20 Colchicine prevents the mitosis of cell at - [Jharkhand 2006]
(1) Prophase stage (2) Anaphase stage (3) Telophase stage (4) Metaphase stage
Q.21 Meiosis can be observed in - [Bihar 2006]
(1) Tapetal cells (2) Megaspores (3) Micropores (4) Spore mother cells
Q.22 Structure of nuclear membrane helps in - [UP CPMT 2003]
(1) organisation of the spindle
(2) synapsis of homologous chromosome
(3) Nucleo-cytoplasmic exchange of material
(4) anaphasic separation of daughter chromosome
Q.23 Chromosomes can be seen best during - [MP PMT 2003]
(1) Prophase (2) Metaphse (3) Anaphase (4) Telophase
Q.24 In which of the following stage chromosomes are arranged at equatorial plate -
[MP PMT 2003]
(1) Anaphase (2) Metaphase (3) Prophase (4) Telophase
Q.25 During mitosis number of chromosomes gets - [MP PMT 2003]
(1) Change (2) No change
(3) May be change if cell is mature (4) May be change if cell is immature
Q.26 In meiosis chromosome number becomes - [MP PMT 2006]
(1) Half of its parent chromosome (2) Same as that of parent chromosome
(3) One fourth of its parent chromosome (4) None of the above
Q.27 If you are provided with root-tips of onion in your class and are asked to count the chromosomes
which of the following stages can your most conveniently look into [CBSE 2004]
(1) Telophase (2) Anaphase (3) Prophase (4) Metaphase
Q.28 Which one of the following proceeds reformation of the nuclear envelope during M phase of
the cell cycle - [CBSE 2004]
(1) Transcription from chromosomes and reassembly of the of the nuclear lamina
(2) Formation of the contractile ring and formation of the phragmoplast
(3) Formation of the contractile ring and transcription from chromosome
(4) Decondensation from chromosomes and reassembly of the nuclear lamina
Q.29 Crossing over that results in genetic recombination in higher organisms occurs between -
[CBSE 2004]
(1) Non-sister chromatids of a bivalent (2) Two daughter nuclei
(3) Two different bivalents (4) Sister chromatids of a bivalents
Q.30 In the somatic cell cycle - [CBSE 2004]
(1) DNA replication takes place in S-phase
(2) A short interphase is followed by a long mitotic phase
(3) G2 phase follows mitotic phase
(4) In G1 phase DNA content is double the amount of DNA present in the original cell
Q.31 When synapsis is complete all along the chromosome, the cell is said to have entered a stage
called - [CBSE 2004]
(1) Zygotene (2) Pachytene (3) Diplotene (4) Diakinesis
Q.32 At what stage of the cell cycle are histone proteins synthesized in a eukaryotic cell -
[CBSE 2005]
(1) During telophase (2) During S-phase
(3) During G2-stage of prophase (4) During entire prophase
Q.33 Synapsis occurs between - [CBSE 2009]
(1) Two homologous chromosomes (2) A male and a female gamete
(3) mRNA and ribosomes (4) Spindle fibres and centromere
Q.34 Given below is a schematic break-up of the phases/stages of cell cycle - [CBSE 2009]

Which one of the following is the correct indication of the state/phase in the cell cycle-
(1) A - Cytokinesis (2) B - Metaphse (3) C - Karyokinesis (4) D-Synthetic phase
Q.35 During mitosis ER and nucleolus begin to disappear at – [CBSE 2010]
(1) Late prophase (2) Early metaphase (3) Late metaphase (4) Early prophase
Q.36 Which stages of cell division do the following figures A and B represent respectively?
[CBSE 2010]

(1) Metaphse - Telophase (2) Telophase - Metaphse

(3) Late Anaphase - Prophase (4) Prophase - Anaphase
Q.37 Given below is the representation of a certain event at a particular stage of a type of cell
division. Which is this stage? [AIPMT Pre 2012]

(1) Prophase II during meiosis (2) Prophase of Mitosis

(3) Both prophase and metaphase of mitosis (4) Prophase I during meiosis
Q.38 During gamete formation, the enzyme recombinase participates during : [AIPMT Pre 2012]
(1) Anaphase - II (2) Prophase - I (3) Prophase - II (4) Metaphase - I
Q.39 Identify the meiotic stage in which the homologous chromosomes separate while the sister
chromatids remain associated at their centromeres : [AIPMT mains 2012]
(1) Metaphase I (2) Metaphase II (3) Anaphase I (4) Anaphase II
Q.40 A stage in cell division is shown in the figure. Select the answer which gives correct
identification of the stage with its characteristics. [AIPMT 2013]

(1) Late anaphase - chromosomes move away from equatorial plate, golgi complex not
present.
(2) Cytokinesis - cell plate formed, mitochondria distributed between two daughter cells.
(3) Telophase - endoplasmic reticulum and nucleolus not reformed yet.
(4) Telophase - nuclear envelop reforms, golgi complex reforms.
Q.41 The complex formed by a pair of synapsed homologous chromosomes is called [AIPMT 2013]
(1) Kinetochore (2) Bivalent (3) Axoneme (4) Equatorial plate
Q.42 Meiosis takes place in : [AIPMT 2013]
(1) Conidia (2) Gemmule (3) Megaspore (4) Meiocyte
Q.43 During which phase(s) of cell cycle, amount of DNA in a cell remains at 4C level if the initial
amount is denoted as 2C? [AIPMT 2014]
(1) Only G2 (2) G2 and M (3) G0 and G1 (4) G1 and S
Q.44 In 'S' phase of the cell cycle: [AIPMT 2014]
(1) chromosome number is increased.
(2) amount of DNA is reduced to half in each cell.
(3) amount of DNA doubles in each cell.
(4) amount of DNA remains same in each cell.
Q.45 The enzyme recombinase is required at which stage of meiosis: [AIPMT 2014]
(1) Diplotene (2) Diakinesis (3) Pachytene (4) Zygotene
Q.46 Select the correct option: [AIPMT 2015]
I II
(a) Synapsis aligns homologous chromosomes (i) Anaphase-II
(b) Synthesis of RNA and protein (ii) Zygotene
(c) Action of enzyme recombinase (iii) G2-phase
(d) Centromeres do not separate but chromatids move (iv) Anaphase-I
towards opposite pole
(v) Pachytene
(1) (a) (ii), (b) (iii), (c) (v), (d) (iv) (2) (a) (i), (b) (ii), (c) (v), (d) (iv)
(3) (a) (ii), (b) (iii), (c) (iv), (d) (v) (4) (a) (ii), (b) (i), (c) (iii), (d) (iv)
Q.47 A somatic cell that has just completed the S phase of its cell cycle, as compared to gamete of
the same species, has: [AIPMT 2015]
(1) same number of chromosomes but twice the amount of DNA
(2) twice the number of chromosomes and four times the amount of DNA
(3) four times the number of cbromosomes and twice the amount of DNA
(4) twice the number of chromosome and twice the amount of DNA
Q.48 Spindle fibres attach on to: [AIPMT 2016]
(1) Kinetosome of the chromosome (2) Telomere of the chromosome
(3) Kinetochore of the chromosome (4) Centromere of the chromosome
Q.49 In meiosis crossing over is initiated at : [AIPMT 2016]
(1) Diplotene (2) Pachytene (3) Leptotene (4) Zygotene
Q.50 Which of the following is not a characteristic feature during mitosis in somatic cells?
[AIPMT 2016]
(1) Synapsis (2) Spindle fibres
(3) Disappearance of nucleolus (4) Chromosome movement
Q.51 During cell growth, DNA synthesis takes place in [AIPMT 2016]
(1) M phase (2) S Phase (3) G1 phase (4) G2 phase
Q.52 When cell has stalled DNA replication fork, which checkpoint should be predominantly
activated? [AIPMT 2016]
(1) Both G2/M and M (2) G1/S (3) G2/M (4) M
Q.53 Match the stages of meiosis in Column-I to their characteristic features in Column-II and select
the correct option using the codes given below : [AIPMT 2016]
Column-I Column-II
a. Pachytene (i) Pairing of homologous chromosomes
b. Metaphase I (ii) Terminalization of chiasmata
c. Diakinesis (iii) Grossing-over takes place
d. Zygotenev (iV) Chromosomes align at equatorial plate
(1) a-(iv), b-(iii), c-(ii), d-(i) (2) a-(iii), b-(iv), c-(ii), d-(i)
(3) a-(i), b-(iv), c-(ii), d-(iii) (4) a-(ii), b-(iv), c-(iii), d-(i)
Q.54 Anaphase promoting Complex (APC) is a protein degradation machinery necessary for proper
mitosis of animal cells. If APC is defective in a human cell, which of the following is expected
to occur ? [AIPMT 2017]
(1) Chromosomes will not condense
(2) Chromosomes will be fragmented
(3) Chromosomes will not segregate
(4) Recombination of chromosome arms will occur
Q.55 Which of the following options gives the correct sequences of events during mitosis ?
[AIPMT 2017]
(1) Condensation  nuclear membrane disassembly  crossing over  segregation  telophase
(2) Condensation  nuclear membrane disassembly  arrangement at equator  centromere
division  segregation  telophase
(3) Condensation  crossing over  nuclear membrane disassembly  segregation  telophase
(4) Condensation  arrangement at equator  centromere division  segregation  telophase
Q.56 Zygotic meiosis is characteristic of [AIPMT 2017]
(1) Marchantia (2) Fucus (3) Funnaria (4) Clamydomonas
Q.57 Match the description (given in column I) with correct stage of prophase I (given column II)
and choose the correct option. [AIIMS 2017]
Column I Column II
A. Chromosomes are moved to spindle equator I. Pachytene
B. Centromere splits and chromatids move apart II. Zygotene
C. Pairing between homologous chromosomes takes place III. Anaphase
D. Crossing between homologous chromosomes IV. Metaphase
(1) A – I; B – II; C – III; D – IV (2) A – II; B – III; C – IV; D – I
(3) A – IV; B – III; C – II; D – I (4) A – III; B – I; C – IV; D – II
Q.58 The stage during which separation of the paired homologous chromosomes begins is
[NEET 2018]
(1) Diakinesis (2) Diplotene (3) Pachytene (4) Zygotene
Q.59 Select the incorrect match: [NEET 2018]
(1) Submetacentric Chromosomes – L-shaped chromososmes
(2) Allosomes – Sex chromosomes
(3) Lampbrush chromosomes – Diplotene bivalents
(4) Polytene chromosomes – Oocytes of amphibians
EXERCISE – 5 NCERT Based Questions
Q.1 Which one is correct for G0 stage ?
I. It is a quiescent stage.
II. In this phase cell cycle is stopped
III. G0 cells do not grow or proliferate but metabolically active
IV. G0 cells can divide in response to some stimulus
(1) All are correct (2) I, II, III are correct
(3) I, II are correct (4) Only I and IV are correct
Q.2 Which of the following is not correctly matches a phase of the cell cycle with its function ?
(1) Second gap phase – Period of cytoplasmic growth
(2) First gap phase – Most of the organelle duplication
(3) Interphase – Phase of preparation for cell division
(4) DNA synthesis – Doubling of number of phase chromosome in cell
Q.3 In a diploid cell after S phase quantity of DNA is 20 pg (pico gram), after anaphase–II situation
will be, in each daughter nucleus :-
(1) Diploid, 10 pg DNA (2) Haploid, 10 pg DNA
(3) Haploid, 5 pg DNA (4) Diploid, 5 pg DNA
Q.4 Mark incorrect statements :-
(A) Meiosis involves only a single cycle of DNA replication
(B) Four haploid cells are formed at the end of meiosis–I
(C) Mitosis usually restricted to diploid cells only
(D) In yeast, cell cycle takes about 90 minutes.
(1) A and B (2) A and C (3) Only B (4) All are correct
Q.5 Interval between mitosis and initiation of DNA replication is called :-
(1) G2 – Phase (2) G1 – phase (3) Karyokinesis (4) s–phase
Q.6 Recombinase enzyme is involved in which phase of meiosis :-
(1) Pachytene (2) Diplotene (3) Diakinesis (4) Zygotene
Q.7 Diploid cell in human, where cell division does not occur :-
(a) Heart cell (b) Muscle cell (c) Nerve cell
(1) Only c (2) b and c (3) a and c (4) a, b and c
Q.8 In yeast, duration of cell cycle is about :-
(1) 80 minutes (2) 99 minutes (3) 1.30 hrs. (4) 60 minutes
Q.9 In which phase of the cell cycle centriole move towards opposite poles of the cell.
(1) Anaphase (2) Metaphase (3) Telophase (4) Prophase
Q.10 The M-phase starts with the :-
(1) G1 (2) Karyokinesis (3) Cytokinesis (4) Telophase
Q.11 Arrange the following events of meiosis in the correct sequence -
A. Terminalisation of chiasmata
B. Crossing over
C. Synapsis
D. Disjunction of chromosomes
E. Dissolution of synaptonemal complex
The correct sequence is-
(1) A  B  C  D  E (2) E  D  C  B  A
(3) C  B  D  E  A (4) C  B  E  A  D
Q.12 The events shown below occur during different phases -
A. Centromere splits, chromatids separate and move to opposite poles, chromatids are now
called chromosome
B. Chromosomes cluster at opposite poles, decondensation of chromosome, reappearance of
NM, GB and ER.
C. Chromosomal replication
D. Kinetochores attach to spindle fibres and chromosome are arranged at equatorial plate
E. Condensation of chromosomal materials
Which of the following correctly identifies each of the phases described?
Interphase Prophase Metaphase Anaphase Telophase
(1) C E D A B
(2) C D E A B
(3) C E D B A
(4) C A D E B
Q.13
B
2N +
A
C
Mother cell
Identify A to C
A B C
(1) Meiosis N N
(2) Meiosis 2N 2N
(3) Mitosis N N
(4) Mitosis 2N 2N
Q.14 Synaptonemal complex is a nucleoprotein structure. It is visible or found from-
(1) zygotene through pachytene (2) laptotene through diplotene
(3) zygotene through metaphase (4) pachytene through diplotene
Q.15 Which one of the following is correctly matched?
(1) Leptotene - formation of bivalents (2) Diplotene - chiasmata formation
(3) Pachytene - chiasmata terminalisation (4) Zygotene - formation of bouquet
Q.16 Significance of meiosis lies in-
(1) production of genetic variability
(2) maintaining the number of chromosomes through generations
(3) forming the basis of evolution
(4) All of the above
Q.17 Identify the following diagram-
(1) Transition to Metaphase (mitosis)
(2) Transition to Anaphase-II (meiosis)
(3) Transition to Metaphase-I (meiosis)
(4) Transition to Anaphase (mitosis)
18. The drawing below shows a cell whose diplod chromosome number is four. This cell is in:-

(1) Metaphase (2) Anaphase of mitosis

(3) First anaphase of meiosis (4) Second anaphase of meiosis
19. Label the structure indicated by (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv)-

(ii)
(i)

(iv)

(iii)

(1) (i)-Chromatid, (ii)-Centriole, (iii)-Centromere, (iv)-Chromosome

(2) (i)-Chromosome, (ii)-Centriole, (iii)-Centromere, (iv)-Chromatid
(3) (i)-Chromatid, (ii)-Centromere, (iii)-Centriole, (iv)-Chromosome
(4) (i)-Chromosome, (ii)-Centromere, (iii) Centriole, (iv)-Chromatid
 Answer Key
Exercise – 1
Q.1 4 Q.2 2 Q.3 3 Q.4 4 Q.5 1 Q.6 3 Q.7 3
Q.8 4 Q.9 1 Q.10 2 Q.11 1 Q.12 3 Q.13 2 Q.14 2
Q.15 4 Q.16 2 Q.17 2 Q.18 2 Q.19 3 Q.20 1 Q.21 2
Q.22 4 Q.23 2 Q.24 1 Q.25 2 Q.26 1 Q.27 4 Q.28 2
Q.29 1 Q.30 4 Q.31 4 Q.32 1 Q.33 2 Q.34 4 Q.35 2
Q.36 3 Q.37 1 Q.38 2 Q.39 3 Q.40 2 Q.41 1 Q.42 4
Q.43 2 Q.44 4 Q.45 1 Q.46 4 Q.47 3

Exercise – 2
Q.1 3 Q.2 3 Q.3 1 Q.4 1 Q.5 2 Q.6 1 Q.7 1
Q.8 3 Q.9 3 Q.10 1 Q.11 4 Q.12 3 Q.13 4 Q.14 2
Q.15 4 Q.16 4 Q.17 2 Q.18 2 Q.19 3 Q.20 1 Q.21 3
Q.22 2 Q.23 1 Q.24 4 Q.25 1 Q.26 1 Q.27 3 Q.28 3
Q.29 1 Q.30 2 Q.31 4 Q.32 4 Q.33 3 Q.34 3 Q.35 4
Q.36 3 Q.37 4 Q.38 1 Q.39 3 Q.40 4 Q.41 3 Q.42 2
Q.43 2 Q.44 1 Q.45 2 Q.46 4 Q.47 2 Q.48 2 Q.49 4
Q.50 1 Q.51 1 Q.52 1 Q.53 2 Q.54 1

Exercise – 3 (AIIMS Special Questions)

Q.1. 1 Q.2 3 Q.3 2 Q.4 1 Q.5 4 Q.6 2 Q.7 1

Exercise – 4 (Previous Year's Questions)

Q.1 3 Q.2 2 Q.3 1 Q.4 1 Q.5 1 Q.6 3 Q.7 3
Q.8 4 Q.9 2 Q.10 3 Q.11 3 Q.12 3 Q.13 3 Q.14 2
Q.15 4 Q.16 2 Q.17 2 Q.18 3 Q.19 2 Q.20 4 Q.21 4
Q.22 3 Q.23 2 Q.24 2 Q.25 2 Q.26 1 Q.27 4 Q.28 2
Q.29 1 Q.30 1 Q.31 2 Q.32 2 Q.33 1 Q.34 4 Q.35 1
Q.36 3 Q.37 4 Q.38 2 Q.39 3 Q.40 4 Q.41 2 Q.42 4
Q.43 2 Q.44 3 Q.45 3 Q.46 1 Q.47 2 Q.48 3 Q.49 2
Q.50 1 Q.51 2 Q.52 3 Q.53 2 Q.54 3 Q.55 2 Q.56 4
Q.57 3 Q.58 2 Q.59 4

Exercise – 5 (NCERT Based Questions)

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