Home / IB DP Biology 1.6 Cell division Question Bank SL Paper 1

IB DP Biology 1.6 Cell division Question Bank SL Paper 1

IB Biology SL (Standard level)- 2024 – Practice Questions- All Topics

Topic 1.6 Introduction to cells

Topic 1 Weightage : 17 % 

All Questions for Topic 1.6 –Cell Cycle, Interphase, DNA Supercoiling, Mitosis, Cytokinesis, Mitotic Index, Cyclins, Cancer Development, Smoking and Cancer, Cell Checkpoints, Cell Death

Question

A tissue sample was examined under the microscope in order to determine a mitotic index. The number of cells in each stage of the cell cycle was determined and the data were entered into a table.

Stage of life cycle

Interphase

Prophase

Metaphase

Anaphase

Telophase

Total

Number of cells

120

20

10

8

2

160

What is the mitotic index?

A. 0.125

B. 0.25

C. 0.75

D. 1.00

▶️Answer/Explanation

Ans B

The mitotic index is a measure of the fraction of cells undergoing mitosis. It is calculated by dividing the total cells undergoing mitosis by the total cells visible
Mitotic index = number of cells with visible chromosomes ÷ total number of cells
Mitotic index = (prophase + metaphase + anaphase + telophase) ÷ total number of cells

Here in this question, Mitotic index = [(20+10+8+2)÷(120)] = 0.25 or 25%

Question

Which diagram(s) represent(s) processes used in asexual reproduction?

A. I only

B. I and II only

C. II only

D. I, II and III

▶️Answer/Explanation

Markscheme

C

Asexual reproduction is a type of reproduction that does not involve the fusion of gametes or change in the number of chromosomes. The offspring that arise by asexual reproduction from either unicellular or multicellular organisms inherit the full set of genes of their single parent and thus the newly created individual is genetically and physically similar to the parent or an exact clone of the parent. When prokaryotes and eukaryotes reproduce asexually, they transfer a nearly identical copy of their genetic material to their offspring through vertical gene transfer. Although asexual reproduction produces more offspring more quickly, any benefits of diversity among those offspring are lost.

Here in option B, gene pool of parent and offspring in identical.

Question

What occurs during meiosis but not mitosis?

A. Spindles are formed from microtubules.

B. Chromosome number is conserved.

C. Homologous chromosomes pair up.

D. Centromeres split.

▶️Answer/Explanation

Markscheme

C

Homologous chromosomes are present in both mitosis and meiosis, but they don’t form pairs in mitosis. Rather they will form homologous chromosome pairs during meiosis, which allows for crossing over to occur. Crossing over is a cellular process that happens during meiosis when chromosomes of the same type are lined up. This can happen between multiple chromosomes or different segments of the same chromosome.  Crossing over is important because it ensures genetic variability and contributes to genetic reassortment which are the key factors to genetic diversity among offspring that would otherwise lead to lot of abnormalities, genetic disorders. 

Question

Which mitotic phase is labelled X in the micrograph of an onion (Allium cepa) root tip?

A. Prophase
B. Metaphase
C. Anaphase
D. Telophase

▶️Answer/Explanation

Markscheme

B

Anaphase is one of the stages of mitosis, the process of cell division in eukaryotic cells. In anaphase, the sister chromatids separate and migrate to opposite poles of the cell. This results in the formation of two identical sets of chromosomes, one for each daughter cell. Anaphase is preceded by metaphase and followed by telophase.
To observe anaphase on onion root tip cells, you need to prepare a slide with a thin layer of onion root cells stained with a dye that binds to DNA, such as aceto-carmine or aceto-orcein. You also need to treat the cells with hydrochloric acid to break down the cell wall and other tissues. Then, you can use a compound microscope to examine the slide and look for cells that have two distinct groups of chromosomes at opposite ends of the cell. These are the cells in anaphase. You can also compare them with cells in other stages of mitosis, such as prophase, metaphase and telophase.
An onion root tip is a good material to study mitosis because it is a rapidly growing part of the onion and has large chromosomes that are clearly visible under the microscope.

Question

Which events occur during both mitosis and meiosis?
A. Production of haploid cells from diploid cells
B. Crossing over
C. Separation of the chromatids from each chromosome
D. Production of genetically different cells

▶️Answer/Explanation

Markscheme

C

Yes, the separation of chromatids from chromosomes occurs during both mitosis and meiosis. Chromosome segregation is the process in eukaryotes by which two sister chromatids formed as a consequence of DNA replication, or paired homologous chromosomes, separate from each other and migrate to opposite poles of the nucleus.

Question

The micrograph shows some onion (Allium cepa) cells undergoing mitosis.

What is the mitotic index, taking into account all visible nuclei?
A. 0.1

B. 0.2

C. 0.4

D. 0.6

▶️Answer/Explanation

Ans:B

The mitotic index is a measure of the fraction of cells undergoing mitosis. It is calculated by dividing the total cells undergoing mitosis by the total cells visible
Mitotic index = number of cells with visible chromosomes ÷ total number of cells
Mitotic index = (prophase + metaphase + anaphase + telophase) ÷ total number of cell

Here 10 nuclei are visible and 2 of those are dividing, so mitotic index as per as given data will be (2 ÷10 = 0.2) or 20%.

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