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Year 2014
1

[CIE, June 2014, P11, Q18]

Which processes occur by mitosis?
1. cloning of plasma cells
2. gamete production
3. replacing damaged cells
A 1, 2 and 3

B 1 and 3 only

C 2 only

D 3 only

[CIE, June 2014, P11, Q19]

The diagram shows crosses between wild wheat and two types of grass.

What is the chromosome number of the fertile hybrid 2?

A 28

B 42

C 56

D 140

[CIE, June 2014, P11, Q20]

The diagram shows a human cell (2n = 46) at the end of prophase of mitosis (cell 1) and the daughter
cells just after telophase (cells 2 and 3).

How many DNA molecules are there in the nucleus of cell 1 and cell 2?

cell 1

cell 2

46

23

46

46

92

23

92

46

[CIE, June 2014, P12, Q17]

The cell cycle includes mitosis.
Which are features of nuclear division?
1. forms cells of equal size to the parent cell
2. forms genetically identical cells
3. semi-conservative replication of DNA

A 1, 2 and 3

B 1 and 2 only

C 1 and 3 only

D 2 only

[CIE, June 2014, P12, Q18]

Which is the correct statement concerning cell and nuclear division?
A

Haploid eukaryotes can reproduce by mitosis whereas diploid eukaryotes can reproduce by
mitosis or meiosis.

Just before prophase, the mass of DNA is double the normal mass. Following anaphase, this
mass is reduced by half and following cytokinesis this mass halves again.

Mutagens can cause mutations whereas carcinogens can cause cancer. This means that all
mutagens are carcinogenic.

Some of the roles of mitosis are growth, asexual reproduction, cell repair following tissue
damage and cell replacement.

[CIE, June 2014, P12, Q19]

Diploid (2n) organisms that reproduce sexually produce haploid (n) gametes.
Some plants, such as wheat, can produce diploid or haploid gametes. These gametes can fertilise
other diploid or haploid gametes.
Which statements are correct for plants like these?
1. Diploid gametes may be produced by a fault in the reduction division (meiosis).
2. The offspring will always show an increased chromosome number.

3. The offspring could be either 2n, 3n or 4n.

4. The chromosome number could, in theory, increase with each generation.

A 1, 2 and 3

B 1, 2 and 4

C 1, 3 and 4

D 2, 3 and 4

[CIE, June 2014, P13, Q19]

During which process does only mitosis occur?
A the production of antibodies from B-lymphocyte memory cells
B the production of cancerous tissue in alveoli
C the production of gametes
D the production of root hairs

[CIE, June 2014, P13, Q20]

The photomicrograph shows cells in different stages of mitosis.

In which order do these stages occur?

A 35214
B 35124
C 43512
D 45123

[CIE, June 2014, P13, Q21]

The statements are about genes and proteins involved in breast cancer.

The protein coded by the BRAC1 gene inhibits the growth of breast cancer cells.

The protein coded by the RAD51 gene is required for the repair of damaged DNA.

Which combination of genes is most likely to result in breast cancer?

gene

10

BRAC1

RAD51

key
= normal active gene
= mutated gene

[CIE, Nov 2014, P11, Q16]

Which statement about a diploid cell is not correct?
A It can undergo a mitotic division to allow growth to occur.
B It can undergo a mitotic division to repair a cell.
C It can undergo a reduction division to form haploid cells.
D It is one that possesses two complete sets of chromosomes.

11

[CIE, Nov 2014, P11, Q17]

Laboratory mice whose p53 genes had been switched off developed tumours.
When their p53 genes were switched on again, the tumour cells stopped dividing and died within a
few days. Healthy cells in the mice were unaffected.
What do these observations suggest?
A p53 protein speeds up the mitotic cell cycle
B p53 protein causes all cells to die
C the p53 gene acts as a tumour suppressor gene
D the p53 gene encourages the growth of tumours

12

[CIE, Nov 2014, P12, Q19]

A student examined the cells in the growing region (meristem) of an onion root and obtained the data
below.
stage

interphase

prophase

metaphase

anaphase

telophase

number of cells

886

73

16

14

11

What percentage of cells contain chromosomes that appear as two chromatids?

A 97.5 %

13

B 95.9 %

C 8.9 %

[CIE, Nov 2014, P12, Q20]

Which definitions of diploid and haploid are true for typical eukaryotic cells?
1. diploid any cell with an even number of homologous chromosomes

D 7.3 %

2. diploid any cell with two copies of each homologous chromosome

3. haploid any cell with half the diploid number of homologous chromosomes
4. haploid any cell with one copy of each homologous chromosome

A 1 and 3

14

B 1 and 4

C 2 and 3

D 2 and 4

C 2 only

D 3 only

[CIE, Nov 2014, P13, Q17]

Which is always true of cytokinesis?
1. Cell structures replicate.
2. Cell structures are divided between two cells.
3. Nuclear envelope reforms.

A 1, 2 and 3

15

B 1 and 3 only

[CIE, Nov 2014, P13, Q18]

The statements are about genes and proteins, involved in breast cancer.

The protein coded by the BRAC1 gene inhibits the growth of breast cancer cells.
The protein coded by the p53 gene suppresses tumours.

Which combination of genes is most likely to result in breast cancer?

gene
BRAC1

p53

key
= normal active gene
= mutated gene

Year 2013
16

[CIE, June 2013, P11, Q19]

Which statement describes a cell belonging to a haploid organism that is capable of reproduction?
A It has chromosomes that contain one polynucleotide chain.
B It is capable of carrying out a reduction division to form gametes.
C It possesses two copies of each gene as a result of fertilisation.
D It will undergo cell division by mitosis during asexual reproduction.

17

[CIE, June 2013, P11, Q20]

Some chemicals, used to stop tumour growth, work by preventing the DNA double helix from
uncoiling and separating.
During which stage of the cell cycle would they act?

A anaphase

18

B interphase

C metaphase

D prophase

[CIE, June 2013, P11, Q21]

Nocodazole is a chemical used in the study of mitosis. It causes all mitotic cells to stop dividing at
metaphase.
Which statements correctly identify how this chemical might work?
1. inhibits chromatin condensing in the nucleus
2. prevents replication of the centrioles
3. stops sister chromatids migrating to opposite poles
A 1, 2 and 3

19

B 1 and 2 only

C 1 and 3 only

D 3 only

[CIE, June 2013, P12, Q19] [CIE, Nov 2008, P1, Q18]
Chromosome telomeres are essential for DNA replication and are not completely replaced during
mitosis.
A substance X is known that completely replaces telomeres during mitosis.
What will be the effect of growing cells with and without substance X?

20

with substance X

without substance X

cells divide continually

cell division eventually slows and stops

cells divide more rapidly

cells divide continually

cell division eventually slows and stops

cell division stops immediately

cell division stops immediately

cells divide continually

[CIE, June 2013, P12, Q20]

The diagram shows a cell nucleus in prophase of mitosis.

Which statement describes the chromosomes found in each daughter nucleus immediately following
division of this cell by mitosis?
A 8 chromosomes, each consisting of 4 chromatids

B 8 chromosomes, each containing 1 molecule of DNA

C 4 chromosomes, each consisting of 4 chromatids
D 16 chromosomes, each containing 1 molecule of DNA

21

[CIE, June 2013, P12, Q21]

Which features of mitosis ensure that the genetic constitution of the cell is maintained?
1.
2.
3.
4.

the position of the chromosomes on the equator of the spindle

the longitudinal division of the centromeres
the DNA of the parent cells replicates before mitosis begins
the pulling apart of the chromatids to opposite poles

A 1, 2 and 3 only

22

23

B 1, 2 and 4 only

C 2, 3 and 4 only

D 1, 2, 3 and 4

[CIE, Nov 2013, P11, Q17]

Exposure to which of the following increases the risk of developing a cancerous growth?
ultraviolet light

viruses

carbon
monoxide

[CIE, Nov 2013, P11, Q18]

The diagram shows an outline of the process of sexual reproduction.

X-rays

key
= increases
risk
= does not
increase risk

Which row identifies the type of cell division occurring during stages 1 and 2 and the number of
chromosomes in cells P and Q?

24

meiosis

meiosis

diploid

haploid

meiosis

mitosis

haploid

diploid

mitosis

meiosis

haploid

diploid

mitosis

mitosis

diploid

haploid

[CIE, Nov 2013, P12, Q17]

Which statements about cancer are correct?
1. Exposure to UV light from the sun always causes skin cancer.
2. Some viruses can cause cancer.
3. The mutation of genes controlling the cell cycle may cause cancer.
A 1, 2 and 3

25

B 1 and 2 only

C 1 and 3 only

[CIE, Nov 2013, P12, Q18]

The diagram represents the life cycle of a sexually reproducing animal.

Which row correctly identifies meiosis and mitosis?

26

meiosis

mitosis

[CIE, Nov 2012, P13, Q17]

The diagram shows part of the life cycle of the honey bee, Apis mellifera.

D 2 and 3 only

Where does mitosis occur?

A 1 only

27

B 1 and 2 only

C 1 and 3 only

D 2 and 3 only

[CIE, Nov 2012, P13, Q18]

The graph shows the change in the quantity of DNA in a cell during a reduction division (meiosis).

A cell with one pair of chromosomes (2n = 2) undergoes meiosis.

Which nucleus is formed as a result of this division? [D]

Year 2012
28

[CIE, June 2012, P11, Q17]

For organisms undergoing sexual reproduction, a reduction division occurs before fertilisation.
Which reasons explain why this is necessary?
1
2
3
A

29

1 only

increase genetic variation

prevent doubling of the chromosome number
reduce the chances of mutation
B 2 only

C 2 and 3 only

[CIE, June 2012, P11, Q18]

What occurs during metaphase of mitosis?
A chromosomes attach to the equator of the spindle
B chromosomes become shorter and thicker
C chromatids reach the poles of the spindle
D each chromosome forms two chromatids

D 1, 2 and 3

30

31

[CIE, June 2012, P11, Q19] [CIE, June 2006, P1, Q19]
What are the conditions in a human cell just before the cell enters prophase?
number of
chromatids

number of molecules
of DNA in nucleus

spindle present

nuclear envelope
present

46

46

yes

no

92

46

no

yes

46

92

yes

yes

92

92

no

yes

[CIE, June 2012, P12, Q17] [CIE, Nov 2007, P1, Q19]
Each of the following events takes place during mitosis.
1
2
3
4
5

centromeres divide
chromatids move to opposite poles of the cell
chromosomes line up along the equator of the spindle
chromosomes uncoil
two chromatids are joined by a centromere

In which order do the events take place?

first last

32

[CIE, June 2012, P12, Q18] [CIE, June 2006, P1, Q20]
The diagram shows the mitotic cell cycle.
When radioactive nucleotides are supplied to dividing cells, at which point will they be incorporated
into the chromosomes? [A]

33

[CIE, Nov 2012, P11, Q18]

Which statement is incorrect for mitotic cell division?
A DNA is replicated semi-conservatively during mitosis.
B DNA is normally unchanged from one generation of cells to the next.
C The daughter cells have the potential to produce the same enzymes as the parent cell.
D The same quantity of DNA is distributed to the nuclei of two new cells.

34

[CIE, Nov 2012, P11, Q19] [CIE, June 2005, P1, Q21]
The diagram shows the chromosomes of one cell which has been squashed during mitosis.

Which stage of mitosis is shown and what is the haploid chromosome number in this species?

35

stage of mitosis

haploid chromosome
number

anaphase

anaphase

10

metaphase

metaphase

10

[CIE, Nov 2012, P13, Q17]

Which diagram represents a cell undergoing metaphase of mitosis? [C]

36

[CIE, Nov 2012, P13, Q18]

Colchicine is a substance which inhibits the formation of spindle fibres.
At which stage is the cell cycle interrupted?
A cell division
B DNA replication
C interphase
D mitosis

Year 2011
37

[CIE, June 2011, P11, Q18]

Which is always true of cytokinesis?
1

Cell organelles replicate.

Cell organelles are divided between two cells.

Nuclear envelope reforms.

A 1, 2 and 3

38

B 1 and 3 only

C 2 only

[CIE, June 2011, P11, Q19] [CIE, Nov 2004, P1, Q21]
Which process occurs during prophase of mitosis in an animal cell?
A division of centromeres

D 3 only

B formation of chromosomes
C replication of DNA
D separation of centrioles

39

[CIE, June 2011, P11, Q20]

The diagram shows how genetically identical frogs can be developed from unfertilised frog eggs. The
diploid number (2n) for frogs is 26.

Which combination of numbers correctly identifies the number of chromosomes in each of the types
of cell in the diagram?

40

13

13

26

13

26

13

13

26

26

26

26

13

[CIE, June 2011, P12, Q18] [CIE, June 2007, P1, Q19]
The graph represents the changes in the quantity of DNA present in one nucleus at different stages in
the life cycle.

Which stage takes place at X?

A interphase

41

42

B metaphase

C prophase

[CIE, June 2011, P12, Q19]

At which stage of mitosis do these events occur?
centromeres
separate

spiralisation and
condensation of DNA

anaphase

interphase

anaphase

prophase

metaphase

interphase

metaphase

telophase

[CIE, June 2011, P12, Q20] [CIE, June 2005, P1, Q19]
During which process does mitosis occur?
A the production of antibodies from B-lymphocyte memory cells
B the production of cancerous tissue in alveoli
C the production of mucus from goblet cells
D the production of plaques in atherosclerosis

43

[CIE, Nov 2011, P11, Q6]

In general, eukaryotic cells undergo division much slower than prokaryotic cells.
What is the reason for this?
A Eukaryotes break down the nuclear membrane during mitosis.
B Eukaryotes have many more mitochondria than prokaryotes.
C Prokaryotes do not contain any centrioles.
D Prokaryotic cells are a lot smaller than eukaryotic cells.

44

[CIE, Nov 2011, P11, Q17]

D telophase

Which statement about a diploid cell is not correct?

A It can undergo a mitotic division to allow growth to occur.
B It can undergo a mitotic division to repair a cell.
C It can undergo a reduction division to form haploid cells.
D It is one that possesses two complete sets of chromosomes.

45

[CIE, Nov 2011, P11, Q19]

A gene codes for the production of a protein, p53, that binds to damaged DNA during interphase and
prevents its replication. A carcinogen in cigarette smoke mutates this gene.
Which statement explains why this mutation may cause cancer?
A Lack of p53 allows cells to undergo mitosis.
B Lack of p53 allows cells with damaged DNA to replicate.
C The carcinogen in cigarette smoke increases the rate of cell division.
D The p53 causes uncontrolled cell division.

46

[CIE, Nov 2011, P12, Q19]

The graph shows the length of the spindle fibres during mitosis.
Which region of the graph shows when the centromeres detach from the spindle fibres? [D]

47

[CIE, Nov 2011, P12, Q17]

Which statements about a diploid cell are correct?
1

can divide by mitosis to repair itself

possesses two complete sets of chromosomes

undergoes a reduction division to form haploid cells

undergoes mitotic division to allow growth to occur

A 1, 2, 3 and 4

B 1, 2 and 3 only

C 1, 2 and 4 only

D 2, 3 and 4 only

48

[CIE, Nov 2011, P12, Q18] [CIE, Nov 2011, P11, Q18]
Meiosis and mitosis are two types of cell division.
A cell has 10 chromosomes before it divides.
How many chromosomes will it have after dividing by meiosis or mitosis?
meiosis

mitosis

10

20

10

20

Year 2010
49

[CIE, June 2010, P1, Q19]

What occurs in anaphase of mitosis?
A chromatids line up on the equator of the cell
B chromatids reach the poles of the spindle
C chromatids separate and move to opposite poles
D chromatids start to coil up and become visible

50

[CIE, June 2010, P1, Q20]

The diagram shows chromosomes at metaphase of mitosis.

What are the diploid and haploid numbers for this species?
diploid

haploid

51

16

16

[CIE, Nov 2010, P12, Q16]

The cell cycle includes mitosis.
Which are features of nuclear division?
1. forms cells of equal size to the parent cell
2. forms genetically identical cells
3. semi-conservative replication of DNA
A 2 only

52

B 1 and 2 only

C 2 and 3 only

D 1, 2 and 3

[CIE, Nov 2010, P12, Q17]

In which process does mitosis not have an important role in living things?
A asexual reproduction
B growth of cells
C increase in size
D repair to damaged tissues

53

[CIE, Nov 2010, P12, Q18]

The diagram shows the chromosomes of a typical plant cell at the metaphase stage of mitosis.

Which row describes this cell during metaphase?

structures present at metaphase

diploid number (2n)

for the plant

cell wall

centriole

spindle

16

Year 2009

54

[CIE, June 2009, P1, Q18]

For organisms undergoing sexual reproduction, a reduction division occurs before fertilisation.
Which reasons explain why this is necessary?
1
2
3

increase genetic variation

prevent doubling of the chromosome number
reduce the chances of mutation

A 1 only

55

B 2 only

C 2 and 3 only

D 1, 2 and 3

[CIE, June 2009, P1, Q19] [CIE, June 2004, P1, Q20]
Colchicine is a chemical that stops chromatids from separating during mitosis.
Which phase will the cell reach and then stop dividing?
A anaphase

56

B metaphase

C prophase

D telophase

[CIE, Nov 2009, P12, Q18]

Cancer cells divide out of control, forming tumours.
Which statement describes the difference between a cancer cell and a normal cell?
A Cancer cells do not undergo cytokinesis.
B Cancer cells have a shorter interphase.
C Cancer cells do not have metaphase.
D Only cancer cells have mutated DNA.

57

[CIE, Nov 2009, P12, Q19]

Which statement describes a cell that is capable of reproduction and belonging to a haploid
organism?
A It has chromosomes that contain one polynucleotide chain.
B It is capable of carrying out a reduction division to form gametes.
C It possesses two copies of each gene as a result of fertilisation.
D It will undergo cell division by mitosis during asexual reproduction.

58

[CIE, Nov 2009, P12, Q20]

During which stage of the mitotic cell cycle is DNA replicated?
A anaphase

B interphase

Year 2008
59

[CIE, June 2008, P1, Q18]

Which are features of nuclear division by mitosis?
1
2

forms cells of equal size to the parent cell

forms genetically identical cells

C prophase

D telophase

semi-conservative replication of DNA

A 1 and 2 only

60

B 2 and 3 only

C 2 only

D 1, 2 and 3

[CIE, June 2008, P1, Q20] [CIE, Nov 2004, P1, Q19]
The graph shows three measurements obtained following metaphase of mitosis.

What measurements do the curves represent?

61

distance between
centromeres and poles of
spindle

distance between
centromeres of sister
chromatids

distance between poles of

spindle

[CIE, Nov 2008, P1, Q17] [CIE, June 2004, P1, Q21]
Which statement describes events during interphase of mitosis?
A Chromosomes start to coil, becoming shorter and fatter.
B Chromosomes line up on the equator of the spindle.
C Chromatids are pulled apart by spindle fibres.
D Chromosomes are replicated ready for the next division.

62

[CIE, Nov 2008, P1, Q19]

What is a correct description of the centrioles, nuclear envelope and spindle during mitosis in animal
cells?

phase

centrioles

nuclear envelope

spindle

anaphase

replicate

absent

present

metaphase

present

reforms

present

prophase

move apart

breaks up

forms

telophase

replicate

breaks up

breaks up

Year 2007
63

[CIE, June 2007, P1, Q17]

Which structure organises spindle formation during mitosis in animal cells?
A centriole

64

B centromere

C nucleolus

D nucleus

[CIE, June 2007, P1, Q18]

Which processes involve mitosis?
A growth, reduction division and asexual reproduction
B growth, repair and asexual reproduction
C growth, repair and semi-conservative replication
D repair, reduction division and asexual reproduction

65

[CIE, Nov 2007, P1, Q18]

Which of the following is true of cancer?
A Each mitotic division produces more than two daughter cells.
B Mitosis has stopped.
C Mitosis is uncontrolled.
D Mitosis results in cells with variable numbers of chromosomes.

Year 2006
66

[CIE, June 2006, P1, Q18]

Which cell activity must occur before prophase of mitosis can begin?
A breakdown of the nuclear envelope
B increased production of mRNA
C migration of centrioles to opposite poles
D replication of DNA

67

[CIE, Nov 2006, P1, Q17]

To which of the processes shown does mitosis make a contribution?
genetic variation

increase in cell
number

replacement of
damaged cells

Key
contributes to

68

process
does not contribute
to process

[CIE, Nov 2006, P1, Q18]

The diagram shows the chromosomes of a cell at late prophase of mitosis.

What will be the appearance of the products of this cell division as they enter prophase of their next
division? [A]

69

[CIE, Nov 2006, P1, Q19]

A diploid nucleus in a species of fruit fly has 8 chromosomes.

How many DNA molecules are present in the nucleus at the end of interphase?
A 4

B 8

C 16

D 32

Year 2005
70

[CIE, June 2005, P1, Q20]

What happens to chromosomes in prophase of mitosis?
A They are formed by replication of DNA.
B They attach to the spindle fibres.
C They divide to form chromatids.
D They shorten and become visible.

71

[CIE, Nov 2005, P1, Q18]

The following events take place in the mitotic cell cycle.
1
2
3
4

Chromosomes condense. Centrioles separate and move to opposite poles of the cell.
Chromosomes unwind. Cytokinesis occurs.
Nuclear envelope disappears. Centromeres arranged at equator of spindle.
Sister chromatids pulled towards centrioles.

What is the sequence of these events?

first last

72

[CIE, Nov 2005, P1, Q19]

The diagram shows an animal cell which is undergoing mitotic division.

Which stage of mitosis has been reached?

A anaphase

73

B metaphase

C prophase

D telophase

[CIE, Nov 2005, P1, Q20]

The diagram represents the life cycle of an animal.
At which stage in the life cycle does mitosis occur? [B]

Year 2004
74

[CIE, Nov 2004, P1, Q20]

Human cells contain 46 chromosomes.
The diagram shows a human cell in prophase of mitosis (cell 1) and the daughter cells just after
telophase (cells 2 and 3).

How many DNA molecules are there in the nucleus of cell 1 and cell 2?
cell 1

cell 2

46

23

46

46

92

23

92

46

Year 2003
75
[CIE, June 2003, P1, Q16]
What occurs in mitosis?
homologous chromosome
pair

chromosome number
remains the same

76

[CIE, June 2003, P1, Q17]

The diagram shows chromosomes in a nucleus.

What are Y and Z?

77

centromere

centriole

centromere

chromatid

chromatid

centriole

chromatid

centromere

[CIE, Nov 2003, P1, Q18]

The diagram shows a diploid cell during mitosis.

Which stage of mitosis is shown?

A anaphase

B metaphase

C prophase

D telophase