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Quizzes > Science

Cell Division Practice Test: Mitosis and Meiosis Quiz

Quick, free meiosis vs mitosis quiz. Instant results and review tips.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Erin BrownUpdated Aug 23, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
Grade: Grade 10
Study OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art depicting a trivia quiz about cell division for high school biology students.

This quiz helps you check how cell division works, from mitosis to meiosis, and find gaps to review. Answer 20 short questions and get instant results. Keep learning with the mitosis stages quiz, try a focused meiosis practice test, or review the bigger picture in a cell cycle quiz.

What is the main purpose of mitosis?
To produce gametes for sexual reproduction
To produce genetically identical daughter cells
To repair damaged DNA only
To increase genetic diversity
Mitosis is a process of cell division that produces two genetically identical daughter cells, which is essential for growth and repair. It does not generate gametes or enhance genetic diversity.
Which process results in four haploid cells?
Budding
Binary fission
Mitosis
Meiosis
Meiosis results in four haploid cells, each having half the number of chromosomes as the parent cell. In contrast, mitosis produces two diploid daughter cells.
During which phase do sister chromatids separate in mitosis?
Prophase
Anaphase
Telophase
Metaphase
Anaphase is the stage in mitosis where the sister chromatids are pulled apart to opposite ends of the cell. This ensures that each daughter cell receives an identical set of chromosomes.
What is the first phase of meiosis?
Prophase II
Metaphase I
Prophase I
Telophase I
The first phase of meiosis is Prophase I, where homologous chromosomes pair up and undergo crossing over. This phase initiates the process of reducing the chromosome number by half.
Which of the following is NOT a phase of mitosis?
Interphase
Telophase
Metaphase
Prophase
Interphase is the period of cell growth and DNA replication that occurs before mitosis begins. The actual phases of mitosis are prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.
What key event distinguishes meiosis from mitosis?
Crossing over between homologous chromosomes
Cell growth
Binary fission
Cytokinesis
Meiosis uniquely includes crossing over during Prophase I, where homologous chromosomes exchange segments of DNA. This event increases genetic variability, a feature not present in mitosis.
In which phase of meiosis does homologous chromosome pairing occur?
Anaphase II
Telophase I
Metaphase I
Prophase I
Homologous chromosomes pair up during Prophase I, a process that is essential for crossing over and subsequent recombination. This pairing is key to ensuring genetic diversity in the resulting gametes.
How many rounds of cell division occur in meiosis?
Four
Three
One
Two
Meiosis consists of two rounds of cell division: Meiosis I and Meiosis II. This results in four daughter cells, each with half the number of chromosomes compared to the original cell.
Which of the following best describes the outcome of mitosis?
Four diploid daughter cells
Two haploid daughter cells
Four haploid daughter cells
Two diploid daughter cells
Mitosis results in the formation of two genetically identical diploid daughter cells. This process is crucial for growth, development, and repair, unlike meiosis which produces haploid cells.
During which phase does the nuclear envelope re-form in mitosis?
Telophase
Prophase
Metaphase
Anaphase
In telophase, the nuclear envelope re-forms around each set of separated chromosomes. This reformation marks the final stage in mitosis before cytokinesis completes cell division.
What is the result of crossing over during meiosis?
Increased genetic variation
Reduction in cell size
Production of identical cells
Formation of extra chromosomes
Crossing over involves the exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes during Prophase I of meiosis. This process increases genetic variation among the gametes formed.
Which structure aligns chromosomes during metaphase of mitosis?
Mitotic spindle
Cytokinetic furrow
Metaphase plate
Centromere
The metaphase plate is the imaginary plane in the cell where chromosomes align during metaphase. This proper alignment is crucial for the equal distribution of chromosomes during cell division.
What distinguishes metaphase I of meiosis from metaphase of mitosis?
Individual chromosomes line up randomly
The nuclear envelope reforms during alignment
Sister chromatids separate during alignment
Homologous chromosome pairs line up together
In metaphase I of meiosis, homologous chromosomes pair and align together along the metaphase plate. This is different from mitosis where individual chromosomes align in a single row, setting the stage for the separation of sister chromatids.
During cytokinesis in animal cells, what structure is responsible for pinching the cell into two?
Contractile ring
Centrosome
Cell wall
Mitotic spindle
Animal cells utilize a contractile ring composed of actin and myosin to pinch the cell membrane inward during cytokinesis. This process divides the cell into two distinct daughter cells.
How does meiosis contribute to genetic diversity in offspring?
By producing identical daughter cells
By replicating DNA multiple times
By increasing cell size
By producing gametes with varied genetic combinations
Meiosis increases genetic diversity through independent assortment and crossing over, which generate gametes with unique combinations of genes. This genetic variability is essential for the adaptation and evolution of species.
During Prophase I of meiosis, homologous chromosomes undergo a process known as synapsis. What is the significance of synapsis in meiosis?
It doubles the genetic material in the cell.
It ensures that chromosomes separate without any exchange.
It prevents the cell from entering meiosis II.
It facilitates crossing over and genetic recombination.
Synapsis allows homologous chromosomes to pair closely, enabling the exchange of genetic segments during crossing over. This recombination is crucial for creating new gene combinations, thereby increasing genetic diversity.
In the context of cancer, why is uncontrolled mitosis a concern?
It results in the production of gametes.
It improves tissue repair.
It causes cells to differentiate normally.
It leads to the formation of tumors due to rapid and unchecked cell division.
Uncontrolled mitosis can lead to the rapid proliferation of cells, resulting in tumors and potential metastasis. This unchecked cell division disrupts normal tissue function and is a hallmark of cancer.
During meiosis, a phenomenon called nondisjunction can occur. What is the primary consequence of nondisjunction?
It increases the rate of crossing over.
It results in gametes with abnormal numbers of chromosomes.
It ensures equal chromosome distribution.
It enhances genetic diversity.
Nondisjunction leads to the improper separation of chromosomes during meiosis, resulting in gametes with either extra or missing chromosomes. This imbalance can cause genetic disorders and affect organism development.
Which mechanism during meiosis is responsible for the independent assortment of chromosomes?
Cytokinesis in meiosis II
Random orientation of homologous pairs during metaphase I
Synapsis during prophase I
Fusion of gametes
Independent assortment occurs due to the random orientation of homologous chromosome pairs along the metaphase plate in meiosis I. This process generates a variety of genetic combinations in the gametes, boosting genetic diversity.
How do errors in mitosis, such as the failure of cytokinesis, affect cell function?
They always result in increased genetic diversity.
They ensure perfect cell division by compensating for DNA damage.
They can lead to cells with abnormal numbers of organelles or nuclei, potentially disrupting cell function.
They cause rapid cell death immediately.
Failure of cytokinesis can result in the formation of binucleated or multinucleated cells, which may have imbalanced cellular structures. This abnormality can impair cell function and may contribute to various diseases.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify and describe the sequential phases of mitosis and meiosis.
  2. Differentiate between the key functions and outcomes of mitosis versus meiosis.
  3. Interpret cell division diagrams to pinpoint crucial regulatory points.
  4. Analyze the impact of cell division on genetic variation and cellular growth.
  5. Apply knowledge of cell division to explain the consequences of division errors.

Test on Mitosis & Meiosis Cheat Sheet

  1. Phases of Mitosis - Dive into prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase to see how chromosomes condense, align, split, and re-form new nuclei. Mastering these four acts of the cellular "dance-off" guarantees your understanding of accurate cell division.
  2. Stages of Meiosis - Explore the two-round adventure of prophase I & II, metaphase I & II, anaphase I & II, and telophase I & II that turns one cell into four unique haploids. This genetic roller-coaster fuels diversity and is key to sexual reproduction.
  3. Mitosis vs. Meiosis - Compare the single, identical outcome of mitosis to the two-division, diversity-boosting outcome of meiosis. Knowing which process your cells are using helps unravel everything from growth to heredity.
  4. Crossing Over - Watch homologous chromosomes swap genetic "cards" during prophase I, creating fresh DNA combos and upping your genetic variety score. This critical exchange happens like a molecular match-maker at the chromosome ball.
  5. Cell Cycle Fundamentals - Break down interphase (where cells grow and replicate DNA) and the M phase (where division happens) to see how cells prep and punch out baby cells. A solid grip on these steps is your ticket to cellular mastery.
  6. Diploid vs. Haploid - Remember that diploid (2n) cells carry two chromosome sets and haploid (n) cells carry one - essential info for understanding fertilization and genetic outcomes. It's like comparing a full deck of cards to half a deck before dealing hands.
  7. Spindle Fibers - These protein ropes pull sister chromatids apart, ensuring each daughter cell gets the right genetic luggage. Think of them as the ultimate tug-of-war champions in cell division.
  8. Cytokinesis - Discover how the cell's cytoplasm pinches in half at the end of division, finalizing two brand-new cells ready for action. It's the grand finale that seals the deal on cell replication.
  9. Homologous Chromosomes - Learn how maternal and paternal chromosome pairs find each other and pair up for meiosis, ensuring genetic shuffling during crossing over. They're the dynamic duos behind inheritance.
  10. Genetic Variation - Appreciate how meiosis-driven recombination and independent assortment generate the diversity that fuels evolution and adaptation. Every gamete is a unique genetic cocktail!
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