GRE Subject Test: Biochemistry, Cell, and Molecular Biology : Cellular Division

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Subject Test: Biochemistry, Cell, and Molecular Biology

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Cellular Division

During which phase of the cell cycle are cells considered quiescent?

Possible Answers:

Any portion of interphase

G0 phase

G2 phase

G1 phase

Correct answer:

G0 phase

Explanation:

The cell cycle is divided into several phases, with checkpoints that control transitions between phases of the cell cycle. The G1 checkpoint (restriction checkpoint) is the first of these barriers, and requires adequate quantities of the cyclin protein in order for the cell to continue maturing in preparation for division. When a cell fails to express cyclin, the cell reverts to an inactive quiescent state and stops preparations for division. This state is known as the G0 phase. The G0 phase can be overcome if cyclin is reintroduced to the cell environment.

The G1 and G2 phases are involved in protein production and organelle replication. DNA replication occurs during the S phase, between G1 and G2. The cell enters the M phase, mitosis, after passing a checkpoint that follows the G2 phase. G0, G1, S, and G2 phases are all considered part of interphase.

Example Question #44 : Cellular Processes

What is the primary purpose of the S phase of the cell cycle?

Possible Answers:

DNA replication

Organelle replication

Cell division

Cell growth

Correct answer:

DNA replication

Explanation:

Interphase is composed of three subphases: G1, S, and G2. While the two G phases are dedicated to cellular growth and organelle replication, the S phase is used to replicate the genetic material of the cell.

Example Question #1 : Cellular Division

In the cell cycle, what is primarily responsible for cell cycle progression from G2 to M phase and is also referred to as the maturation promoting factor when in complex with cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (Cdk1)?

Possible Answers:

Cyclin B

Cyclin A

None of these

Cyclin E

Cyclin D

Correct answer:

Cyclin B

Explanation:

The correct answer is cyclin B. Cyclin B concentration in the cell spikes at the transition from G2 phase to mitosis/meiosis. Cyclin E controls pre-replication complex assembly which makes chromatin replicable during G1 to S phase. Cyclin A then replaces cyclin E in the nucleus, promoting DNA replication. Cyclin D is also important in driving G1/S phase transition and is sustained in proliferating cells the longest of the cyclins. 

Example Question #2 : Cellular Division

Which cyclin remains consistently expressed starting in G1 phase through mitosis to regulate cell cycle progression? 

Possible Answers:

Cyclin B 

Cyclin F

Cyclin D

Cyclin E

Cyclin A 

Correct answer:

Cyclin D

Explanation:

The correct answer is Cyclin D. This cyclin is expressed throughout the cell cycle, however, it directly regulates the transition from G1 to S phase. Cyclin A is also involved in the G1 to S phase transition and is expressed into the G2 phase. Cyclin E is expressed during the transition from G1 to S phase. Cyclin B is expressed during the transition from G2 to mitosis and regulates this progression. There is no Cyclin F in the cell cycle.

Example Question #3 : Cellular Division

The expression of which of the following protein classes is normally associated with G1 phase of the cell cycle?

I. Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs)

II. Caspases

III. Nucleic acid polymerases

Possible Answers:

I only

III only

II only

I and II

II and III

Correct answer:

I only

Explanation:

The two main protein types that are crucial to cell cycle regulation are cyclins and CDKs (cyclin-dependent kinases). CDKs are expressed at relatively stable levels at all phases of the cell cycle. Their regulatory partners are cyclins which, as the name suggests, are expressed only when they are needed to help activate a specific CDK and progress the cell to a new phase of the cell cycle. All of the choices are CDKs, and should be expressed during G1 of the cell cycle. Caspases are proteins that are involved in apoptosis. Nucleic acid polymerases would be expected to have elevated activity during S phase of interphase during which DNA is duplicated. 

Example Question #53 : Cellular Processes

During mitosis, what proteins are involved in the formation of the contractile ring?

Possible Answers:

Kinetochore microtubules and kinesin

Actin and dyenin

Actin and myosin-2

Polar microtubules and dyenin

Correct answer:

Actin and myosin-2

Explanation:

The contractile ring is made up of actin and myosin-2 and is used to initiate cytokinesis. Polar and kinetochore microtubules have important functions during earlier stages of mitosis. Polar microtubules interact within the cytoplasm during metaphase and anaphase, while kinectochore microtubules directly attach to chromosome centromeres to facilitate separation. Dyenin is a motor protein that interacts with microtubules to aid in protein transport.

Example Question #7 : Cellular Division

Which phase of mitosis is characterized by the alignment of sister chromatids at the center of the cell?

Possible Answers:

Telophase

Metaphase

Prophase

Anaphase

Correct answer:

Metaphase

Explanation:

During mitosis, sister chromatids will line up in the center of the cell so that they may be pulled to opposite ends by the spindle fibers. This lining up takes place in the second phase of mitosis: metaphase.

Example Question #1 : Cellular Division

Blocking which of the following processes is likely to directly interfere with cyclins' role to regulate the cell cycle?

Possible Answers:

Replication

Microtubule formation

Ubiquitination

Endocytosis

Correct answer:

Ubiquitination

Explanation:

Cyclin proteins fluctuate in level during the different stages of the cell cycle (except for Cyclin D). For example, Cyclin E regulates the entry into S phase. The expression of the cyclin E gene increases, which leads to higher Cyclin E protein levels in the cell. After the cell passes S phase, Cyclin E protein is actively destroyed by ubiquitination. 

When Cyclins are bound to Cdks, they can regulate the activity of proteins that regulate processes like replication and microtubule formation; however, of the cellular processes listed, blocking ubiquitination would be the only process that would directly interfere with cyclins' role to regulate the cell cycle as cyclin proteins need to be destroyed at the correct time to allow the cell cycle to progress.

Example Question #2 : Cellular Division

What proteins do cyclins regulate and how do these proteins carry out their catalytic activities during cell cycle progression?

Possible Answers:

Cyclins regulate cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs). CDKs phosphorylate their substrates to effect activity.

Cyclins regulate cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors (CKIs). CKIs phosphorylate their substrates to effect activity.

Cyclins regulate cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs). CDKs dephosphorylate their substrates to effect activity.

Cyclins regulate cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors (CKIs). CKIs dephosphorylate their substrates to effect activity.

Cyclins do not play a role in cell cycle progression

Correct answer:

Cyclins regulate cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs). CDKs phosphorylate their substrates to effect activity.

Explanation:

Kinases are proteins that phosphorylate their substrates, often activating these substrates. In the context of cell cycle progression, cyclins interact with cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) and activate the CDK kinase domain to phosphorylate substrates and promote cell cycle progression. CDK inhibitors interact with CDKs to inhibit the CDK kinase domain from phosphorylating substrates. 

Example Question #123 : Cell Biology

During what stage of cellular mitosis do the microtubules attach to the centromeres to eventually align the chromosomes?

Possible Answers:

Telophase

Prometaphase

Prophase

Anaphase

Interphase

Correct answer:

Prometaphase

Explanation:

The correct answer is prometaphase, in which the nuclear membrane dissolves and the microtubules attach to the centromeres. Interphase occurs before mitosis begins, and includes S phase, where the chromosomes are duplicated. In anaphase, the chromosome duplicates are separated by the microtubules. In telophase, cell division begins with the newly separated chromosome copies.

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