SAT II Biology E : Cell Cycle

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for SAT II Biology E

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Cell Cycle

During the eukaryotic cell cycle, what is the function of the G2 checkpoint?

Possible Answers:

Ensures that the cell has matured to a sufficient state before beginning synthesis.

Initiates the cell division process if conditions are favorable.

Prevents cells from undergoing mitosis until all chromosomes have completely replicated and any DNA damage has been repaired.

Prevents sister chromatids from separating before each chromatid is secured to a spindle microtubule.

Ensures that each daughter cell has received the correct number of chromatids after cell division.

Correct answer:

Prevents cells from undergoing mitosis until all chromosomes have completely replicated and any DNA damage has been repaired.

Explanation:

The G2 checkpoint of cell division prevents the cell from entering the mitotic or dividing phase until all chromosomes have accurately been replicated. Other answers: "Prevents sister chromatids from separating before each chromatid is secured to a spindle microtubule" refers to the spindle or M checkpoint. "Initiates the cell division process if conditions are favorable" and "Ensures that the cell has matured to a sufficient state before beginning synthesis" refer to functions of the restrictive or G1 checkpoint. "Ensures that each daughter cell has received the correct number of chromatids after cell division" is incorrect since there is no checkpoint in cell division to error check the results of mitosis.

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