Memo: Short & Essay Questions Cytogenetics,
Mitosis, and Meiosis
Short Questions - Answers:
1. What is cytogenetics?
Cytogenetics is the study of chromosomes and their inheritance, focusing on chromosome
number and structure and their role in genetic diseases and diagnostics.
2. Differentiate between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
Prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles; DNA is circular and located in
the nucleoid (e.g., bacteria). Eukaryotic cells have a membrane-bound nucleus, linear
chromosomes, and organelles such as mitochondria and Golgi apparatus (e.g., animals, plants).
3. Name the two main phases of the cell cycle.
Interphase (cell growth and DNA replication) and the Mitotic (M) phase (mitosis followed by
cytokinesis).
4. State one major function of mitosis in organisms.
Mitosis produces genetically identical daughter cells for growth, tissue repair, and asexual
reproduction in some organisms.
5. What is the significance of meiosis in sexual reproduction?
Meiosis produces haploid gametes and introduces genetic variation through crossing over and
independent assortment, ensuring genetic diversity in offspring.
6. Define haploid and diploid cells with examples.
Diploid (2n) cells contain two sets of chromosomes (e.g., human somatic cells, 46
chromosomes). Haploid (n) cells contain one set (e.g., human gametes, 23 chromosomes).
7. List any two organelles found in eukaryotic cells.
Examples: Mitochondria and Golgi apparatus (also valid: endoplasmic reticulum, lysosomes,
nucleus).
8. At which stage of mitosis do chromosomes align at the equator?
Metaphase.
9. What does 'crossing over' mean in meiosis?
Crossing over is the exchange of homologous chromosome segments during prophase I of
meiosis, producing new allele combinations on chromosomes.
10. Who is regarded as the father of genetics?
Gregor Mendel.
Essay Question - Suggested Answer & Marking Guide:
Question: Discuss the differences between mitosis and meiosis in terms of process, outcomes,
and biological significance. Provide diagrams if necessary.
Model Answer (concise):
Mitosis is a single division event that produces two genetically identical diploid daughter cells from a
diploid parent cell. It includes stages: prophase, prometaphase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase,
and cytokinesis. Chromosomes are duplicated during interphase and sister chromatids separate
during anaphase. Biological roles: growth, tissue repair, and asexual reproduction.
Mitosis, and Meiosis
Short Questions - Answers:
1. What is cytogenetics?
Cytogenetics is the study of chromosomes and their inheritance, focusing on chromosome
number and structure and their role in genetic diseases and diagnostics.
2. Differentiate between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
Prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles; DNA is circular and located in
the nucleoid (e.g., bacteria). Eukaryotic cells have a membrane-bound nucleus, linear
chromosomes, and organelles such as mitochondria and Golgi apparatus (e.g., animals, plants).
3. Name the two main phases of the cell cycle.
Interphase (cell growth and DNA replication) and the Mitotic (M) phase (mitosis followed by
cytokinesis).
4. State one major function of mitosis in organisms.
Mitosis produces genetically identical daughter cells for growth, tissue repair, and asexual
reproduction in some organisms.
5. What is the significance of meiosis in sexual reproduction?
Meiosis produces haploid gametes and introduces genetic variation through crossing over and
independent assortment, ensuring genetic diversity in offspring.
6. Define haploid and diploid cells with examples.
Diploid (2n) cells contain two sets of chromosomes (e.g., human somatic cells, 46
chromosomes). Haploid (n) cells contain one set (e.g., human gametes, 23 chromosomes).
7. List any two organelles found in eukaryotic cells.
Examples: Mitochondria and Golgi apparatus (also valid: endoplasmic reticulum, lysosomes,
nucleus).
8. At which stage of mitosis do chromosomes align at the equator?
Metaphase.
9. What does 'crossing over' mean in meiosis?
Crossing over is the exchange of homologous chromosome segments during prophase I of
meiosis, producing new allele combinations on chromosomes.
10. Who is regarded as the father of genetics?
Gregor Mendel.
Essay Question - Suggested Answer & Marking Guide:
Question: Discuss the differences between mitosis and meiosis in terms of process, outcomes,
and biological significance. Provide diagrams if necessary.
Model Answer (concise):
Mitosis is a single division event that produces two genetically identical diploid daughter cells from a
diploid parent cell. It includes stages: prophase, prometaphase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase,
and cytokinesis. Chromosomes are duplicated during interphase and sister chromatids separate
during anaphase. Biological roles: growth, tissue repair, and asexual reproduction.
