in what way does spindle fiber dynamics and microtubule attachment regulate cell cycle checkpoints

ATI TEAS 7

TEAS 7 science practice questions

1. How do spindle fiber dynamics and microtubule attachment regulate cell cycle checkpoints?

A. Misaligned chromosomes fail to attach to microtubules, triggering a delay in anaphase onset.
B. The presence of unattached kinetochores on the centromeres sends a signal to pause cell cycle progression.
C. Microtubule instability and rapid depolymerization lead to the activation of checkpoint proteins.
D. All of the above.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A) Misaligned chromosomes fail to attach to microtubules, triggering a delay in anaphase onset: Proper attachment of chromosomes to spindle fibers is essential for accurate segregation of genetic material during cell division. Misaligned chromosomes that fail to attach to microtubules can lead to delays in anaphase onset, allowing the cell to correct errors before proceeding with division. B) The presence of unattached kinetochores on the centromeres sends a signal to pause cell cycle progression: Kinetochores at the centromeres help attach chromosomes to spindle fibers. When kinetochores are unattached or improperly attached to microtubules, they signal the cell to pause cell cycle progression, ensuring proper chromosome alignment before division. C) Microtubule instability and rapid depolymerization lead to the activation of checkpoint proteins: While microtubule dynamics are crucial for cell division, microtubule instability and rapid depolymerization can disrupt chromosome attachment. However, this mechanism is not directly related to the activation of cell cycle checkpoint proteins, making this statement incorrect. Therefore, choices A and B accurately describe how spindle fiber dynamics and microtubule attachment regulate cell cycle checkpoints, making option D the correct answer.

2. What is the primary function of DNA polymerase?

A. Packaging DNA
B. Replicating DNA
C. Transcribing DNA
D. Translating mRNA

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Replicating DNA. DNA polymerase is an enzyme responsible for synthesizing new DNA strands during DNA replication. It adds nucleotides to the growing DNA strand based on the template provided by the existing DNA strand. This process ensures that genetic information is accurately copied and passed on to daughter cells during cell division. Option A, Packaging DNA, refers to the coiling and organization of DNA into chromatin, a process involving histones and other proteins. Option C, Transcribing DNA, involves the synthesis of RNA from a DNA template, a process carried out by RNA polymerase. Option D, Translating mRNA, refers to the process of protein synthesis where the information encoded in mRNA is used to assemble amino acids into a polypeptide chain.

3. What are the four main types of macromolecules that are essential for life?

A. Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids
B. Carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and vitamins
C. Minerals, vitamins, proteins, and fats
D. Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and hormones

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. These four types of macromolecules are essential for life as they serve crucial roles in various cellular processes. Carbohydrates are the primary energy source for cells and provide structural support. Lipids function as energy storage molecules and are essential components of cell membranes. Proteins have diverse functions in cellular processes, acting as enzymes, structural components, and more. Nucleic acids, like DNA and RNA, carry genetic information and are crucial for protein synthesis. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they include elements like fats, vitamins, minerals, and hormones, which are not the main types of macromolecules essential for life.

4. To which of the following bone types do the spine and hips belong?

A. Curved bones
B. Irregular bones
C. Flat bones
D. Long bones

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Irregular bones. The spine and hips belong to the category of irregular bones. Irregular bones have complex shapes that do not fit into other bone type categories. These bones serve functions such as support and protection, and their shapes vary depending on their specific roles in the body. Choice A, curved bones, is incorrect because bones like ribs are typically described as curved, not the spine and hips. Choice C, flat bones, is incorrect as flat bones include the skull and ribs, but not the spine and hips. Choice D, long bones, is also incorrect because long bones include bones like the femur and humerus, which are elongated with a shaft and distinct ends, unlike the spine and hips.

5. The control center of the cell, containing genetic information (DNA), is the:

A. Golgi apparatus
B. Ribosome
C. Nucleus
D. Endoplasmic reticulum

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, the nucleus. The nucleus is the control center of the cell and houses the genetic information in the form of DNA. The Golgi apparatus (choice A) is responsible for packaging and processing proteins, the ribosome (choice B) is involved in protein synthesis, and the endoplasmic reticulum (choice D) is involved in protein and lipid synthesis. Therefore, choices A, B, and D are not the correct answers as they do not house the genetic information or serve as the control center of the cell.