Chapter 10: Cell Cycle and Cell Division – MCQs with Answers & Explanations
CBSE Class 11 Biology MCQs – Cell Cycle and Cell Division (Chapter 10 | NCERT)
Course & Examination Details (Systematic Format)
Course: CBSE Class 11 Biology
Unit: III – Cell Structure and Function
Chapter: 10 – Cell Cycle and Cell Division
Based on: NCERT Textbook
Examination: CBSE Board Examination (Class XI)
Assessment Focus: Flowcharts, stage identification, mitosis vs meiosis, conceptual clarity
Section A: Cell Cycle and Its Phases (MCQs 1–12)
Q1. The cell cycle is best described as:
A. Division of nucleus only
B. Growth of cytoplasm only
C. Sequence of growth and division events
D. Formation of gametes
Answer: C
Explanation:
The cell cycle includes growth, DNA replication, and division, ensuring continuity of life.
Q2. Which phase occupies the maximum duration of the cell cycle?
A. M phase
B. G₁ phase
C. Interphase
D. Cytokinesis
Answer: C
Explanation:
Interphase is the longest phase where the cell grows and prepares for division.
Q3. DNA replication occurs during:
A. G₁ phase
B. G₂ phase
C. S phase
D. M phase
Answer: C
Explanation:
The S (synthesis) phase is dedicated to DNA replication.
Q4. During S phase, the chromosome number:
A. Doubles
B. Reduces to half
C. Remains unchanged
D. Becomes haploid
Answer: C
Explanation:
DNA content doubles, but chromosome number remains constant.
Q5. The G₀ phase represents:
A. DNA synthesis
B. Cell division
C. Temporary or permanent arrest of division
D. Spindle formation
Answer: C
Explanation:
Cells in G₀ phase stop dividing but remain metabolically active.
Q6. Which phase prepares the cell directly for mitosis?
A. G₁
B. S
C. G₂
D. G₀
Answer: C
Explanation:
G₂ phase involves synthesis of spindle proteins and final preparations.
Q7. Checkpoints in the cell cycle are meant for:
A. Speeding up division
B. Preventing DNA synthesis
C. Error detection and control
D. Cell differentiation
Answer: C
Explanation:
Checkpoints ensure proper progression and genetic stability.
Q8. Which checkpoint ensures DNA replication is complete?
A. G₁ checkpoint
B. G₂ checkpoint
C. Metaphase checkpoint
D. Cytokinesis checkpoint
Answer: B
Explanation:
G₂ checkpoint verifies accurate DNA replication.
Q9. Cytokinesis refers to:
A. Nuclear division
B. Chromosome condensation
C. Cytoplasmic division
D. DNA replication
Answer: C
Explanation:
Cytokinesis divides the cytoplasm to form separate daughter cells.
Q10. In plant cells, cytokinesis occurs by:
A. Cleavage furrow
B. Cell plate formation
C. Spindle contraction
D. Apoptosis
Answer: B
Explanation:
Rigid cell wall necessitates cell plate formation.
Q11. Regulation of the cell cycle is essential to prevent:
A. Growth
B. Repair
C. Cancer
D. Metabolism
Answer: C
Explanation:
Uncontrolled division can lead to cancer.
Q12. Which phase is also called the mitotic phase?
A. Interphase
B. S phase
C. G₂ phase
D. M phase
Answer: D
Explanation:
M phase includes mitosis and cytokinesis.
Section B: Mitosis (MCQs 13–26)
Q13. Mitosis is also known as:
A. Reductional division
B. Meiotic division
C. Equational division
D. Gametogenesis
Answer: C
Explanation:
Chromosome number remains unchanged after mitosis.
Q14. Mitosis occurs in:
A. Germ cells
B. Somatic cells
C. Gametes
D. Zygotes only
Answer: B
Explanation:
Somatic cells divide by mitosis for growth and repair.
Q15. The correct sequence of mitotic stages is:
A. Metaphase → Prophase → Anaphase → Telophase
B. Prophase → Metaphase → Anaphase → Telophase
C. Prophase → Anaphase → Metaphase → Telophase
D. Anaphase → Metaphase → Prophase → Telophase
Answer: B
Explanation:
PMAT is the correct mitotic sequence.
Q16. Chromosomes become visible for the first time during:
A. Metaphase
B. Prophase
C. Anaphase
D. Telophase
Answer: B
Explanation:
Chromatin condenses into chromosomes in prophase.
Q17. Nuclear membrane disappears during:
A. Telophase
B. Anaphase
C. Prophase
D. Metaphase
Answer: C
Q18. Chromosomes align at the equatorial plane during:
A. Prophase
B. Metaphase
C. Anaphase
D. Telophase
Answer: B
Q19. The metaphase plate refers to:
A. Cell wall
B. Centromere
C. Equatorial plane
D. Spindle pole
Answer: C
Q20. Centromere division occurs during:
A. Prophase
B. Metaphase
C. Anaphase
D. Telophase
Answer: C
Q21. Sister chromatids move toward opposite poles in:
A. Metaphase
B. Prophase
C. Anaphase
D. Telophase
Answer: C
Q22. Nuclear membrane reappears during:
A. Prophase
B. Metaphase
C. Anaphase
D. Telophase
Answer: D
Q23. Karyotyping is best done during:
A. Prophase
B. Metaphase
C. Anaphase
D. Telophase
Answer: B
Q24. Mitosis is important for:
A. Variation
B. Gamete formation
C. Growth and repair
D. Reduction of chromosomes
Answer: C
Q25. How many daughter cells are formed after mitosis?
A. One
B. Two
C. Three
D. Four
Answer: B
Q26. Daughter cells formed after mitosis are:
A. Haploid and different
B. Haploid and identical
C. Diploid and identical
D. Diploid and different
Answer: C
Section C: Meiosis (MCQs 27–40)
Q27. Meiosis occurs in:
A. Somatic cells
B. Germ cells
C. Liver cells
D. Nerve cells
Answer: B
Q28. Meiosis consists of:
A. One division
B. Two divisions
C. Three divisions
D. Four divisions
Answer: B
Q29. Reduction of chromosome number occurs during:
A. Meiosis I
B. Meiosis II
C. Mitosis
D. Cytokinesis
Answer: A
Q30. Homologous chromosomes pair during:
A. Leptotene
B. Zygotene
C. Pachytene
D. Diplotene
Answer: B
Q31. Crossing over occurs during:
A. Leptotene
B. Zygotene
C. Pachytene
D. Diakinesis
Answer: C
Q32. Chiasmata are visible during:
A. Pachytene
B. Zygotene
C. Diplotene
D. Anaphase I
Answer: C
Q33. Separation of homologous chromosomes occurs in:
A. Anaphase I
B. Anaphase II
C. Metaphase I
D. Telophase II
Answer: A
Q34. Separation of sister chromatids occurs in:
A. Anaphase I
B. Anaphase II
C. Metaphase I
D. Prophase II
Answer: B
Q35. Meiosis II is similar to:
A. Meiosis I
B. Cytokinesis
C. Mitosis
D. DNA replication
Answer: C
Q36. Number of daughter cells formed after meiosis is:
A. Two
B. Three
C. Four
D. Eight
Answer: C
Q37. Daughter cells after meiosis are:
A. Diploid and identical
B. Diploid and different
C. Haploid and identical
D. Haploid and different
Answer: D
Q38. Genetic variation arises during meiosis due to:
A. DNA replication
B. Cytokinesis
C. Crossing over and assortment
D. Mitosis
Answer: C
Q39. Independent assortment occurs during:
A. Prophase I
B. Metaphase I
C. Anaphase I
D. Telophase I
Answer: B
Q40. Meiosis is essential for:
A. Growth
B. Tissue repair
C. Sexual reproduction
D. Asexual reproduction
Answer: C
Section D: Significance of Cell Division (MCQs 41–50)
Q41. Which division maintains chromosome number?
A. Meiosis
B. Amitosis
C. Mitosis
D. Binary fission
Answer: C
Q42. Which division introduces variation?
A. Mitosis
B. Meiosis
C. Cytokinesis
D. Interphase
Answer: B
Q43. Wound healing occurs due to:
A. Meiosis
B. Mitosis
C. Apoptosis
D. Differentiation
Answer: B
Q44. Evolution is promoted by:
A. Mitosis
B. Cytokinesis
C. Meiosis
D. G₁ phase
Answer: C
Q45. Which process ensures genetic continuity?
A. Cell growth
B. DNA replication
C. Cell differentiation
D. Metabolism
Answer: B
Q46. Which phase shows maximum chromosome condensation?
A. Prophase
B. Metaphase
C. Anaphase
D. Telophase
Answer: B
Q47. Which structure attaches chromosomes to spindle fibers?
A. Centriole
B. Chromatin
C. Kinetochore
D. Nucleolus
Answer: C
Q48. Which process prevents chromosome number doubling in sexual life cycles?
A. Mitosis
B. Meiosis
C. Cytokinesis
D. Interphase
Answer: B
Q49. Cell division is least active in:
A. Embryonic cells
B. Meristematic tissue
C. Nerve cells
D. Skin cells
Answer: C
Q50. The ultimate purpose of cell division is:
A. Protein synthesis
B. Energy production
C. Continuity of life
D. Cell enlargement
Answer: C
✅ Academic Relevance
✔ Strictly aligned with NCERT Class 11 Biology
✔ Ideal for CBSE MCQ & competency-based questions
✔ Strong focus on stage identification, logic, and comparison
🎯 Targeting Exams (Yoast Content Section)
-
CBSE Class 11 Biology School Examinations
-
CBSE Unit Tests & Periodic Assessments
-
CBSE Annual Examination (Class XI)
-
NEET Foundation / Medical Entrance Exam Basics
-
Olympiad Foundation (Biology – Cell Biology Unit)
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