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3.2.2 All cells arise from other cells

AQA A-level Biology 3.2.2 practice on All cells arise from other cells, with free MCQs, clues and worked explanations drawn from the Cells section of specification 7402.

Specification route
3.2.2
Question bank
23 questions
Course stage
AS / Year 12

Sample questions

QUESTION 1 · 3.2.2 · LEVEL 1

During which specific stage of the cell cycle does DNA replication occur?

  • Interphase
  • Prophase
  • Metaphase
  • Cytokinesis
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This phase happens before mitosis begins.

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Answer: Interphase

DNA replication occurs during the interphase of the cell cycle.

QUESTION 2 · 3.2.2 · LEVEL 2

What is the function of spindle fibres during mitosis?

  • They attach to centromeres to separate the chromatids.
  • They condense the chromatin into visible chromosomes.
  • They replicate the circular DNA during binary fission.
  • They divide the cytoplasm during cytokinesis.
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These fibres pull the genetic material to opposite poles of the cell.

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Answer: They attach to centromeres to separate the chromatids.

The role of spindle fibres attached to centromeres is the separation of chromatids.

QUESTION 3 · 3.2.2 · LEVEL 3

When a prokaryotic cell divides by binary fission, what describes the genetic content of the resulting daughter cells?

  • Each has a single copy of the circular DNA and a variable number of copies of plasmids.
  • Each has identical copies of both the circular DNA and plasmids.
  • One cell receives the circular DNA, while the other receives the plasmids.
  • Each has a protein-bound linear DNA copy and no plasmids.
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Plasmids are distributed randomly during cytoplasmic division.

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Answer: Each has a single copy of the circular DNA and a variable number of copies of plasmids.

Division of the cytoplasm produces two daughter cells, each with a single copy of the circular DNA and a variable number of copies of plasmids.

QUESTION 4 · 3.2.2 · LEVEL 2

How do viruses replicate?

  • Following the injection of their nucleic acid, the infected host cell replicates the virus particles.
  • They undergo binary fission in the host's bloodstream.
  • They replicate their DNA during interphase and divide via mitosis.
  • They use their own ribosomes to synthesize capsids and self-assemble.
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Viruses are non-living and lack their own replication machinery.

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Answer: Following the injection of their nucleic acid, the infected host cell replicates the virus particles.

Being non-living, viruses do not undergo cell division. Following injection of their nucleic acid, the infected host cell replicates the virus particles.

QUESTION 5 · 3.2.2 · LEVEL 1

What is the outcome of mitosis in a eukaryotic cell?

  • Two daughter cells, each with identical copies of DNA produced by the parent cell.
  • Four haploid daughter cells, each genetically distinct.
  • Two daughter cells, each with half the number of chromosomes of the parent.
  • A single host cell filled with newly replicated virus particles.
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Mitosis is responsible for growth and repair, requiring exact genetic matches.

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Answer: Two daughter cells, each with identical copies of DNA produced by the parent cell.

Mitosis is the part of the cell cycle in which a eukaryotic cell divides to produce two daughter cells, each with the identical copies of DNA produced by the parent cell during DNA replication.

QUESTION 6 · 3.2.2 · LEVEL 2

A common error is confusing the stages of the cell cycle. Which of the following is NOT a stage of mitosis?

  • Interphase
  • Prophase
  • Metaphase
  • Telophase
Show clue

This phase accounts for the vast majority of the cell cycle, occurring just before nuclear division begins.

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Answer: Interphase

DNA replication occurs during the interphase of the cell cycle. Mitosis is the part of the cell cycle in which a eukaryotic cell divides. The behaviour of chromosomes during interphase, prophase, metaphase, anaphase and telophase of mitosis. Interphase precedes mitosis.

QUESTION 7 · 3.2.2 · LEVEL 3

What is the specific role of spindle fibres during anaphase of mitosis?

  • They attach to centromeres and contract, pulling sister chromatids to opposite poles of the cell.
  • They replicate the linear DNA molecules to ensure exact genetic copies are made.
  • They form a cleavage furrow to divide the cytoplasm equally between daughter cells.
  • They break down the nuclear envelope to expose the chromosomes.
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They provide the mechanical force needed to separate the genetic material.

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Answer: They attach to centromeres and contract, pulling sister chromatids to opposite poles of the cell.

The role of spindle fibres attached to centromeres in the separation of chromatids.

QUESTION 8 · 3.2.2 · LEVEL 3

Why is it biologically incorrect to state that bacteria undergo mitosis?

  • Bacteria are prokaryotes and lack linear chromosomes and a nucleus, instead dividing by binary fission.
  • Bacteria replicate via the lytic cycle, relying entirely on a host cell.
  • Bacteria do not undergo cell division; they spontaneously generate from environmental matter.
  • Bacteria only undergo meiosis because they must produce haploid spores to survive.
Show clue

Mitosis is specifically the division of a nucleus containing linear chromosomes.

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Answer: Bacteria are prokaryotes and lack linear chromosomes and a nucleus, instead dividing by binary fission.

Binary fission in prokaryotic cells involves: replication of the circular DNA and of plasmids; division of the cytoplasm. Mitosis is specific to eukaryotic cells.

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