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MDCAT · Biology

Cell Biology and Cell Division MCQs for MDCAT

87 practice MCQs on cell structure, organelles, the plasma membrane, transport across membranes, mitosis and the cell cycle. Every question has the correct answer and an explanation.

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Cell Biology and Cell Division is part of the MDCAT Biology syllabus. This page collects Cell Biology and Cell Division MCQs in the style of past MDCAT papers — below are 12 of them with answers and explanations, and the full set of 87 questions is in the HighYield MDCAT QBank.

This chapter covers: cell structure, organelles, the plasma membrane, transport across membranes, mitosis and the cell cycle.

Cell Biology and Cell Division MCQs with answers

Q1.Newly produced cells/individuals which are identical in each other are known as

  • A.Genetically Modified
  • B.Transgenic Animals
  • C.Transgenic Bacteria
  • D.Clones
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Correct answer: D. Clones

Clones are genetically identical individuals or cells produced through asexual reproduction, sharing the exact same DNA as their single parent.

Q2.Centrioles are made up of ___ microtubules:

  • A.9
  • B.27
  • C.3
  • D.12
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Correct answer: B. 27

A centriole is composed of nine triplets of microtubules, giving a total of 27 microtubules arranged in a cylindrical structure.

Q3.The most critical phase of mitosis which ensures equal distribution of chromatids in the daughter cells is

  • A.Prophase
  • B.Metaphase
  • C.Anaphase
  • D.Telophase
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Correct answer: C. Anaphase

Anaphase is the most critical phase of mitosis, as sister chromatids separate and are pulled to opposite poles, ensuring equal distribution.

Q4.The organelle involved in detoxification of drugs and poisons in the liver cells is:

  • A.Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum
  • B.Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum
  • C.Golgi Apparatus
  • D.Lysosomes
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Correct answer: A. Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum

The smooth endoplasmic reticulum in liver cells is rich in detoxifying enzymes that metabolize drugs and other poisons.

Q5.The disease in which death of small number of cells in the basal ganglia leads to inability to select and initiate patterns of movement is known as:

  • A.Fever
  • B.Alzheimer's Disease
  • C.Epilepsy
  • D.Parkinson's Disease
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Correct answer: D. Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease results from the death of a small population of dopaminergic cells in the basal ganglia, impairing the initiation and control of movement.

Q6.The immunity in which T-cells recognize the antigens or micro-organisms is known as

  • A.Tissue Grafting
  • B.Phagocytosis
  • C.Cell Mediated Immunity / Response
  • D.Hormonal Immunity / Response
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Correct answer: C. Cell Mediated Immunity / Response

Cell-mediated immunity is the branch of the immune response in which T-cells directly recognize and attack antigens or infected cells.

Q7.TTGACA binding site in prokaryotes is called:

  • A.-25 sequence
  • B.-35 sequence
  • C.-10 sequence
  • D.-75 sequence
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Correct answer: B. -35 sequence

This sequence is located about 35 base pairs upstream of the transcription start site and contains the TTGACA sequence, which is recognized by the sigma subunit of RNA polymerase during transcription initiation. It plays a crucial role in positioning RNA polymerase and initiating transcription.

Q8.Cell wall may be absent in which of the following?

  • A.Plant & Algae
  • B.Algae & Fungi
  • C.Fungi & Archaea
  • D.Bacteria & Archaea
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Correct answer: D. Bacteria & Archaea

Bacteria and Archaea are the groups where cell walls may be absent. While many bacteria have cell walls, there are some bacteria such as Mycoplasma species, that lack a rigid cell wall. Archaea also have diverse cell envelope structures, and not all of them have a cell wall.

Q9.Cells of different types can be distinguished on the basis of surface:

  • A.Phospholipids
  • B.Globular proteins
  • C.Glycolipids and glycoproteins
  • D.Cholesterol
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Correct answer: C. Glycolipids and glycoproteins

Glycolipids and glycoproteins presence are the basic factors for differentiating cells

Q10.According to endosymbiosis theory, flagella may have been derived by the ingestion of prokaryotes similar to:

  • A.Amoeboid prokaryote
  • B.Aerobic bacterium
  • C.Spirochete
  • D.Spirillum
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Correct answer: C. Spirochete

In the context of the endosymbiotic theory, spirochetes are interesting because some scientists hypothesize that certain spirochetes may have played a role in the evolution of eukaryotic cells. This theory suggests that early eukaryotic ancestors may have engulfed spirochete-like bacteria, leading to the development of complex cellular structures. This relationship could have contributed to the evolution of unique cellular processes seen in modern eukaryotes, illustrating the potential impact of these prokaryotic organisms on the evolution of life.

Q11.Which of the following organelle is regarded as self-replicable organelle

  • A.Endoplasmic reticulum
  • B.Golgi bodies
  • C.Mitochondria
  • D.Vacoule
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Correct answer: C. Mitochondria

Option C is correct.Mitochondria are regarded as self-replicating organelles. They have their own DNA and can replicate independently of the nucleus. This means that they can divide and reproduce independently, without the assistance of other organelles.Mitochondria are essential for energy production in the cell. They convert food into energy in the form of ATP, which is the cell's energy currency. Mitochondria are also involved in other cellular processes, such as cell signaling and apoptosis (programmed cell death).The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is not regarded as a self-replicating organelle because it does not have its own DNA. DNA is required for self-replication, as it contains the instructions for building new organelles. The ER is a network of membranes that is involved in the production and transport of proteins and lipids. It is made up of two types of membranes: the rough ER and the smooth ER. The rough ER is covered in ribosomes, which are the organelles that synthesize proteins. The smooth ER is involved in the production of lipids and the detoxification of drugs and toxins. Golgi bodies are also not self-replicating organelles. Golgi bodies are involved in the processing and packaging of proteins and lipids for transport to other parts of the cell. Vacuoles are not self-replicating organelles. Vacuoles are storage organelles that can contain water, salts, and other molecules.

Q12.The cells of the non virulent strain of Streptococcus pneumonia are:

  • A.Capsulated and S-Type
  • B.Non-capsulated and S-Type
  • C.Capsulated and R-Type
  • D.Non-capsulated and R-Type
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Correct answer: D. Non-capsulated and R-Type

Streptococcus pneumoniae strains are classified into two main types based on their capsule:- S-type (Smooth-type): Capsulated, virulent strains with a smooth colony morphology.- R-type (Rough-type): Non-capsulated, non-virulent strains with a rough colony morphology.The capsule is a layer of polysaccharides surrounding the bacterial cell wall, which helps protect the bacteria from phagocytosis and is a key virulence factor. Non-virulent strains lack this capsule, making them more susceptible to host immune responses.

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