CIE A Level Biology
CIE A Level Biology Topic 5: The Mitotic Cell Cycle Exam Questions
Free CIE A Level Biology exam questions for Topic 5: The Mitotic Cell Cycle, with a mark scheme for every pack. Covers chromosome structure, telomeres, the cell cycle, stages of mitosis, the role of mitosis, stem cells and uncontrolled division in cancer.
Topic 5: The Mitotic Cell Cycle exam questions
1 question pack of real past exam questions, each with its mark scheme. Do not stop after a few: answer as many as you can without notes, then mark every answer with the mark scheme. The more questions you do, the more quickly you will spot how examiners ask about each idea.
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About CIE A Level Biology Topic 5: The Mitotic Cell Cycle
The mitotic cell cycle covers how one cell produces two genetically identical daughter cells. In the Cambridge 9700 syllabus you need to describe chromosome structure (DNA, histones, sister chromatids, centromeres and telomeres), the stages of the cell cycle including interphase, and the behaviour of chromosomes in prophase, metaphase, anaphase and telophase, followed by cytokinesis. You also need to explain the importance of mitosis for growth, repair, asexual reproduction and the clonal expansion of lymphocytes, the role of stem cells, and how cancer arises from uncontrolled division. Expect to identify stages from photomicrographs and to interpret graphs of DNA mass during the cycle.
What you need to know
- Chromosome structure A chromosome is a DNA molecule wound around histone proteins. After replication it has two identical sister chromatids joined at the centromere. Telomeres are repeated base sequences at the ends that prevent loss of genes during replication.
- Cell cycle Interphase (G1, S, G2) involves growth and DNA replication, followed by mitosis and cytokinesis. DNA content doubles in S phase and halves at cytokinesis.
- Stages of mitosis Prophase: chromosomes condense, nuclear envelope breaks down, spindle forms. Metaphase: chromosomes line up at the equator attached by centromeres to spindle fibres. Anaphase: chromatids pulled to opposite poles. Telophase: nuclear envelopes reform.
- Importance of mitosis Mitosis produces genetically identical cells for growth, replacement and repair of tissues, asexual reproduction and clonal expansion of B and T lymphocytes.
- Stem cells Stem cells can divide repeatedly and differentiate into specialised cells. They are used to replace cells and to repair tissues.
- Cancer Mutations in genes that control the cell cycle lead to uncontrolled mitosis and a tumour. Carcinogens increase the chance of these mutations.
Common mistakes in Topic 5: The Mitotic Cell Cycle
- Saying DNA replicates during prophase; it replicates in the S phase of interphase.
- Describing chromosomes as pulled apart in anaphase; it is the sister chromatids that separate.
- Confusing cytokinesis with telophase; cytokinesis is the division of the cytoplasm after nuclear division.
- Calling interphase a resting stage; the cell is very active, growing and replicating DNA and organelles.
- Saying telomeres code for proteins; they are non-coding repeats that protect the ends of chromosomes.
Try three Topic 5: The Mitotic Cell Cycle exam-style questions
1. In a root tip squash, 36 out of 240 cells were in mitosis. Calculate the mitotic index. (2 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
36 / 240; = 0.15 (or 15%).
2. The cell cycle in this root lasts 20 hours. Use the mitotic index of 0.15 to estimate the time spent in mitosis. (1 mark)
Show the mark scheme answer
0.15 x 20 = 3 hours.
3. Describe the behaviour of chromosomes during metaphase and anaphase. (4 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
Metaphase: chromosomes line up on the equator; spindle fibres attach to centromeres; anaphase: centromeres divide; sister chromatids are pulled to opposite poles by shortening spindle fibres.
Topic 5: The Mitotic Cell Cycle FAQs
What does Cambridge International A Level Biology Topic 5 The mitotic cell cycle cover?
It covers chromosome structure, telomeres, interphase, the stages of mitosis, cytokinesis, the roles of mitosis, stem cells and cancer.
Which paper is The mitotic cell cycle examined in?
It is AS Level content, so it is assessed in Paper 1 (multiple choice) and Paper 2 (AS Level structured questions), with related practical skills tested in Paper 3. A Level candidates can also meet it again in Paper 4 and Paper 5, which assume AS knowledge.
How do I identify mitosis stages in photomicrographs?
Look for condensed chromosomes with no nuclear envelope (prophase), a line at the equator (metaphase), V-shaped chromatids moving apart (anaphase) and two clusters with reforming nuclei (telophase).
