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CAIE A-Level Biology AS 5.2 Chromosome Behaviour in Mitosis Questions

Practise CAIE AS Biology 5.2 by identifying mitotic stages in images and explaining how chromosomes, the spindle, nuclear envelope and cell surface membrane behave.

Syllabus
2028–2030
Course
Biology 9700
Level
AS

Exam points

  • Identify prophase, metaphase, anaphase and telophase in diagrams, photomicrographs and microscope slides.
  • Trace chromosome condensation, equator alignment, sister-chromatid separation and chromosome movement across mitotic stages.
  • Explain spindle-microtubule attachment to centromeres and how spindle movement separates chromatids.
  • Compare plant and animal mitosis diagrams, including spindle-organising structures and cell-surface membrane behaviour.

Covered syllabus points

5.2.1—Chromosome behaviour in mitosis5.2.2—Cell structures in mitosis5.2.3—Main stages of mitosis5.2.4—Mitosis image interpretation

Question 1

[Maximum number: 1]

The graphs show various distance measurements taken from the start of metaphase of mitosis. The graphs are to scale when compared to one another.

Figure for Question 1 — CAIE A-Level Biology AS
Figure for Question 1 — CAIE A-Level Biology AS

Which row correctly identifies the distance measurement for each graph?

X

Y

distance between poles of spindle

distance of centromeres from poles of spindle

distance between poles of spindle

distance between sister chromatids

distance of centromeres from poles of spindle

distance between sister chromatids

distance of centromeres from poles of spindle

distance between poles of spindle

Question 2

[Maximum number: 1]

Which row correctly shows the behaviour of the nuclear envelope, the centrioles and the spindle during a stage of mitosis?

stage of mitosis

nuclear envelope

centrioles

spindle

prophase

disappears

replicate

spindle microtubules begin to form

metaphase

not present

begin to move to poles of cell

spindle microtubules fully formed

anaphase

begins to reform

at opposite poles of the cell

some spindle microtubules shorten

telophase

reforms

one beside each nucleus

spindle microtubules break down

Question 3

[Maximum number: 1]

Eukaryotic organisms grow and increase in size as a result of cell division. The diagram shows some stages of mitosis with one stage missing, labelled X .

Figure for Question 3 — CAIE A-Level Biology AS

What happens in stage X ?

A

Spindle fibres attach to the centromeres and the chromosomes line up along the equator.

B

The chromatin coils and condenses and the nuclear membrane disintegrates.

C

The chromosomes line up in pairs along the equator of the cell.

D

Microtubules shorten so that spindle fibres contract and the centromeres divide.

Question 4

[Maximum number: 1]

The transmission electron micrograph shows a cell in a stage of the mitotic cell cycle.

Figure for Question 4 — CAIE A-Level Biology AS

Which statement explains why it is difficult to identify the stage of the mitotic cell cycle shown?

A

Chromosomes have supercoiled and are visible, but centrioles are not visible.

B

Anaphase may be continuing, or telophase may be starting.

C

It is unclear whether the electron micrograph shows two cells in metaphase.

D

Some people may consider interphase to have started.

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