DP Biology Unit 1 practice (Cells: 2025 syllabus)

What process allows cells to develop specialized functions?

• Osmosis
• Differentiation
• Active Transport
• Mitosis

Answer explanation

Differentiation is the process that enables cells to perform specialized functions.

What is a primary feature of stem cells?

• They can divide indefinitely
• They specialize immediately
• They cannot divide
• They lack DNA

Answer explanation

Stem cells are unique in their ability to divide indefinitely and differentiate.

What limits cell size and promotes differentiation?

• High surface area to volume ratio
• Low energy demand
• Excessive mutation rates
• High metabolic rates

Answer explanation

A high surface area to volume ratio allows efficient transport and supports specialization.

What term describes an organism made up of multiple specialized cells?

• Unicellular
• Prokaryotic
• Multicellular
• Colonial

Answer explanation

Multicellular organisms consist of specialized cells working together.

Which of the following is a key function of stem cells in multicellular organisms?

• Transport oxygen
• Divide and differentiate into specialized cell types
• Fight infections
• Store genetic material

Answer explanation

Stem cells divide and differentiate to maintain and repair tissues.

What is the main purpose of cell division?

• To produce energy
• To grow, repair, and reproduce cells
• To eliminate waste
• To generate proteins

Answer explanation

Cell division is essential for growth, repair, and reproduction in organisms.

Which stage of the cell cycle involves DNA replication?

• Mitosis
• Cytokinesis
• Interphase
• Prophase

Answer explanation

Interphase includes the S phase where DNA replication occurs.

What is the correct order of mitosis stages?

• Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase
• Anaphase, Prophase, Telophase, Metaphase
• Metaphase, Telophase, Anaphase, Prophase
• Telophase, Anaphase, Metaphase, Prophase

Answer explanation

Mitosis follows a precise sequence: Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase.

What happens during cytokinesis?

• The cell divides its nucleus
• The cell divides its cytoplasm
• The cell synthesizes DNA
• The cell enters G0 phase

Answer explanation

Cytokinesis divides the cytoplasm to form two separate daughter cells.

What causes cancerous cell growth?

• Controlled cell division
• Uncontrolled cell division
• Increased osmosis
• Low ATP production

Answer explanation

Cancer is caused by uncontrolled cell division due to genetic mutations.