Cell Cycle and Cell Division — Class 11 MCQs with Answers
Class 11 CBSE Biology · Chapter 10
90 practice questions · 30 Easy · 30 Medium · 30 Hard · Updated
Practise the most important Class 11 CBSE Biology questions from Chapter 10, "Cell Cycle and Cell Division". You get 9 timed quizzes made from 90 NCERT-based MCQs, with answers and explanations. The questions are split into 30 Easy, 30 Medium and 30 Hard. Warm up on the basics, then move on to the exam-level questions that set top scorers in CBSE & Maharashtra HSC Board exams, MHT-CET and NEET UG apart.
To score well in "Cell Cycle and Cell Division", focus on diagrams, key terms and knowing NCERT line by line. Each MCQ here is timed and uses exam-style marking (+4 correct, −1 wrong, 0 skipped). This trains you to stay accurate under time pressure, as real papers need. Every question has a short explanation, so a wrong answer becomes a quick lesson. It is the fastest way to fix gaps before a test.
Use this chapter for focused revision. Start with the Easy set to check your basics on Cell Cycle and Cell Division, then move to Medium and Hard to practise applying them. Your accuracy, streaks and XP save automatically. This chapter also adds to your overall Class 11 Biology mastery score. 14 sample questions are solved in full below, with the answer and a worked explanation. Sign in free to start practising.
Key concepts: Cell Cycle and Cell Division (Class 11 Biology)
Cells reproduce through an ordered cycle of growth and division. This chapter details interphase with its G1, S and G2 stages, the four mitotic phases that yield identical diploid cells, and the two meiotic divisions that halve chromosome number and generate the variation essential to sexual reproduction.
- Cell cycle
- An ordered sequence: interphase (G1, S, G2) prepares the cell and the shorter M phase divides it; a typical human cell cycle spans about 24 hours.
- Interphase
- The metabolically active 'resting' stage between divisions; DNA is replicated in S phase, while G1 and G2 grow the cell and build proteins and organelles.
- G0 phase
- A quiescent stage where cells exit the cycle and stop dividing yet stay metabolically active; mature neurons and heart muscle cells stay permanently in G0.
- Prophase
- Chromatin condenses into visible chromosomes, each with two chromatids; the spindle begins forming and the nuclear envelope and nucleolus start to disappear.
Cell Cycle and Cell Division — important questions & MCQs with answers (Class 11 Biology)
14 solved questions from this chapter's difficulty levels, each with its answer and explanation. The other 76 are timed and scored when you sign in.
- Q1Easy
DNA replication occurs in:
A.G1B.S phase✓ CorrectC.M phaseD.G2Answer: B. S phase
Explanation: S phase (Synthesis) is when DNA replicates, doubling content from 2C to 4C while chromosome number stays the same; G1 and G2 flank it with growth only, no replication.
- Q2Easy
Mitosis produces ___ daughter cells.
A.8B.4 haploidC.1D.2 identical diploid✓ CorrectAnswer: D. 2 identical diploid
Explanation: Mitosis is equational division: one division after one round of DNA replication yields two diploid cells identical to the parent — unlike meiosis, which halves chromosome number across two divisions to give four haploid cells.
- Q3Easy
Which phase of the cell cycle is known as the resting phase where the cell prepares for division?
A.ProphaseB.Interphase✓ CorrectC.AnaphaseD.TelophaseAnswer: B. Interphase
Explanation: Interphase is the phase between two M phases where the cell grows, replicates DNA and prepares for division — it looks 'resting' only because no visible chromosome movement occurs, unlike prophase or anaphase.
- Q4Easy
Mitosis is also called:
A.Equational division✓ CorrectB.Reductional divisionC.Binary fissionD.AmitosisAnswer: A. Equational division
Explanation: Mitosis is called equational division because the daughter cells retain the same chromosome number as the parent; meiosis is the reductional division that halves it instead.
- Q5Easy
DNA replication takes place during which sub-phase of interphase?
A.S phase✓ CorrectB.G1 phaseC.G2 phaseD.M phaseAnswer: A. S phase
Explanation: DNA replicates only during the S (synthesis) sub-phase of interphase, doubling the genome from 2C to 4C; G1 and G2 flank it with growth and protein synthesis but no new DNA.
- Q6Easy
Meiosis is described as reductional division because it:
A.Doubles the chromosome numberB.Halves the chromosome number✓ CorrectC.Keeps chromosome number sameD.Produces no daughter cellsAnswer: B. Halves the chromosome number
Explanation: Meiosis is reductional because two successive divisions after one DNA replication halve the chromosome number, converting a diploid cell into haploid gametes — mitosis keeps the number constant instead.
- Q7Medium
Phase where cell prepares for mitosis (post-S):
A.G2✓ CorrectB.G1C.SD.MAnswer: A. G2
Explanation: G2 follows S phase: the cell has already doubled its DNA and now synthesises proteins and organelles needed for mitosis, distinguishing it from G1, which precedes replication.
- Q8Medium
Meiosis produces:
A.1 haploidB.2 diploidC.4 diploidD.4 haploid cells✓ CorrectAnswer: D. 4 haploid cells
Explanation: Meiosis involves two successive divisions after a single DNA replication, so one diploid cell yields four haploid daughter cells — distinguishing it from mitosis, which gives just two diploid cells.
- Q9Medium
During the G2 phase, which of the following primarily occurs?
A.DNA replicationB.Protein synthesis and growth in preparation for mitosis✓ CorrectC.Separation of chromatidsD.Formation of the cell plateAnswer: B. Protein synthesis and growth in preparation for mitosis
Explanation: In G2 the cell has already replicated its DNA in S phase and now synthesises the proteins, tubulin and organelles it needs for mitosis — DNA replication itself is finished, not still happening.
- Q10Medium
Karyokinesis and cytokinesis respectively refer to the division of:
A.DNA and RNAB.Cytoplasm and nucleusC.Nucleus and cytoplasm✓ CorrectD.Centromere and chromatidAnswer: C. Nucleus and cytoplasm
Explanation: Karyokinesis divides the nucleus and cytokinesis divides the cytoplasm — the two normally happen in that order, though cytokinesis can occasionally fail, leaving a multinucleate cell.
- Q11Medium
If a cell has 2C DNA content in G1, what is its DNA content at the end of S phase?
A.4C✓ CorrectB.2CC.CD.8CAnswer: A. 4C
Explanation: S phase doubles DNA content from 2C to 4C by replicating every chromosome into two sister chromatids; chromosome number itself does not change until anaphase separates those chromatids.
- Q12Hard
A diploid cell with chromosome number 2n=8 enters meiosis. How many chromosomes and chromatids are present in each cell at the end of meiosis I?
A.8 chromosomes, 8 chromatidsB.4 chromosomes, 8 chromatids✓ CorrectC.4 chromosomes, 4 chromatidsD.8 chromosomes, 16 chromatidsAnswer: B. 4 chromosomes, 8 chromatids
Explanation: After meiosis I, homologues have separated so each cell holds only n=4 chromosomes, but replication before meiosis I means each still carries two sister chromatids — 8 chromatids total, not yet split.
- Q13Hard
Crossing over occurs during:
A.Metaphase of mitosisB.Prophase I of meiosis✓ CorrectC.Anaphase IID.CytokinesisAnswer: B. Prophase I of meiosis
Explanation: Crossing over — exchange of segments between non-sister chromatids of homologous chromosomes — happens at the pachytene sub-stage of prophase I, not in mitotic metaphase or anaphase II, which have no paired homologues to exchange with.
- Q14Hard
If 100 diploid cells undergo meiosis, how many haploid gametes are theoretically produced?
A.800B.200C.100D.400✓ CorrectAnswer: D. 400
Explanation: Each diploid cell entering meiosis yields four haploid gametes through its two successive divisions, so 100 cells produce 100 times 4, or 400 gametes — mitosis would only double the starting number instead.
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Start this chapter free →Cell Cycle and Cell Division — FAQs
What are the key concepts in Class 11 Biology Cell Cycle and Cell Division?+
Cells reproduce through an ordered cycle of growth and division. This chapter details interphase with its G1, S and G2 stages, the four mitotic phases that yield identical diploid cells, and the two meiotic divisions that halve chromosome number and generate the variation essential to sexual reproduction. Key ideas include Cell cycle, Interphase, G0 phase, Prophase.
What does Class 11 Biology Chapter 10 (Cell Cycle and Cell Division) cover on XamBaaz?+
It has 90 NCERT-based MCQs on "Cell Cycle and Cell Division": 30 Easy, 30 Medium and 30 Hard. Together they make 9 timed quizzes, and you never get the same set twice. Every question has an instant explanation. They help you prepare for CBSE & Maharashtra HSC Board exams, MHT-CET and NEET UG.
Are these "Cell Cycle and Cell Division" questions free to practise?+
Yes. Sign in with Google to practise "Cell Cycle and Cell Division" free. Full unlimited access is ₹999/year on a launch offer until 1 December 2026. No chapter is charged separately.
How should I revise "Cell Cycle and Cell Division" for the exam?+
Start with the Easy quiz to check your basics, then try Medium and Hard to practise applying them. There are 9 timed quizzes on this chapter, so you can come back for a fresh set instead of one you have seen. Read each explanation, retry the questions you miss, and track your accuracy until it stays high.
Are these "Cell Cycle and Cell Division" MCQs available with answers?+
Yes. 14 sample questions are shown here in full, each with the correct option and a step-by-step "Why" explanation. Sign in free with Google to start practising, with instant scoring.
Is there negative marking in the "Cell Cycle and Cell Division" quizzes?+
Yes. The timed quizzes use exam-style marking: +4 for a right answer, −1 for a wrong one and 0 for a skip, the same negative marking as NEET UG. MHT-CET and CBSE board papers have no negative marking. Our mocks for those are scored their way.
What are the important questions from Cell Cycle and Cell Division (Class 11 Biology)?+
The questions that matter most test Cell cycle, Interphase, G0 phase, Prophase. This page shows 14 solved important MCQs with answers and explanations; all 90 questions on the chapter are available as timed quizzes once you sign in.
Is there an online quiz for Cell Cycle and Cell Division?+
Yes — Class 11 Biology Cell Cycle and Cell Division has timed online quizzes at Easy, Medium and Hard levels, with instant scoring and a worked explanation on every question. The first quiz on the chapter is free.