Cell biology
⏱ ~3-min readAceMark Guide
What this topic is really about
Mitosis is a conservative division process that replicates a diploid cell's genome to produce two genetically identical diploid daughter cells. In contrast, the production of four genetically distinct haploid cells describes meiosis, which is used to generate gametes for sexual reproduction.
Activation of a G-protein coupled receptor often stimulates membrane-bound adenylyl cyclase, which converts ATP into the second messenger cAMP to propagate the intracellular signal. This cytosolic cascade does not directly activate ribosomes (Option C), which are involved in translation.
See the mechanism
DNA replication occurs during the synthesis (S) phase of the cell cycle to ensure that each daughter cell receives an exact copy of the genome. A diagram for this topic isn't available yet — the worked example below walks the same reasoning step by step.
An exam-style question, fully explained
DNA replication occurs during which phase of the cell cycle?
- Identify what the question tests: DNA replication occurs during which phase of the cell cycle.
- DNA replication occurs during the synthesis (S) phase of the cell cycle to ensure that each daughter cell receives an exact copy of the genome.
- In contrast, the G1 and G2 phases are gap phases focused on growth, while the M phase is when cell division actually occurs.
Traps the examiner sets
- Read each option carefully — distractors on Cell biology are designed to look plausible.
- Re-check the exact wording of the question stem before committing to an answer.
- Watch the qualifiers ("always", "only", "except") that flip a correct-looking option.
Test your recall
Answer each from memory — you'll see instantly whether you're right and why.
Run a focused 10-question mini-mock on Cell biology and see it stick.
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