Cell Cycle and Cell Division NEET PYQs (2005–2026) with Solutions

10 solved Cell Cycle and Cell Division PYQs

Real NEET and AIPMT questions from this chapter, newest first. Try each one, then open the answer and the step-by-step explanation.

1. Question 1 (NEET 2026)

   NEET 2026EasyCell Cycle

   Match List I with List II: Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

   1. AOption A: A-IV, B-I, C-II, D-III
   2. BOption B: A-I, B-II, C-III, D-IV
   3. COption C: A-III, B-IV, C-I, D-II
   4. DOption D: A-II, B-III, C-IV, D-I

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   Correct answer: (D) A-II, B-III, C-IV, D-I

   Explanation

   G₁: growth without DNA replication; S: DNA synthesis; G₂: protein synthesis and growth; M: cell division. Hence A-II, B-III, C-IV, D-I. Therefore option (D) is correct.

2. Question 2 (NEET 2026)

   NEET 2026EasyPhases of the cell cycle

   The correct sequence of adult cell cycle phases is ________.

   1. AOption A: G1-G2-S-M
   2. BOption B: G1-M-G2-S
   3. COption C: G1-S-G2-M
   4. DOption D: S-M-G2-G1

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   Correct answer: (C) G1-S-G2-M

   Explanation

   The cell cycle has interphase followed by the M phase (mitosis). Interphase is divided into three phases: $\mathrm{G_1}$ phase (gap 1, cell grows), S phase (synthesis, DNA replication) and $\mathrm{G_2}$ phase (gap 2, preparation for mitosis). So the sequence is $\mathrm{G_1} \rightarrow \mathrm{S} \rightarrow \mathrm{G_2} \rightarrow \mathrm{M}$, after which the cycle returns to $\mathrm{G_1}$. Hence the answer is option (C).

3. Question 3 (NEET 2026)

   NEET 2026MediumMeiosis I: prophase I and comparison

   Given below are two statements : Statement I : Chromosomes are fully condensed at the end of prophase I. Statement II : Meiosis I resembles mitosis. In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below :

   1. AOption A: Both Statement I and Statement II are true
   2. BOption B: Both Statement I and Statement II are false
   3. COption C: Statement I is correct, but Statement II is false
   4. DOption D: Statement I is incorrect, but Statement II is true

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   Correct answer: (C) Statement I is correct, but Statement II is false

   Explanation

   Statement I is correct: diakinesis is the last stage of prophase I, and by the end of diakinesis the chromosomes are fully condensed and the meiotic spindle is assembled. Statement II is false: meiosis I is a reductional division in which homologous chromosomes pair (synapsis), cross over and separate, so it does not resemble mitosis. It is meiosis II that resembles a normal mitosis, because sister chromatids separate. So Statement I is correct but Statement II is false, which is option (C).

4. Question 4 (NEET 2024)

   NEET 2024MediumMeiosis

   Match List I with List II : Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

   1. AOption A: A-II, B-IV, C-I, D-III
   2. BOption B: A-IV, B-III, C-II, D-I
   3. COption C: A-IV, B-II, C-III, D-I
   4. DOption D: A-I, B-II, C-IV, D-III

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   Correct answer: (A) A-II, B-IV, C-I, D-III

   Explanation

   During diakinesis, terminalisation of chiasmata is completed. Recombination nodules appear during pachytene. Synaptonemal complex formation occurs in zygotene, and chromosomes appear as thin threads during leptotene. Hence the correct match is A-II, B-IV, C-I, D-III.

5. Question 5 (NEET 2024)

   NEET 2024MediumCell Cycle

   Following are the stages of cell division : A. Gap 2 phase B. Cytokinesis C. Synthesis phase D. Karyokinesis E. Gap 1 phase Choose the correct sequence of stages from the options given below :

   1. AOption A: B-D-E-A-C
   2. BOption B: E-C-A-D-B
   3. COption C: C-E-D-A-B
   4. DOption D: E-B-D-A-C

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   Correct answer: (B) E-C-A-D-B

   Explanation

   The correct order of cell cycle stages is G1 phase, S phase, G2 phase, followed by karyokinesis and cytokinesis. Hence the correct sequence is E-C-A-D-B.

6. Question 6 (NEET 2023)

   NEET 2023EasyCell Cycle

   Among eukaryotes, replication of DNA takes place in -

   1. AOption A: M phase
   2. BOption B: S phase
   3. COption C: $G_1 phase$
   4. DOption D: $G_2 phase$

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   Correct answer: (B) S phase

   Explanation

   DNA replication in eukaryotic cells occurs during the S (Synthesis) phase of interphase.

7. Question 7 (NEET 2023)

   NEET 2023EasyMeiosis

   Which of the following stages of meiosis involves division of centromere?

   1. AOption A: Metaphase I
   2. BOption B: Metaphase II
   3. COption C: Anaphase II
   4. DOption D: Telophase

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   Correct answer: (C) Anaphase II

   Explanation

   During Anaphase II of meiosis, centromeres divide and sister chromatids separate to opposite poles.

8. Question 8 (NEET 2023)

   NEET 2023EasyCell Cycle

   Match List I with List II : Choose the correct answer from the options given below :

   1. AOption A: A-III, B-II, C-IV, D-I
   2. BOption B: A-IV, B-II, C-I, D-III
   3. COption C: A-IV, B-I, C-II, D-III
   4. DOption D: A-II, B-IV, C-I, D-III

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   Correct answer: (C) A-IV, B-I, C-II, D-III

   Explanation

   M phase is the equational division stage. G2 phase involves synthesis of proteins required for mitosis. Quiescent stage (G0) is an inactive phase. G1 phase is the interval between mitosis and initiation of DNA replication.

9. Question 9 (NEET 2022)

   NEET 2022EasySignificance of Mitosis and Meiosis

   Which of the following never occurs during mitotic cell division?

   1. AOption A: Coiling and condensation of the chromatids
   2. BOption B: Spindle fibres attach to kinetochores of chromosomes
   3. COption C: Movement of centrioles towards opposite poles
   4. DOption D: Pairing of homologous chromosomes

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   Correct answer: (D) Pairing of homologous chromosomes

   Explanation

   Pairing of homologous chromosomes (synapsis) occurs during prophase I of meiosis, not mitosis.

10. Question 10 (NEET 2022)

    NEET 2022MediumMitosis

    Select the incorrect statement with reference to mitosis:

    1. AOption A: Splitting of centromere occurs at anaphase
    2. BOption B: All the chromosomes lie at the equator at metaphase
    3. COption C: Spindle fibres attach to centromere of chromosomes
    4. DOption D: Chromosomes decondense at telophase

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    Correct answer: (C) Spindle fibres attach to centromere of chromosomes

    Explanation

    Spindle fibres attach to kinetochores present on centromeres, not directly to centromeres. Thus statement (3) is considered incorrect.