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Question #45259
The Question
A highly active meristematic cell is forced into the G0 (quiescent) stage due to environmental stress. Upon removal of the stress, the cell re-enters the cell cycle but a mutation causes it to bypass the G1/S restriction checkpoint, forcing premature entry into the S-phase before adequate replication enzymes are synthesized. Which of the following is the most likely consequence of this anomaly?
Options
- A.
The cell will experience severe replication stress and incomplete DNA synthesis, predisposing it to chromosomal instability and aneuploidy during the M-phase.
- B.
The cell will undergo endoreduplication, resulting in a polyploid condition because histone synthesis occurs exclusively in the G2 phase.
- C.
The cell will remain metabolically inactive in the S-phase, as cells exiting the G0 stage permanently lose their metabolic machinery.
- D.
The duration of the S-phase will be paradoxically shortened to compensate for the genome size, ensuring normal sister chromatid separation.
Check Your Answer
Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Regulatory_Failure
Understand how NOT, EXCEPT, and logical constraints are used to manipulate exam results.
Concepts Behind This Question
Interphase Duration Paradox|G0 Phase Quiescence|Meristematic Totipotency
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students frequently confuse the specific consequences of checkpoint failures (Aneuploidy vs.
Polyploidy) and misremember the exact phase of histone synthesis.
The trap relies on distinguishing between polyploidy (failure of cytokinesis/karyokinesis) and aneuploidy/chromosomal instability (caused by replication stress from premature S-phase entry).
It also tests the NCERT fact that G0 cells are metabolically active.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Cell Cycle and Cell Division - Class 11 |
| Concept | Interphase Duration Paradox |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |