NCERT Solutions For Class 11 Biology Chapter 10 - Cell Cycle and Cell Division

NCERT Solutions For Class 11 Biology Chapter 10 - Cell Cycle and Cell Division

Irshad AnwarUpdated on 16 Sep 2025, 11:37 AM IST

The NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Biology Chapter 10 - Cell Cycle and Cell Division explain how cells grow and divide. It includes how cells pass the genetic information through different stages. All the solutions are written in a step-by-step manner by the subject experts. By referring to these, students can also learn the sequence of cell division without confusion. Following the NCERT Solutions, they can develop a solid understanding of biology and score well in exams.

This Story also Contains

  1. Download Cell Cycle and Cell Division NCERT Solutions PDF
  2. Access Class 11 Biology Chapter 10 - Cell Cycle and Cell Division Solutions (Exercise Questions)
  3. Approach to Solve Cell Cycle and Cell Division Class 11 Question Answer
  4. Important Question of NCERT Class 11 Biology Chapter 10
  5. What Students Learn from Cell Cycle and Cell Division NCERT Solutions
  6. What Extra Should Students Study Beyond the NCERT for NEET?
  7. Chapter Wise NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Biology
NCERT Solutions For Class 11 Biology Chapter 10 - Cell Cycle and Cell Division
NCERT Solutions For Class 11 Biology Chapter 10 Cell Cycle and Cell Division

The Cell Cycle and Cell Division class 11 question answers explain the different phases, such as interphase, mitosis, and meiosis. They also highlight the importance of checkpoints that regulate the cycle and prevent errors during cell division. Students can learn how to write answers in the exam with the help of the NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Biology. These solutions also make it easier to connect theoretical concepts with well-labeled diagrams for better revision.

Download Cell Cycle and Cell Division NCERT Solutions PDF

Chapter 10 deals with how cells grow, divide, and reproduce through various stages. Students can easily download the PDF of the Class 11 Biology Chapter 10 - Cell Cycle and Cell Division question answer from the link given below.

Download PDF


Also Read,

Access Class 11 Biology Chapter 10 - Cell Cycle and Cell Division Solutions (Exercise Questions)

The detailed answers to all the questions given in the textbook are given below. All the answers are prepared according to the latest NCERT guidelines, so that students do not miss anything. Doing regular practice of Class 11 Biology Chapter 10 - Cell Cycle and Cell Division question answers improves understanding.

Q1. What is the average cell cycle span for a mammalian cell?

Answer:

The average cell cycle span for a mammalian cell is 24 hours.

Q2. Distinguish cytokinesis from karyokinesis.

Answer:

The differences between cytokinesis and karyokinesis are as follows:

Cytokinesis
Karyokinesis
The process of division of the cytoplasm is called cytokinesis
The process of division of the nucleus is called karyokinesis
Cytokinesis takes place after the end of the M-phase
Karyokinesis takes place during the M-phase

Q3. Describe the events taking place during the interphase.

Answer:

Interphase is the stage at which the cell makes preparations for division. It consists of three phases:

  • G₁ phase: The cell increases in size and synthesises RNA, proteins, and molecules required for DNA replication. The cell determines whether to proceed in the cycle or enter a resting phase (G₀).

  • S phase: DNA replication takes place, doubling the DNA content but not changing the number of chromosomes. During this phase, centrosome duplication also occurs.

  • G₂ phase: The cell gets ready for mitosis by producing additional RNA, proteins, and organelles.

Q4. What is the Go (quiescent phase) of the cell cycle?

Answer:

G₀ is a resting phase in which the cell halts dividing but does not die. These cells may remain metabolically active but stop progressing through the cycle. Many neurons and cardiac muscle cells enter G₀ permanently and generally do not re-enter the cycle, whereas some other cells may rejoin the cycle if required.

Q5. Why is mitosis called equational division?

Answer:

Mitosis is referred to as equational division since it gives rise to two daughter cells with the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell.

Q6. Name the stage of the cell cycle at which one of the following events occurs:

(i) Chromosomes are moved to the spindle equator.

Answer:

During metaphase, the chromosomes move to the spindle equator and align themselves there.

Q6. Name the stage of the cell cycle at which one of the following events occurs:

(ii) Centromere splits and chromatids separate.

Answer:

During anaphase, the centromere splits, and chromatids are separated. These chromatids, after separation, move to the opposite poles.

Q6. Name the stage of the cell cycle at which one of the following events occurs:

(iii) Pairing between homologous chromosomes takes place.

Answer:

The pairing between homologous chromosomes takes place during zygotene of prophase I of meiosis I. As a result of this pairing, bivalents are formed.

Q6. Name the stage of the cell cycle at which one of the following events occurs:

(iv) Crossing over between homologous chromosomes takes place.

Answer:

Crossing over between homologous chromosomes takes place during the pachytene of prophase I of meiosis I.

Q7. Describe the following:

(a) synapsis

Draw a diagram to illustrate your answer.

Answer:

synapsis

Synapsis- The process of the pairing of homologous chromosomes during the zygotene stage of prophase I of meiosis I is called synapsis. During synapsis, a synaptonemal complex is formed by the homologous chromosomes, which are referred to as a bivalent or a tetrad.

Q7. Describe the following:

(b) bivalent

Draw a diagram to illustrate your answer.

Answer:

Bivalent- it refers to the structure formed by a pair of synapsed homologous chromosomes.

Bivalent

Q7. Describe the following:

(c) chiasmata

Draw a diagram to illustrate your answer.

Answer:

Chiasmata- These are points of attachment between homologous chromosomes during their separation in diplotene to the metaphase I stage of meiosis. Chiasmata are initially formed in the regions of crossing over between nonsister chromatids, but later on, tend to shift sideways.

Chiasmata

Q8. How does cytokinesis in plant cells differ from that in animal cells?

Answer:

The process of cytokinesis differs in plant and animal cells

Cytokinesis in plantsCytokinesis in animals
It occurs by the cell plate methodIt takes place by the cleavage method
The spindle persists during cytokinesisThe spindle starts to degenerate after anaphase
The cell plate grows centrifugallyCleavage takes place centripetally
The new cell wall and membrane are formed from Golgi-derived vesiclesThe new cell membrane is formed by the constriction of the plasma membrane

Q9. Find examples where the four daughter cells from meiosis are equal in size and where they are found unequal in size.

Answer:

  • In the formation of a male gamete (spermatogenesis), all four sperm cells are equal in size.
  • During the process of female gamete development (oogenesis), a large egg cell and three smaller polar bodies are produced.

Q10. Distinguish the anaphase of mitosis from anaphase I of meiosis.

Answer:

Anaphase of mitosis

Anaphase I of meiosis

The anaphase of mitosis involves the splitting of each chromosome at the centromere into two sister chromatids, which start moving towards the opposite poles.

Anaphase of mitosis

Anaphase I of meiosis I involves the separation of homologous chromosomes, while the chromatids remain attached to their centromeres.

Anaphase I of meiosis


Q11. List the main differences between mitosis and meiosis.

Answer: The major differences between mitosis and meiosis are discussed below in the table:

Mitosis

Meiosis

It takes place in somatic cells

It takes place in germ cells

The cells undergoing mitosis can be diploid or haploid

The cells that undergo meiosis are diploid

It involves a single division producing two daughter cells at the end

It involves two divisions that give rise to four daughter cells

The daughter cells formed after mitosis are exactly similar to their parent cell

The daughter cells formed after meiosis are neither similar to the parent one nor to one another

The number of chromosomes remains the same after mitosis

The number of chromosomes is reduced to half after meiosis

Mitosis helps in the multiplication of cells, healing, and repair

Meiosis is involved in the formation of gametes and genetic variation


Q12. What is the significance of meiosis?

Answer:

Meiosis is significant because:

  • It produces gametes for sexual reproduction.

  • It maintains the chromosome number stable in the species.

  • It creates genetic variation by crossing over and independent assortment of chromosomes.

  • It enables new genetic combinations to develop, helping in evolution.


Q13. Discuss with your teacher about

(i) haploid insects and lower plants, where cell division occurs

Answer:

In some lower plants, algae, and fungi, the zygote undergoes meiosis immediately after its formation. This type of meiosis is called zygotic meiosis, and the life cycle is known as the haplontic life cycle.

Q13. Discuss with your teacher about

(ii) some haploid cells in higher plants where cell division does not occur.

Answer:

Synergids and antipodals are haploid cells in higher plants where cell division does not occur.

Q14. Can there be mitosis without DNA replication in 'S' phase?

Answer:

No, mitosis cannot occur without DNA replication during the S phase. Without copying DNA, the daughter cells will contain fewer chromosomes than required.

Q15. Can there be DNA replication without cell division?

Answer:

Yes, DNA can replicate without cell division. For instance, in polyploidy, chromosomes replicate many times without the cell dividing, resulting in excess DNA.

Q16. Analyse the events during every stage of the cell cycle and notice how the following two parameters change

(i) number of chromosomes (N) per cell

Answer:

The number of chromosomes decreases during anaphase I of meiosis I, when homologous chromosomes separate, resulting in daughter cells being haploid.

Q16. Analyse the events during every stage of the cell cycle and notice how the following two parameters change

(ii) amount of DNA content (C) per cell

Answer:

DNA content doubles during the S phase since replication takes place. During meiosis I, the DNA content per cell is reduced to half because homologous chromosomes separate. After meiosis II, the separation of sister chromatids ensures that each gamete receives the correct haploid DNA content.

Check the NCERT Books and NCERT Syllabus here:

Approach to Solve Cell Cycle and Cell Division Class 11 Question Answer

The students should begin by understanding the terms, such as interphase, mitosis, and meiosis, before starting to solve the questions.

  • The cell cycle can be broken down into different phases, and the sequence should be revised carefully.

  • Flowcharts and labelled diagrams should be used for better memory. All diagrams are included in the Class 11 Biology Chapter 10 - Cell Cycle and Cell Division Solutions.

  • By solving the exemplar problems, students can have a thorough understanding of the chapter.

  • Practice the questions given in the NCERT Solutions for Class 11 for effective learning.

  • Finally, regular revision should be done from the Class 11 Biology Chapter 10 - Cell Cycle and Cell Division question answer. This strengthens the concepts and boosts exam confidence.

NCERT Solutions for Class 11: Subject-wise

Important Question of NCERT Class 11 Biology Chapter 10

Below is an important question from this chapter, along with the solution. To gain confidence and score well in exams, it is important to practice questions. For this purpose, students can refer to the NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Biology Chapter 10 - Cell Cycle and Cell Division.

Q1. Write five features of anaphase I of Meiosis.

Answer:

The five features of anaphase I of Meiosis are:

  • Each bivalent's homologous chromosomes split out from one another.
  • The homologous chromosomes that have been split travel to the opposing poles.
  • The chromatids do not separate during this phase; the chromosomes do.
  • There are two sister chromatids on each chromosome.
  • There is a decrease in the number of chromosomes during anaphase I.

What Students Learn from Cell Cycle and Cell Division NCERT Solutions

Cell growth and division are controlled by a series of events. This chapter explains how cells divide and remain in continuity throughout life.

  • Students understand the different phases of the cell cycle, such as interphase and M phase, and how they regulate cell growth.

  • The Cell Cycle and Cell Division NCERT Solutions explain the process of mitosis, including prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.

  • Students explore the significance of meiosis in producing gametes and maintaining chromosome number.

  • Through the Cell Cycle and Cell Division class 11 question answer, learners also study checkpoints that control growth and prevent errors during cell division.

What Extra Should Students Study Beyond the NCERT for NEET?

Studying concepts beyond the NCERT will help in attaining clarity for competitive exams like NEET. The NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Biology Chapter 10 - Cell Cycle and Cell Division help students to answer application-based questions. Some extra concepts that can be studied are:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the difference between mitosis and meiosis in Class 11 Biology?
A:

Mitosis: Results in two identical cells, found in somatic (body) cells.
Meiosis: Forms four genetically unique cells containing half the number of chromosomes, takes place in reproductive cells.

Q: What is the significance of the cell cycle and cell division?
A:

The cell cycle provides growth, repair, and reproduction to organisms. It prevents the number of chromosomes in cells from being in error.

Q: What are the important topics of cell cycle and cell division class 11 ncert pdf?
A:

All the important topics included in the NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Biology Chapter 10 Cell Cycle and Cell Division are given below:

  • Cell Cycle 
  • M Phase  
  • Significance of Mitosis  
  • Meiosis  
  • Significance of Meiosis 
Q: Why is meiosis important for sexual reproduction?
A:

Meiosis produces genetic diversity and ensures that offspring inherit the appropriate number of chromosomes from their parents.

Q: What is S Phase given in cell cycle ncert?
A:

In this phase, chromosomes along with their DNA replicates. The content of DNA doubles up, however, the number of chromosomes remains the same. After replication, the daughter chromosomes remain attached in the region of the centromere. The centrosome, if present begins to divide.

Articles
Upcoming School Exams
Ongoing Dates
Assam HSLC Application Date

1 Sep'25 - 21 Oct'25 (Online)

Ongoing Dates
CGSOS 12th Application Date

8 Sep'25 - 8 Oct'25 (Online)