Question 1

Which of the following best explains why cells are generally small in size?

Accepted Answer

Smaller cells have a higher surface area-to-volume ratio, which facilitates efficient exchange of materials necessary for homeostasis.

Question 2

A scientist observes a cell with no nucleus, a single circular DNA molecule, and no membrane-bound organelles. Which type of cell is being observed?

Accepted Answer

Prokaryotic cell

Question 3

Which of the following is a function of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) in liver cells?

Accepted Answer

Detoxification of drugs and poisons

Question 4

A mutation causes a cell to lack functional lysosomes. Which of the following consequences is most likely?

Accepted Answer

Accumulation of damaged organelles and macromolecules within the cell

Question 5

Which organelle is primarily responsible for modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins for secretion or delivery to other organelles?

Accepted Answer

Golgi apparatus

Question 6

A cell is observed to have an extensive network of rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER). What is the most likely function of this cell?

Accepted Answer

Production of large amounts of secretory proteins

Question 7

Which of the following statements about the plasma membrane is correct?

Accepted Answer

It is composed of a double layer of phospholipids with embedded proteins.

Question 8

What is the main difference between free ribosomes and bound ribosomes?

Accepted Answer

Free ribosomes synthesize proteins that function in the cytosol, while bound ribosomes synthesize proteins destined for membranes, lysosomes, or secretion.

Question 9

A patient has a genetic disorder that impairs the function of peroxisomes. Which of the following is a likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

Accumulation of toxic hydrogen peroxide in cells

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the flow of a newly synthesized secretory protein through the endomembrane system?

Accepted Answer

Rough ER $\rightarrow$ transport vesicle $\rightarrow$ Golgi apparatus $\rightarrow$ transport vesicle $\rightarrow$ plasma membrane

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT a function of the Golgi apparatus?

Accepted Answer

Synthesis of ribosomal RNA

Question 12

A cell with abundant peroxisomes is most likely specialized for which of the following functions?

Accepted Answer

Detoxification of harmful substances

Question 13

Which of the following best explains why the surface area-to-volume ratio is important for cell function?

Accepted Answer

A higher surface area-to-volume ratio allows for more efficient exchange of materials with the environment.

Question 14

Which of the following structures is found in all cells, both prokaryotic and eukaryotic?

Accepted Answer

Plasma membrane

Question 15

A researcher is studying a cell that is actively secreting large amounts of protein. Which organelles would you expect to be especially prominent in this cell?

Accepted Answer

Rough ER and Golgi apparatus

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the function of lysosomes?

Accepted Answer

Intracellular digestion of macromolecules and damaged organelles

Question 17

A cell is observed to have a large number of microvilli. What is the most likely function of this cell?

Accepted Answer

Absorption of nutrients due to increased surface area

Question 18

Which of the following statements about the endomembrane system is correct?

Accepted Answer

It includes the nuclear envelope, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, vesicles, and plasma membrane.

Question 19

A cell is unable to produce transport vesicles. Which process would be most directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Movement of proteins and lipids between organelles in the endomembrane system

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the relationship between the rough ER and the Golgi apparatus?

Accepted Answer

Proteins synthesized in the rough ER are transported to the Golgi apparatus for modification and sorting.

A Tour of the Cell: Structure and Function of Animal Cells

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