Question 1

Which organelle is primarily responsible for producing ATP through oxidative phosphorylation in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondria

Question 2

During protein synthesis, what is the role of the signal sequence encoded by mRNA?

Accepted Answer

It directs the ribosome to the rough endoplasmic reticulum.

Question 3

Which phase of the cell cycle involves DNA replication and synthesis of proteins needed for cell division?

Accepted Answer

Interphase

Question 4

What is the function of the Golgi apparatus in the cell?

Accepted Answer

Packaging and modifying proteins for secretion

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the role of intermediate filaments in the cell?

Accepted Answer

They provide structural stability and distribute stress across the cytoskeleton.

Question 6

A mutation prevents the formation of kinetochores during mitosis. What is the most likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

Sister chromatids will not separate properly during anaphase.

Question 7

Which of the following codons signals the start of translation in mRNA?

Accepted Answer

AUG

Question 8

During which stage of mitosis do chromosomes align at the center of the cell?

Accepted Answer

Metaphase

Question 9

Which process is responsible for the breakdown of proteins in the cell?

Accepted Answer

Protein degradation

Question 10

If a cell is unable to use oxygen ($O_2$) efficiently, which organelle's function is most directly impaired?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondria

Question 11

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER)?

Accepted Answer

It is studded with ribosomes and involved in protein synthesis.

Question 12

A cell is observed to have a high rate of protein secretion. Which organelle would you expect to be highly developed in this cell?

Accepted Answer

Golgi apparatus

Question 13

Which equation correctly represents the overall reaction for aerobic cellular respiration in mitochondria?

Accepted Answer

$C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2 \rightarrow 6CO_2 + 6H_2O + ATP$

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the function of the centromere during mitosis?

Accepted Answer

It is the region where sister chromatids are attached.

Question 15

During which phase of the cell cycle does the cell check for DNA damage and ensure all proteins needed for synthesis are available?

Accepted Answer

G1 phase

Question 16

A patient has a genetic defect in the protein responsible for forming Okazaki fragments. Which process is most directly affected?

Accepted Answer

DNA replication on the lagging strand

Question 17

Which of the following is a stop codon in mRNA translation?

Accepted Answer

UGA

Question 18

What is the primary function of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER)?

Accepted Answer

Lipid and steroid synthesis, and calcium storage

Question 19

During telophase and cytokinesis, which event occurs to complete cell division?

Accepted Answer

Nuclear envelope reforms and cytoplasm divides, forming two cells.

Question 20

A scientist observes that a cell is unable to degrade misfolded proteins. Which cellular structure is most likely malfunctioning?

Accepted Answer

Lysosome

Cell Structure, Protein Synthesis, and the Cell Cycle: Study Notes for Anatomy & Physiology

Study Guide - Practice Questions