Question 1

Which of the following best describes the primary function of mitochondria in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Production of most cellular ATP via aerobic respiration

Question 2

A patient is diagnosed with a genetic disorder that impairs the function of peroxisomes. Which cellular process is most likely to be affected?

Accepted Answer

Breakdown of fatty acids and detoxification of hydrogen peroxide

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Golgi apparatus

Question 4

A cell is observed to have an abundance of rough endoplasmic reticulum. What is the most likely function of this cell?

Accepted Answer

Active secretion of proteins

Question 5

Which cytoskeletal element is primarily responsible for resisting pulling forces and is composed of tetramer fibrils twisted together?

Accepted Answer

Intermediate filaments

Question 6

A mutation in the gene encoding a lysosomal enzyme leads to accumulation of glycolipids in neurons. Which disease does this scenario describe?

Accepted Answer

Tay-Sachs disease

Question 7

Which of the following best explains why mitochondria are considered semiautonomous organelles?

Accepted Answer

They contain their own DNA, RNA, and ribosomes and can divide independently

Question 8

Which of the following structures is directly involved in the movement of chromosomes during cell division?

Accepted Answer

Centrioles

Question 9

A researcher observes a cell with numerous microvilli. What is the most likely function of this cell?

Accepted Answer

Absorption of nutrients

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the '9 + 2' arrangement?

Accepted Answer

Nine pairs of microtubules surrounding two central microtubules in cilia and flagella

Question 11

Which of the following is a function of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum?

Accepted Answer

Synthesis of steroid-based hormones

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the role of the nucleolus?

Accepted Answer

Synthesis of ribosomal RNA and assembly of ribosome subunits

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a component of chromatin?

Accepted Answer

Phospholipids

Question 14

A cell is exposed to a toxin that inhibits the function of motor proteins. Which process would be most directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Intracellular transport of organelles along microtubules

Question 15

Which of the following best explains the function of lysosomes in a healthy cell?

Accepted Answer

Digesting and recycling cellular waste and foreign material

Question 16

Which of the following is a correct sequence of events for a protein destined for secretion from the cell?

Accepted Answer

Synthesis on rough ER → modification in Golgi apparatus → packaging in secretory vesicle → exocytosis

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the function of microfilaments in the cytoskeleton?

Accepted Answer

Providing structural support and enabling cell movement

Question 18

A cell with defective catalase in its peroxisomes would have difficulty with which process?

Accepted Answer

Converting hydrogen peroxide to water

Question 19

Which of the following statements about the nuclear envelope is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

It is a double-membrane structure with pores that regulate molecular traffic

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why red blood cells are anucleate?

Accepted Answer

They lack a nucleus to maximize space for hemoglobin and oxygen transport

Cells: The Living Units – Cytoplasm, Organelles, and Nucleus

Study Guide - Practice Questions