Question 1

Which statement best describes the cell theory as presented in the study materials?

Accepted Answer

Cells are the basic structural and functional units of life, and organismal activity depends on individual and collective activity of cells.

Question 2

A scientist observes a cell with abundant rough endoplasmic reticulum and many ribosomes. Which function is this cell most likely specialized for?

Accepted Answer

Synthesis and secretion of proteins.

Question 3

Which component of the plasma membrane acts as a highly specific biological marker for cell recognition?

Accepted Answer

Glycocalyx

Question 4

A patient has a genetic defect affecting the formation of desmosomes. Which tissue would most likely be compromised?

Accepted Answer

Epithelial tissue, due to reduced mechanical strength between cells.

Question 5

Which organelle is primarily responsible for neutralizing dangerous free radicals in the cell?

Accepted Answer

Peroxisome

Question 6

A cell is observed to have a large number of mitochondria. What can be inferred about its function?

Accepted Answer

It requires high amounts of energy for its activities.

Question 7

Which equation best represents the process of protein synthesis from DNA to protein?

Accepted Answer

$$DNA \xrightarrow{transcription} mRNA \xrightarrow{translation} Protein$$

Question 8

Which type of membrane junction allows chemical substances to pass directly between adjacent cells?

Accepted Answer

Gap junction

Question 9

During which phase of the cell cycle does DNA replication occur?

Accepted Answer

S phase

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

Modification and packaging of proteins for secretion.

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the structure of the plasma membrane according to the fluid mosaic model?

Accepted Answer

A double bilayer of lipids with embedded, dispersed proteins.

Question 12

If a cell's smooth endoplasmic reticulum is damaged, which function would be most impaired in liver cells?

Accepted Answer

Lipid and cholesterol metabolism, and detoxification of drugs.

Question 13

Which organelle is responsible for digesting ingested bacteria, viruses, and toxins?

Accepted Answer

Lysosome

Question 14

A mutation prevents the formation of microtubules in a cell. Which cellular process would be most directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Organization of the mitotic spindle during mitosis

Question 15

Which equation best represents the role of mitochondria in cellular respiration?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 16

Which of the following is NOT a function of the cytoskeleton?

Accepted Answer

Synthesizing proteins for secretion

Question 17

A cell is observed to have a contractile ring forming a cleavage furrow. Which stage of cell division is this cell undergoing?

Accepted Answer

Cytokinesis

Question 18

Which of the following best explains why phospholipids form bilayers in aqueous environments?

Accepted Answer

Phospholipids have both hydrophobic and hydrophilic bipoles.

Question 19

Which organelle is most directly involved in the synthesis of steroid-based hormones in the testes?

Accepted Answer

Smooth endoplasmic reticulum

Question 20

A cell is unable to degrade nonfunctional organelles. Which organelle is most likely defective?

Accepted Answer

Lysosome

Cells: The Living Units – Structure and Function

Study Guide - Practice Questions