Question 1

Which scientist is credited with first observing cells under a microscope and coining the term 'cell'?

Accepted Answer

Robert Hooke

Question 2

Which of the following best describes the function of the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

It provides a selectively permeable barrier between the cell's interior and exterior.

Question 3

A cell is placed in a solution and water moves into the cell through aquaporins. What process is occurring?

Accepted Answer

Osmosis

Question 4

Which organelle is responsible for packaging and shipping proteins to their final destinations?

Accepted Answer

Golgi apparatus

Question 5

A white blood cell engulfs a bacterium by extending pseudopods around it. This process is called:

Accepted Answer

Phagocytosis

Question 6

Which of the following is TRUE about mitochondria?

Accepted Answer

They contain some maternally inherited DNA.

Question 7

Which cytoskeletal element is primarily responsible for cell movement and muscle contraction?

Accepted Answer

Microfilaments

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

S phase

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the role of lysosomes in the cell?

Accepted Answer

They digest unwanted substances.

Question 10

A patient has a genetic disorder affecting the formation of the mitotic spindle. Which organelle is most likely defective?

Accepted Answer

Centrioles

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

Lipid metabolism

Question 12

Which process requires energy in the form of ATP to move substances across the plasma membrane against their concentration gradient?

Accepted Answer

Active transport

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the structure of chromatin during active transcription?

Accepted Answer

Extended chromatin

Question 14

A cell is observed to have an abundance of peroxisomes. This cell is most likely found in which organ?

Accepted Answer

Liver

Question 15

Which of the following is NOT a function of the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

Synthesizing proteins for the cell

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the process of receptor-mediated endocytosis?

Accepted Answer

The cell uses specific receptors to concentrate and ingest certain molecules.

Question 17

Which of the following equations best represents the movement of molecules during simple diffusion?

Accepted Answer

$$ J = -D \frac{dC}{dx} $$

Question 18

Which organelle is the primary site for ribosome subunit assembly?

Accepted Answer

Nucleolus

Question 19

Which of the following cell types is specialized for transmitting electrical signals over long distances?

Accepted Answer

Neuron

Question 20

During which stage of mitosis do chromosomes align along the equator of the cell?

Accepted Answer

Metaphase

Cells: The Living Units – Structure, Function, and Diversity

Study Guide - Practice Questions