Question 1

Which of the following best describes the function of the plasma membrane in a typical animal cell?

Accepted Answer

It controls the movement of chemicals in and out of the cell, acting as a selectively permeable barrier.

Question 2

A scientist observes a cell with a large number of ribosomes attached to its endoplasmic reticulum. What is the most likely function of this cell?

Accepted Answer

Synthesis of membrane and secretory proteins.

Question 3

Which of the following molecules can most easily pass through the lipid bilayer of the plasma membrane without the aid of a transport protein?

Accepted Answer

Small, non-polar, uncharged molecules such as oxygen ($$O_2).$$

Question 4

During osmosis, water moves across a selectively permeable membrane. Which direction does water move?

Accepted Answer

From an area of higher water concentration to an area of lower water concentration.

Question 5

A red blood cell is placed in a hypertonic solution. What is the expected outcome?

Accepted Answer

The cell will shrink and undergo crenation.

Question 6

Which organelle is primarily responsible for ATP production in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondria

Question 7

Which of the following statements about facilitated diffusion is correct?

Accepted Answer

It uses transport proteins to move molecules down their concentration gradient.

Question 8

A cell is actively transporting sodium ions ($$Na^+) $$out of the cell against their concentration gradient. Which process is being used?

Accepted Answer

Active transport

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the role of the cytoskeleton in a cell?

Accepted Answer

It maintains cell shape, enables movement, and provides mechanical support.

Question 10

Which organelle contains hydrolytic enzymes and is involved in the digestion of foreign substances and worn-out organelles?

Accepted Answer

Lysosome

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

Detoxification of alcohol and breakdown of fatty acids.

Question 12

Which process describes the copying of DNA to make messenger RNA (mRNA)?

Accepted Answer

Transcription

Question 13

During aerobic respiration, how many ATP molecules are produced per glucose molecule?

Accepted Answer

$$6-38$$

Question 14

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the genetic material in mitochondria?

Accepted Answer

It is a single, circular DNA molecule inherited from the mother.

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why cells placed in an isotonic solution retain their normal shape?

Accepted Answer

There is no net movement of water into or out of the cell.

Question 16

Which of the following is a function of the Golgi apparatus?

Accepted Answer

Modification and packaging of proteins and lipids for transport.

Question 17

Which type of cell division results in daughter cells that are genetically identical to the parent cell?

Accepted Answer

Mitosis

Question 18

Which of the following best describes apoptosis?

Accepted Answer

Genetically programmed, age-related cell death without inflammation.

Question 19

A cell is observed to engulf a bacterium by forming a vesicle around it. Which process is this?

Accepted Answer

Endocytosis (phagocytosis)

Question 20

Which of the following equations correctly represents the overall reaction for aerobic cellular respiration?

Accepted Answer

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

The Cellular Level of Organization: Structure and Function of Cells

Study Guide - Practice Questions