Question 1

Which of the following best explains why cells are generally small in size?

Accepted Answer

Smaller cells have a larger surface area-to-volume ratio, which facilitates efficient exchange of materials with their environment.

Question 2

Which of the following statements about the endosymbiotic theory is supported by evidence from mitochondria and chloroplasts?

Accepted Answer

Both mitochondria and chloroplasts contain circular DNA similar to that of bacteria.

Question 3

A scientist is using a microscope to observe the detailed internal structure of a mitochondrion. Which type of microscope should she use and why?

Accepted Answer

Transmission electron microscope (TEM), because it provides high resolution images of internal cell structures.

Question 4

Which of the following is NOT a function of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum (ER)?

Accepted Answer

Synthesis of proteins for export from the cell.

Question 5

A mutation causes a cell to lack functional lysosomes. Which of the following would most likely result from this mutation?

Accepted Answer

The cell would accumulate undigested macromolecules, leading to cellular dysfunction.

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the main structural difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Eukaryotic cells have membrane-bound organelles, including a nucleus, while prokaryotic cells do not.

Question 7

A plant cell is placed in a hypotonic solution. Which of the following best describes what will happen to the cell?

Accepted Answer

Water will enter the cell, causing it to become turgid due to the pressure against the cell wall.

Question 8

Which of the following organelles is directly involved in the synthesis of ATP in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondrion

Question 9

Which of the following best explains why the plasma membrane is described as a 'fluid mosaic'?

Accepted Answer

It is composed of a phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins that can move laterally within the layer.

Question 10

A cell is observed to have a large number of ribosomes attached to its rough endoplasmic reticulum. What can you infer about the function of this cell?

Accepted Answer

It is specialized for producing proteins that are secreted or inserted into membranes.

Question 11

Which of the following structures is found in plant cells but not in animal cells?

Accepted Answer

Chloroplast

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the function of the Golgi apparatus?

Accepted Answer

It modifies, sorts, and ships proteins and lipids received from the endoplasmic reticulum.

Question 13

Which of the following is a function of the cytoskeleton in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Providing structural support and facilitating movement of organelles within the cell.

Question 14

A mutation in a gene encoding a motor protein that interacts with microtubules would most likely affect which of the following cellular processes?

Accepted Answer

Movement of cilia and flagella.

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the role of integrins in animal cells?

Accepted Answer

They connect the extracellular matrix to the cytoskeleton, facilitating communication and structural support.

Question 16

Which of the following cell junctions would you expect to find in tissues that require strong mechanical connections, such as skin?

Accepted Answer

Desmosomes

Question 17

A researcher discovers a new unicellular organism with a cell wall, circular DNA, and no membrane-bound organelles. To which domain does this organism most likely belong?

Accepted Answer

Bacteria

Question 18

Which of the following best explains why mitochondria have highly folded inner membranes (cristae)?

Accepted Answer

The folds increase the surface area for enzymes involved in ATP production.

Question 19

Which of the following equations correctly represents the process of cellular respiration that occurs in mitochondria?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the function of plasmodesmata in plant cells?

Accepted Answer

They allow water, nutrients, and chemical messages to pass directly between adjacent plant cells.

A Tour of the Cell (Chapter 4): Structure and Function of Cells

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