Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Smaller cells have a higher surface area to volume ratio, allowing efficient exchange of materials with their environment.

Question 2

A scientist wants to study the detailed structure of mitochondria within a cell. Which type of microscope should they use and why?

Accepted Answer

Transmission electron microscope (TEM), because it provides high resolution to visualize internal organelle structures.

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a component of the endomembrane system?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondria

Question 4

A mutation causes a cell to lack functional dynein proteins. Which cellular process would be most directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Movement of cilia and flagella

Question 5

Which organelle is primarily responsible for detoxifying drugs and poisons in liver cells?

Accepted Answer

Smooth endoplasmic reticulum

Question 6

According to the endosymbiont theory, which evidence supports the idea that mitochondria originated from prokaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondria have their own circular DNA and double membranes.

Question 7

A plant cell is placed in a hypotonic solution. Which structure prevents the cell from bursting?

Accepted Answer

Cell wall

Question 8

Which formula correctly represents the surface area to volume ratio for a cube-shaped cell with side length $$l$$?

Accepted Answer

$$\frac{6l^2$}{l^3$}$$

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

It modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for secretion or delivery to other organelles.

Question 10

A patient has a genetic disorder affecting the formation of intermediate filaments. Which cellular function is most likely to be impaired?

Accepted Answer

Anchorage of the nucleus and maintenance of cell shape

Question 11

Which process is most directly facilitated by microtubules during mitosis?

Accepted Answer

Separation of chromosomes

Question 12

Which of the following statements about plasmodesmata is correct?

Accepted Answer

They are channels that allow water, small solutes, and sometimes proteins and RNA to pass between plant cells.

Question 13

Which organelle is most likely to be abundant in cells that actively secrete large amounts of protein, such as pancreatic cells?

Accepted Answer

Rough endoplasmic reticulum

Question 14

A freshwater protist uses contractile vacuoles to maintain homeostasis. What is the primary function of these vacuoles?

Accepted Answer

To pump excess water out of the cell

Question 15

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

Accepted Answer

They are receptor proteins in the plasma membrane that connect the extracellular matrix to the cytoskeleton.

Question 16

A cell is observed to have a large number of peroxisomes. Which metabolic activity is most likely occurring at a high rate?

Accepted Answer

Breakdown of fatty acids and detoxification of harmful compounds

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

It provides structural support, facilitates cell movement, and organizes organelles within the cell.

Question 18

Which cell junction in animal tissues prevents the leakage of extracellular fluid between neighboring cells?

Accepted Answer

Tight junctions

Question 19

During phagocytosis, which organelle fuses with the food vacuole to digest its contents?

Accepted Answer

Lysosome

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the relationship between the nucleus and ribosomes in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

The nucleus contains DNA, which provides instructions for ribosomes to synthesize proteins.

A Tour of the Cell – Chapter 6 Study Notes (Campbell Biology)

Study Guide - Practice Questions