Question 1

Which of the following best explains why most cells are microscopic in size?

Accepted Answer

Smaller cells have a larger surface-to-volume ratio, which facilitates efficient exchange of materials across the plasma membrane.

Question 2

A scientist wants to observe the detailed structure of the surface of a virus particle. Which type of microscope should they use?

Accepted Answer

Scanning electron microscope

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Central vacuole

Question 4

Which of the following statements about the plasma membrane is correct?

Accepted Answer

It contains proteins that can act as channels or pumps for molecules.

Question 5

A cell is observed to have a nucleoid region, ribosomes, and a cell wall, but no membrane-bound organelles. This cell is most likely:

Accepted Answer

A prokaryotic bacterial cell

Question 6

Which organelle is primarily responsible for the synthesis of lipids and detoxification of harmful substances?

Accepted Answer

Smooth endoplasmic reticulum

Question 7

A protein is synthesized by a ribosome attached to the rough ER. What is the correct sequence of organelles it will pass through before being secreted from the cell?

Accepted Answer

Rough ER → Golgi apparatus → transport vesicle → plasma membrane

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the function of lysosomes in animal cells?

Accepted Answer

They house enzymes that break down ingested substances and damaged organelles.

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

Movement of cilia and flagella

Question 10

Which of the following is a function of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in animal cells?

Accepted Answer

It binds tissue cells together and communicates with the cytoskeleton.

Question 11

According to the endosymbiont theory, which of the following statements is true?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondria and chloroplasts originated as independent prokaryotes that were engulfed by a host cell.

Question 12

Which type of cell junction would most likely be involved in a muscle tear injury?

Accepted Answer

Anchoring junction

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the main function of mitochondria?

Accepted Answer

They carry out cellular respiration to harvest chemical energy from food.

Question 14

A plant cell is placed in a hypotonic solution. Which organelle helps prevent the cell from bursting?

Accepted Answer

Cell wall

Question 15

Which of the following is NOT part of the endomembrane system?

Accepted Answer

Peroxisome

Question 16

Which of the following best explains why the thylakoid membrane in chloroplasts is so extensive?

Accepted Answer

It increases the surface area for photosynthetic reactions.

Question 17

Which of the following is a correct match between a cytoskeletal element and its function?

Accepted Answer

Intermediate filaments – anchorage of organelles

Question 18

Which animal cell junction is functionally analogous to the plasmodesmata in plant cells?

Accepted Answer

Gap junction

Question 19

A cell is observed to have a large number of ribosomes. What can you infer about its function?

Accepted Answer

It is likely involved in the synthesis of large amounts of proteins.

Question 20

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

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6$} + 6\ \mathrm{O_2$} ightarrow 6\ \mathrm{CO_2$} + 6\ \mathrm{H_2O} + 	ext{energy}$$

A Tour of the Cell: Structure and Function of Cellular Components

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