Question 1

Which of the following best describes the function of the plasma membrane in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

It acts as a selective barrier, allowing passage of oxygen, nutrients, and waste.

Question 2

A scientist is using a microscope to study the internal structure of mitochondria. Which type of microscope should they use and why?

Accepted Answer

Transmission electron microscope (TEM), because it focuses a beam of electrons through the specimen to reveal internal structures.

Question 3

Which of the following equations correctly represents the relationship between surface area and volume for a spherical cell?

Accepted Answer

Surface area $$= 4 \pi r^2$, Volume $$= \frac{4}{3} \pi $$r^3$$

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Smooth endoplasmic reticulum

Question 5

A mutation disrupts the function of dynein motor proteins in a cell. Which cellular structure would most likely be affected?

Accepted Answer

Cilia and flagella

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

Both organelles contain free ribosomes and circular DNA molecules.

Question 7

A cell is observed to have a large central vacuole, chloroplasts, and a cell wall. Which type of cell is it most likely to be?

Accepted Answer

Plant cell

Question 8

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, facilitating efficient exchange of materials.

Question 9

During cellular respiration, which compartment of the mitochondrion is responsible for catalyzing metabolic steps?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondrial matrix

Question 10

Which of the following is a function of lysosomes in animal cells?

Accepted Answer

Digesting macromolecules and recycling cellular components

Question 11

A patient with a genetic disorder has defective integrin proteins. Which cellular process is most likely impaired?

Accepted Answer

Communication between the extracellular matrix and the cell interior

Question 12

Which of the following cell junctions prevents leakage of extracellular fluid between epithelial cells?

Accepted Answer

Tight junctions

Question 13

Which equation would you use to calculate the surface area to volume ratio for a cube-shaped cell with side length $$l$$?

Accepted Answer

Surface area to volume ratio $$= \frac{6l^2$}{l^3$}$$

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the role of the Golgi apparatus in the endomembrane system?

Accepted Answer

It modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and macromolecules for transport.

Question 15

Which cytoskeletal component is primarily involved in separating chromosomes during cell division?

Accepted Answer

Microtubules

Question 16

A freshwater protist is observed to have a contractile vacuole. What is the primary function of this organelle?

Accepted Answer

Pumping excess water out of the cell

Question 17

Which of the following statements about ribosomes is correct?

Accepted Answer

Ribosomes synthesize proteins in both the cytosol and on the endoplasmic reticulum.

Question 18

Which structure in plant cells allows water, small solutes, and sometimes proteins and RNA to pass directly from cell to cell?

Accepted Answer

Plasmodesmata

Question 19

Which of the following is a real-world example of the function of peroxisomes in human cells?

Accepted Answer

Detoxification of alcohol in liver cells

Question 20

A cell is observed to have a cortex of actin filaments just inside its plasma membrane. What is the primary function of this structure?

Accepted Answer

Supporting the cell’s shape and forming microvilli

A Tour of the Cell: Structure, Function, and Organization

Study Guide - Practice Questions