Question 1

Which of the following structures is found in prokaryotic cells but NOT in eukaryotic animal cells?

Accepted Answer

Cell wall made of peptidoglycan

Question 2

A scientist observes a cell with the following features: DNA in a nucleoid region, ribosomes, a plasma membrane, and a cell wall. Which domain does this cell most likely belong to?

Accepted Answer

Bacteria

Question 3

Which of the following best explains why eukaryotic cells can compartmentalize incompatible metabolic processes?

Accepted Answer

They contain membrane-bound organelles that create specialized environments.

Question 4

The endosymbiont theory is supported by which of the following observations about mitochondria and chloroplasts?

Accepted Answer

They contain their own DNA and ribosomes similar to those of prokaryotes.

Question 5

A mutation prevents the formation of the nucleolus in a eukaryotic cell. Which process would be most directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Synthesis of ribosomal RNA ($$rRNA)$$

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the function of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum (smooth ER)?

Accepted Answer

Synthesis of lipids and detoxification of drugs

Question 7

A liver cell is exposed to a high concentration of alcohol. Which organelle is likely to increase in abundance as a result, and why?

Accepted Answer

Smooth ER, because it detoxifies alcohol

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

Modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins for secretion

Question 9

A genetic disorder causes a defect in lysosomal enzymes. Which of the following is a likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

Accumulation of undigested macromolecules in the cell

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the role of peroxisomes in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

They break down fatty acids and detoxify harmful substances by producing hydrogen peroxide ($$H_2O_2).$$

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

Cell wall

Question 12

Which cytoskeletal element is primarily responsible for the movement of chromosomes during mitosis?

Accepted Answer

Microtubules

Question 13

A muscle cell contracts due to the interaction of which two cytoskeletal proteins?

Accepted Answer

Actin and myosin

Question 14

Which of the following best explains why animal cells do not burst in hypotonic solutions, unlike plant cells?

Accepted Answer

Animal cells use contractile vacuoles or regulate solute concentration to prevent lysis.

Question 15

Which of the following cell junctions allows the passage of ions and small molecules directly between neighboring animal cells?

Accepted Answer

Gap junctions

Question 16

A researcher observes that a certain protein is synthesized in the rough ER, modified in the Golgi apparatus, and then secreted from the cell. Which pathway best describes this process?

Accepted Answer

Endomembrane system

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the structure of the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

A phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins

Question 18

A mutation disrupts the function of collagen in the extracellular matrix (ECM) of animal cells. Which of the following is a likely effect?

Accepted Answer

Weakened structural support and impaired cell signaling

Question 19

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

Accepted Answer

To increase the surface area for ATP production

Question 20

A plant cell is observed to have a large central vacuole. Which of the following is NOT a function of this organelle?

Accepted Answer

Synthesis of ribosomal RNA

A Tour of the Cell: Structure and Function in General Biology

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