Question 1

Which of the following best explains why cells are limited in size by the surface area-to-volume ratio?

Accepted Answer

As a cell grows, its volume increases faster than its surface area, limiting the efficiency of material exchange across the plasma membrane.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Nucleoid

Question 3

A scientist is studying a cell that contains a nucleus, mitochondria, and chloroplasts. Which type of cell is she most likely observing?

Accepted Answer

A plant cell

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

It synthesizes proteins that are either secreted from the cell, inserted into membranes, or sent to lysosomes.

Question 5

Which of the following is a major disadvantage of the electron microscope compared to the light microscope?

Accepted Answer

Electron microscopes cannot be used to view living cells because the preparation process kills them.

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the role of the nucleolus within the nucleus?

Accepted Answer

It is the site where ribosomal RNA (rRNA) is synthesized and ribosome subunits are assembled.

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

Intracellular digestion of engulfed particles by phagocytosis

Question 8

Which of the following statements about mitochondria and chloroplasts is correct?

Accepted Answer

Both mitochondria and chloroplasts contain their own DNA and ribosomes.

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the function of peroxisomes?

Accepted Answer

They break down fatty acids and detoxify harmful substances by transferring hydrogen to oxygen, forming hydrogen peroxide.

Question 10

Which of the following is NOT a function of the cytoskeleton?

Accepted Answer

Synthesizing DNA during cell division

Question 11

A cell is observed to have a large central vacuole, a cell wall, and chloroplasts. Which of the following is most likely true about this cell?

Accepted Answer

It is a plant cell specialized for photosynthesis and storage.

Question 12

Which of the following best explains how the endomembrane system works together to secrete a protein?

Accepted Answer

The rough ER synthesizes the protein, which is packaged into vesicles and sent to the Golgi apparatus for modification and sorting, then transported in vesicles to the plasma membrane for secretion.

Question 13

Which of the following statements about microtubules is correct?

Accepted Answer

They are hollow rods that serve as tracks for motor proteins and are involved in chromosome movement during cell division.

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the difference between free ribosomes and bound ribosomes?

Accepted Answer

Free ribosomes synthesize proteins that function in the cytosol, while bound ribosomes synthesize proteins destined for secretion or for membranes.

Question 15

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

Accepted Answer

Communication and transport of materials between adjacent plant cells

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the function of the central vacuole in plant cells?

Accepted Answer

It stores water, ions, and nutrients, and helps maintain turgor pressure for structural support.

Question 17

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 18

Which of the following is a function of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum (smooth ER)?

Accepted Answer

Synthesis of lipids and detoxification of drugs and poisons

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the function of motor proteins in the cell?

Accepted Answer

They move vesicles and organelles along cytoskeletal tracks using energy from ATP hydrolysis.

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why animal cells have centrosomes with centrioles, while most plant cells do not?

Accepted Answer

Animal cells rely on centrosomes with centrioles to organize microtubules during cell division, while plant cells use other structures for this purpose.

A Tour of the Cell: Structure and Function in Eukaryotic and Prokaryotic Cells

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