Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

As a cell increases in size, its volume increases faster than its surface area, making exchange of materials less efficient.

Question 2

A spherical cell has a radius of $$r. $$What is the formula for its surface area to volume ratio?

Accepted Answer

$$\frac{4\pi r^2$}{\frac{4}{3}\pi r^3$} = \frac{3}{r}$$

Question 3

Which of the following structures is present in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Plasma membrane

Question 4

Which statement correctly describes a major difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Eukaryotic cells have a nucleus, while prokaryotic cells have a nucleoid region.

Question 5

Which macromolecule is most abundant in plant cell walls?

Accepted Answer

Cellulose

Question 6

Which organelle is responsible for synthesizing proteins that are exported from the cell?

Accepted Answer

Rough endoplasmic reticulum

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

Breakdown of macromolecules and cellular debris

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

Mitochondria

Question 9

According to the endosymbiont theory, which evidence supports the origin of mitochondria and chloroplasts from prokaryotic ancestors?

Accepted Answer

They contain circular DNA similar to bacteria.

Question 10

Which equation correctly represents cellular respiration in mitochondria?

Accepted Answer

$$C_6H_{12}O_6$ + 6O_2 \rightarrow 6CO_2 + 6H_2O + ATP$$

Question 11

Which cytoskeletal component is primarily responsible for muscle contraction?

Accepted Answer

Microfilaments (actin filaments)

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

Plant cell

Question 13

Which of the following statements about cilia and flagella is correct?

Accepted Answer

Both are composed of microtubules and are involved in cell movement.

Question 14

Which type of cell junction forms a water-tight seal between adjacent animal cells?

Accepted Answer

Tight junctions

Question 15

Which organelle is responsible for converting hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen?

Accepted Answer

Peroxisome

Question 16

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

Accepted Answer

Protects and supports cells, and helps hold cells together in tissues

Question 17

Which statement about plasmodesmata is FALSE?

Accepted Answer

Plasmodesmata are found in animal cells.

Question 18

A scientist observes a cell with a nucleoid region, ribosomes, and a plasma membrane, but no membrane-bound organelles. To which domain does this cell most likely belong?

Accepted Answer

Archaea or Bacteria

Question 19

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 lipids for secretion or delivery to other organelles.

Question 20

Which cytoskeletal element is most important for separating chromosomes during cell division?

Accepted Answer

Microtubules

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

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