Question 1

Which of the following best explains why cells are typically small in size?

Accepted Answer

Smaller cells have a higher surface area-to-volume ratio, which facilitates efficient exchange of materials with their environment. $$	ext{Surface area-to-volume ratio} = \frac{	ext{surface area}}{	ext{volume}}$$

Question 2

A scientist wants to study the internal structure of mitochondria at very high resolution. Which microscopy technique should they use?

Accepted Answer

Transmission electron microscopy (TEM)

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a component of the endomembrane system?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondrion

Question 4

A mutation prevents the formation of the nuclear lamina in a eukaryotic cell. Which of the following is the most likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

The shape of the nucleus would be compromised, potentially affecting DNA organization.

Question 5

Which organelle is primarily responsible for the synthesis of lipids and detoxification of drugs in liver cells?

Accepted Answer

Smooth endoplasmic reticulum

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

Plant cell

Question 7

Which of the following best supports the endosymbiont theory for the origin of mitochondria and chloroplasts?

Accepted Answer

Both organelles contain circular DNA and ribosomes similar to those of bacteria.

Question 8

A patient has a genetic disorder that affects the function of dynein proteins. Which cellular process is most likely to be impaired?

Accepted Answer

Movement of cilia and flagella

Question 9

Which of the following statements about ribosomes is correct?

Accepted Answer

Ribosomes are composed of ribosomal RNA and protein and can be found free in the cytosol or bound to the endoplasmic reticulum.

Question 10

A researcher isolates a cell fraction rich in enzymes that break down hydrogen peroxide. Which organelle is most abundant in this fraction?

Accepted Answer

Peroxisome

Question 11

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 12

Which of the following cell junctions would you expect to find in abundance in tissues that experience intense mechanical stress, such as heart muscle?

Accepted Answer

Desmosomes

Question 13

A mutation causes a plant cell to lack pectins in the middle lamella. What is the most likely effect?

Accepted Answer

The cells would have difficulty adhering to each other.

Question 14

Which of the following best explains why the plasma membrane is described as a 'selective barrier'?

Accepted Answer

It allows some substances to cross more easily than others due to its phospholipid bilayer and embedded proteins.

Question 15

During cell fractionation, which step would you use to isolate mitochondria from a homogenized tissue sample?

Accepted Answer

Centrifuge at 20,000 g for 20 minutes

Question 16

Which of the following is a function of microtubules in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Separating chromosomes during cell division

Question 17

A cell is observed to have an extensive network of actin filaments just beneath its plasma membrane. What is the most likely function of this network?

Accepted Answer

Providing structural support and maintaining cell shape

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the role of integrins in animal cells?

Accepted Answer

They connect the extracellular matrix to the cytoskeleton and transmit signals into the cell.

Question 19

A mutation disrupts the function of the basal body in a eukaryotic cell. Which structure would be most directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Cilia and flagella

Question 20

Which of the following is a unique feature of plant cells that distinguishes them from animal cells?

Accepted Answer

Presence of a cell wall composed of cellulose

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

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards