Question 1

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, which facilitates efficient exchange of materials with their environment.

Question 2

A scientist wants to observe the detailed internal structure of mitochondria in a eukaryotic cell. Which type of microscope should they use?

Accepted Answer

Transmission electron microscope (TEM)

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Mitochondrion

Question 4

According to the endosymbiont theory, which of the following is evidence that mitochondria and chloroplasts originated from prokaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

They contain circular DNA and 70S ribosomes similar to bacteria.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Movement of cilia and flagella

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the function of the Golgi apparatus in a eukaryotic cell?

Accepted Answer

It modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for secretion or delivery to other organelles.

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

Cell wall

Question 8

Which of the following correctly matches a cytoskeletal element with its function?

Accepted Answer

Microtubules – separate chromosomes during cell division

Question 9

A researcher isolates a cell structure that is a membranous sac containing hydrolytic enzymes. Which structure is this, and what is its primary function?

Accepted Answer

Lysosome; digestion of macromolecules

Question 10

Which of the following best explains why the nuclear envelope is considered part of the endomembrane system?

Accepted Answer

It is a double membrane that is continuous with the endoplasmic reticulum and involved in transport of molecules.

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

Detoxification of drugs and poisons

Question 12

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 13

Which of the following statements about ribosomes is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Ribosomes are complexes of rRNA and protein that synthesize polypeptides.

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the role of plasmodesmata in plant cells?

Accepted Answer

They allow water, small solutes, and sometimes proteins and RNA to pass between adjacent cells.

Question 15

A patient has a genetic disorder that affects the structure of collagen. Which extracellular structure is most likely to be compromised?

Accepted Answer

Extracellular matrix (ECM) of animal cells

Question 16

Which of the following equations correctly represents the relationship between the surface area (SA) and volume (V) of a spherical cell with radius $$r$$?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 17

Which of the following is a key difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Eukaryotic cells have membrane-bound organelles, while prokaryotic cells do not.

Question 18

A cell is observed to have a centrosome with a pair of centrioles arranged in a (9+0) pattern. What is the primary function of this structure?

Accepted Answer

Organization of microtubules during cell division

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the function of peroxisomes in liver cells?

Accepted Answer

They detoxify alcohol and other harmful compounds by producing and then breaking down hydrogen peroxide.

Question 20

Which of the following cell junctions would you expect to find in abundance in the epithelial tissue lining the human intestine, and what is its primary function?

Accepted Answer

Tight junctions; they prevent leakage of extracellular fluid between cells.

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

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