$$\mathrm{\frac{6 \times (side\ $$length)^2$$}{(side\ $$length)^3$$}}$$

Question 1

Which of the following best explains why eukaryotic cells can be larger and more complex than prokaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Eukaryotic cells have internal membranes that compartmentalize functions into organelles.

Question 2

A scientist wants to isolate mitochondria from liver cells to study their function. Which technique should she use, and why?

Accepted Answer

Cell fractionation using differential centrifugation, because it separates organelles by size and density.

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 tight junctions in intestinal epithelial cells. What is the most likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

Digestive enzymes and fluids will leak between cells into underlying tissues.

Question 5

Which of the following statements about ribosomes is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Ribosomes synthesize proteins in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

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 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 8

A muscle cell requires rapid contraction and relaxation. Which organelle is likely to be especially abundant in these cells, and why?

Accepted Answer

Smooth endoplasmic reticulum, because it stores and releases calcium ions ($$\mathrm{Ca$$^{2+}$$}) $$needed for muscle contraction.

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

Guiding movement of organelles and separating chromosomes during cell division

Question 10

A researcher observes a cell with a plasma membrane, ribosomes, and a nucleoid region, but no membrane-bound organelles. What type of cell is this?

Accepted Answer

Prokaryotic cell

Question 11

Which equation correctly represents the calculation for the surface area-to-volume ratio of a cube-shaped cell?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{\frac{6 	imes (side\ $$length)^2$$}{(side\ $$length)^3$$}}$$

Question 12

Which of the following best explains why mitochondria and chloroplasts are considered evidence for the endosymbiont theory?

Accepted Answer

They contain circular DNA and free ribosomes similar to bacteria.

Question 13

Which of the following is a key difference between plant and animal cells?

Accepted Answer

Plant cells have a cell wall, central vacuole, and chloroplasts, while animal cells do not.

Question 14

A cell is unable to produce glycoproteins for secretion. Which organelle is most likely malfunctioning?

Accepted Answer

Rough endoplasmic reticulum

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the role of lysosomes in a macrophage engulfing bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Lysosomes fuse with the phagocytic vacuole and digest the engulfed bacteria using hydrolytic enzymes.

Question 16

Which of the following is TRUE about the extracellular matrix (ECM) in animal cells?

Accepted Answer

It contains glycoproteins such as collagen and fibronectin that provide support and facilitate cell signaling.

Question 17

Which intercellular junction allows for the passage of ions and small molecules directly between adjacent animal cells?

Accepted Answer

Gap junctions

Question 18

Which cytoskeletal element is primarily responsible for muscle contraction and amoeboid movement?

Accepted Answer

Microfilaments (actin filaments)

Question 19

A mutation disrupts the function of dynein motor proteins in a human cell. Which cellular process would be most directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Ciliary and flagellar movement

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the function of peroxisomes?

Accepted Answer

They perform oxidation reactions, producing hydrogen peroxide and converting it to water.

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

Study Guide - Practice Questions