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 and why?

Accepted Answer

Transmission electron microscope (TEM), because it can resolve structures at the nanometer scale by passing electrons through the specimen.

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a component of the endomembrane system in eukaryotic cells?

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 those of 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 smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER)?

Accepted Answer

Synthesis of lipids and detoxification of drugs and poisons

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 statements about ribosomes is correct?

Accepted Answer

Ribosomes are complexes of rRNA and protein that synthesize polypeptides.

Question 9

During cell fractionation, which organelle would be expected to pellet at the lowest centrifugal force due to its large size?

Accepted Answer

Nucleus

Question 10

Which of the following best explains why the inner membrane of mitochondria is highly folded into cristae?

Accepted Answer

To increase the surface area for enzymes that synthesize ATP

Question 11

A researcher observes a eukaryotic cell with an extensive network of actin filaments just beneath the plasma membrane. Which function is most likely associated with this structure?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining cell shape and enabling cell movement

Question 12

Which of the following cell junctions allows the passage of ions and small molecules directly between the cytoplasms of adjacent animal cells?

Accepted Answer

Gap junctions

Question 13

Which of the following is a function of the Golgi apparatus?

Accepted Answer

Modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins and lipids for secretion or delivery to other organelles

Question 14

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 15

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

Accepted Answer

Detoxification of alcohol and other harmful compounds by producing and breaking down hydrogen peroxide

Question 16

If a mutation disrupts the function of integrins in an animal cell, which process would be most directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Attachment of the cell to the extracellular matrix (ECM)

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

Microtubules – separation of chromosomes during cell division

Question 18

A white blood cell engulfs a bacterium by phagocytosis. Which organelle is responsible for digesting the bacterium after it is engulfed?

Accepted Answer

Lysosome

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why animal cells do not have plasmodesmata?

Accepted Answer

Animal cells lack cell walls, so they use gap junctions for intercellular communication instead.

Question 20

If a mutation caused a plant cell to lack a middle lamella, which of the following would most likely occur?

Accepted Answer

Adjacent plant cells would have difficulty adhering to each other.

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

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