Question 1

Which of the following is NOT a universal feature of all living cells?

Accepted Answer

Membrane-bound organelles

Question 2

Why do small cells exchange materials more efficiently than large cells? Use the surface area to volume ratio formula $$\frac{SA}{V} to $$explain.

Accepted Answer

Because as cell size decreases, $$\frac{SA}{V}$$ increases, maximizing exchange relative to volume.

Question 3

A scientist discovers a cell with circular DNA, no membrane-bound organelles, and a cell wall. Which type of cell is this most likely to be?

Accepted Answer

Prokaryotic cell

Question 4

Which organelle is primarily responsible for modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins for secretion or delivery to other organelles?

Accepted Answer

Golgi apparatus

Question 5

A patient with Tay-Sachs disease has a defect in which cellular organelle, leading to accumulation of undigested molecules?

Accepted Answer

Lysosome

Question 6

Which evidence supports the endosymbiotic origin of mitochondria? Select the BEST answer.

Accepted Answer

Mitochondria divide by fission and contain circular DNA similar to bacteria

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

Microtubules: organelle movement and cell division

Question 8

A liver cell exposed to chronic alcohol will likely show an increase in which organelle, and why?

Accepted Answer

Smooth ER, because it breaks down toxins

Question 9

Which process describes the journey of a secreted protein from its genetic instructions to its final destination outside the cell?

Accepted Answer

DNA in nucleus → mRNA → ribosome on rough ER → Golgi apparatus → vesicle → plasma membrane

Question 10

Which cell junction type is most important for preventing leakage of extracellular fluid between cells in epithelial tissue?

Accepted Answer

Tight junctions

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

Support, adhesion, and communication

Question 12

Which organelle is the site of photosynthesis and contains thylakoids organized into grana?

Accepted Answer

Chloroplast

Question 13

A mutation causes a cell to lose its nuclear lamina. What is the most likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

Loss of nuclear shape and structural integrity

Question 14

Which of the following best explains why eukaryotic cells are able to perform complex chemical reactions more efficiently than prokaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

They have compartmentalized organelles that separate and organize chemical processes

Question 15

Which organelle is responsible for storing water and maintaining turgor pressure in plant cells?

Accepted Answer

Vacuole

Question 16

Which of the following is a correct sequence for the flow of genetic information in a eukaryotic cell?

Accepted Answer

DNA → mRNA → protein

Question 17

Which organelle contains enzymes that break down hydrogen peroxide ($$H_2O_2) $$into water and oxygen?

Accepted Answer

Peroxisome

Question 18

A cell is observed to have extensive rough ER and Golgi apparatus. What is its likely function?

Accepted Answer

Synthesis and secretion of proteins

Question 19

Which of the following is a real-world consequence of defects in collagen within the extracellular matrix?

Accepted Answer

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome

Question 20

Which cytoskeletal element works with myosin to enable muscle contraction and cell movement?

Accepted Answer

Actin filaments (microfilaments)

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

Study Guide - Practice Questions