Question 1

Which of the following statements best explains why antibiotics such as penicillin are effective against bacterial cells but not human cells?

Accepted Answer

Antibiotics bind to structures and enzymes found only in bacterial cells, such as the bacterial ribosome.

Question 2

A scientist observes that MRSA bacteria produce a protein called PSM that forms holes in human immune cell membranes. What is the most likely consequence of this process?

Accepted Answer

The immune cells burst and lose their contents, weakening the immune response.

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a feature shared by all cells?

Accepted Answer

Nucleus

Question 4

What is the primary function of the plasma membrane in cells?

Accepted Answer

To separate the living cell from its nonliving surroundings and regulate traffic across the membrane

Question 5

Which structure is found only in plant cells and is responsible for photosynthesis?

Accepted Answer

Chloroplast

Question 6

A cell is observed to have a rigid cell wall, pili, and flagella. Which type of cell is this most likely to be?

Accepted Answer

Prokaryotic cell

Question 7

Which organelle is responsible for producing ATP from the energy of food molecules?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondrion

Question 8

What is the main difference between rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum (ER)?

Accepted Answer

Rough ER has ribosomes attached and is involved in protein synthesis, while smooth ER lacks ribosomes and is involved in lipid synthesis and detoxification.

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the fluid mosaic model of the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

A flexible structure where molecules move freely and proteins are embedded in a phospholipid bilayer.

Question 10

A mutation in a gene confers resistance to cholera in a population. Which evolutionary process is most likely responsible for the increased frequency of this mutation over generations?

Accepted Answer

Natural selection

Question 11

Which organelle is responsible for receiving, refining, storing, and distributing chemical products of the cell?

Accepted Answer

Golgi apparatus

Question 12

Which of the following is a function of lysosomes in animal cells?

Accepted Answer

Digestion of large molecules and destruction of harmful bacteria

Question 13

What evidence supports the endosymbiotic theory for the origin of mitochondria and chloroplasts?

Accepted Answer

They contain their own circular DNA and ribosomes similar to prokaryotes.

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the role of the cytoskeleton in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

It provides mechanical support, maintains cell shape, and enables movement.

Question 15

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 16

Which of the following structures is responsible for protein synthesis in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Ribosome

Question 17

Which process describes how DNA directs the production of proteins in a eukaryotic cell?

Accepted Answer

DNA is transcribed into mRNA, which exits the nucleus and is translated by ribosomes in the cytoplasm.

Question 18

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

Accepted Answer

It holds cells together in tissues and provides protective and supportive functions.

Question 19

Which type of cell junction allows animal cells to function in a coordinated way by connecting cells together into tissues?

Accepted Answer

Cell junctions

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the role of cilia in the human respiratory tract?

Accepted Answer

Cilia sweep mucus with trapped debris out of the lungs.

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

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