$$\text{Surface area-to-volume ratio} = \frac{6a^2$}{a^3$}$$

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 3D surface structure of a virus particle. Which microscopy technique should they use?

Accepted Answer

Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)

Question 3

Which of the following is a unique feature of plant cells not found in animal cells?

Accepted Answer

Cell wall composed of cellulose

Question 4

If a cube-shaped cell increases its side length from 2 units to 4 units, by what factor does its surface area-to-volume ratio change?

Accepted Answer

It decreases by half

Question 5

Which organelle is primarily responsible for the synthesis of lipids and detoxification of drugs in liver cells?

Accepted Answer

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (Smooth ER)

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

Cilia and flagella

Question 7

Which of the following equations correctly represents the surface area-to-volume ratio for a cube-shaped cell with side length $$a$$?

Accepted Answer

$$	ext{Surface area-to-volume ratio} = \frac{6a^2$}{a^3$}$$

Question 8

Which of the following statements about the endosymbiont theory is correct?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondria and chloroplasts originated from prokaryotic cells engulfed by an ancestral eukaryotic cell.

Question 9

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 10

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 11

Which of the following is NOT a function of the cytoskeleton?

Accepted Answer

Synthesis of proteins

Question 12

Which structure is responsible for digesting macromolecules and recycling cellular components?

Accepted Answer

Lysosome

Question 13

Which of the following best explains why mitochondria and chloroplasts are considered semiautonomous organelles?

Accepted Answer

They contain their own DNA and ribosomes and can replicate independently within the cell.

Question 14

Which of the following cell junctions forms a barrier to prevent leakage of extracellular fluid between animal cells?

Accepted Answer

Tight junctions

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the function of ribosomes?

Accepted Answer

They synthesize proteins by translating mRNA.

Question 16

A researcher stains a cell with a dye that binds to DNA. Which organelle will show the most intense staining?

Accepted Answer

Nucleus

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

It provides structural support and helps regulate cell behavior.

Question 18

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

Accepted Answer

They break down fatty acids and detoxify harmful substances by transferring hydrogen to oxygen.

Question 19

Which of the following statements about the plasma membrane is correct?

Accepted Answer

It is a phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins that controls the movement of substances into and out of the cell.

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why the surface area-to-volume ratio is important for cell function?

Accepted Answer

A higher surface area-to-volume ratio allows for more efficient exchange of materials with the environment.

A Tour of the Cell: Structure, Function, and Membrane Dynamics

Study Guide - Practice Questions