Question 1

Which of the following best explains why cells are limited in size by their surface area-to-volume ratio?

Accepted Answer

As a cell grows, its volume increases faster than its surface area, making it difficult to exchange enough materials to support metabolism.

Question 2

A scientist wants to observe the internal structure of mitochondria in detail. Which type of microscope should they use?

Accepted Answer

Transmission electron microscope (TEM)

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a component of the endomembrane system?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondrion

Question 4

According to the endosymbiont theory, which evidence supports the idea that mitochondria originated from prokaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondria contain 70S ribosomes and circular DNA, similar to bacteria.

Question 5

Which organelle is primarily responsible for synthesizing lipids and detoxifying drugs in liver cells?

Accepted Answer

Smooth endoplasmic reticulum

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

Movement of cilia and flagella

Question 7

Which formula correctly represents the relationship between the surface area ($$SA) $$and volume ($$V) of a $$spherical cell with radius $$r$$?

Accepted Answer

$$SA = 4 \pi r^2$, V$$ = \frac{4}{3} \pi $$r^3$$

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

Gap junctions

Question 9

A plant cell is placed in a hypotonic solution. Which structure helps prevent the cell from bursting?

Accepted Answer

Cell wall

Question 10

Which process is most directly associated with the function of lysosomes in animal cells?

Accepted Answer

Autophagy and digestion of macromolecules

Question 11

Which of the following statements about ribosomes is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Ribosomes synthesize proteins using instructions from DNA.

Question 12

Which cytoskeletal element is primarily responsible for separating chromosomes during cell division?

Accepted Answer

Microtubules

Question 13

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 14

Which organelle is the site of cellular respiration and ATP production in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondrion

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the function of the Golgi apparatus?

Accepted Answer

Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and other products from the ER

Question 16

Which extracellular structure in animal cells is composed mainly of collagen, proteoglycans, and fibronectin?

Accepted Answer

Extracellular matrix (ECM)

Question 17

Which of the following statements about prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells is correct?

Accepted Answer

Eukaryotic cells have DNA enclosed in a nucleus, while prokaryotic cells have DNA in a nucleoid region.

Question 18

Which organelle in plant cells stores water, ions, and sometimes toxins, and can occupy most of the cell's volume?

Accepted Answer

Central vacuole

Question 19

Which cytoskeletal component is most involved in muscle contraction and amoeboid movement?

Accepted Answer

Microfilaments (actin filaments)

Question 20

A researcher isolates a cell fraction containing only ribosomes and cytosol. Which process can still occur in this fraction?

Accepted Answer

Protein synthesis

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

Study Guide - Practice Questions