Question 1

Which of the following best explains why most cells are microscopic in size?

Accepted Answer

Smaller cells have a greater surface area-to-volume ratio, which facilitates efficient exchange of materials across the plasma membrane.

Question 2

A scientist wants to observe the detailed structure of the surface of a hair. Which type of microscope should they use?

Accepted Answer

Scanning electron microscope

Question 3

Which of the following structures is found in plant cells but not in animal cells?

Accepted Answer

Central vacuole

Question 4

A cell is observed to have a plasma membrane, DNA in a nucleoid region, ribosomes, and a cell wall, but no membrane-bound organelles. This cell is most likely:

Accepted Answer

A prokaryotic cell

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the function of the rough endoplasmic reticulum (rough ER)?

Accepted Answer

It produces membranes and synthesizes proteins for secretion or insertion into membranes.

Question 6

A mutation causes a cell to lack functional lysosomes. Which of the following would most likely result from this mutation?

Accepted Answer

Accumulation of undigested substances and damaged organelles within the cell

Question 7

Which of the following organelles is directly involved in the process of cellular respiration?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondrion

Question 8

According to the endosymbiont theory, which of the following is evidence that mitochondria and chloroplasts evolved from prokaryotic ancestors?

Accepted Answer

They contain their own DNA and ribosomes similar to those of prokaryotes.

Question 9

Which component of the cytoskeleton is primarily responsible for moving transport vesicles from the Golgi apparatus to the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

Microtubules

Question 10

A patient is diagnosed with Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD), a disease in which cilia and flagella lack motor proteins. Which of the following symptoms would you expect?

Accepted Answer

Recurrent respiratory tract infections and immotile sperm

Question 11

Which type of cell junction would most likely be involved in preventing leakage of extracellular fluid between neighboring cells in animal tissues?

Accepted Answer

Tight junctions

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the function of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in animal cells?

Accepted Answer

It provides structural support, binds cells together, and communicates with the cytoskeleton.

Question 13

Which of the following is analogous to plasmodesmata in plant cells?

Accepted Answer

Gap junctions in animal cells

Question 14

A muscle cell contracts using energy from ATP. Which organelles and structures are directly involved in this process?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondria, smooth endoplasmic reticulum, and cytoskeleton

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the relationship between the Golgi apparatus and the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in a protein-secreting cell?

Accepted Answer

The Golgi apparatus modifies, sorts, and ships proteins received from the ER.

Question 16

A cell with abundant smooth endoplasmic reticulum is likely specialized for which of the following functions?

Accepted Answer

Synthesis of lipids and detoxification of harmful substances

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

$\frac{6l^2}{l^3}$

Question 18

Which of the following is NOT part of the endomembrane system?

Accepted Answer

Peroxisome

Question 19

A plant cell is placed in a solution and its central vacuole begins to shrink. Which process is most likely occurring?

Accepted Answer

Water is leaving the cell by osmosis, causing plasmolysis.

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why mitochondria are found in both plant and animal cells, but chloroplasts are only found in plant cells and some protists?

Accepted Answer

All eukaryotes require mitochondria for cellular respiration, but only photosynthetic organisms need chloroplasts for photosynthesis.

A Tour of the Cell – Study Notes (Campbell Biology, Chapter 4)

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards