Question 1

Which of the following best describes the function of the plasma (cell) membrane in human cells?

Accepted Answer

It is a flexible outer layer that selectively controls what enters and exits the cell.

Question 2

A scientist is studying a cell that has lost its ability to produce ATP efficiently. Which organelle is most likely malfunctioning?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondrion

Question 3

Which of the following statements about the fluid mosaic model of the plasma membrane is correct?

Accepted Answer

Proteins are embedded within or attached to the phospholipid bilayer, allowing for communication and transport.

Question 4

A patient has a genetic disorder that prevents the formation of lysosomes. Which cellular process would be most directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Digestion of cellular debris and worn-out organelles

Question 5

Which of the following best explains why skeletal muscle cells are multinucleate?

Accepted Answer

They need to synthesize large amounts of proteins for muscle contraction.

Question 6

During which phase of the cell cycle does DNA replication occur?

Accepted Answer

Interphase

Question 7

A cell is observed to have an extensive smooth endoplasmic reticulum. Which function is this cell most likely specialized for?

Accepted Answer

Lipid synthesis and detoxification

Question 8

Which of the following is a function of the glycocalyx on the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

Assisting in cell-to-cell recognition and immune response

Question 9

If a mutation caused all integral proteins to be nonfunctional, which process would be most directly impaired?

Accepted Answer

Transport of molecules across the plasma membrane

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the role of centrioles during cell division?

Accepted Answer

They help organize microtubules and distribute chromosomes.

Question 11

A cell from the lining of the respiratory tract is observed to have numerous cilia. What is the primary function of these cilia?

Accepted Answer

Move mucus and trapped particles across the cell surface

Question 12

Which of the following best explains why neurons and cardiac muscle cells do not divide efficiently after injury?

Accepted Answer

They are highly specialized and have exited the cell cycle, so damage is replaced with scar tissue.

Question 13

Which of the following is a correct sequence of events during the mitotic phase of the cell cycle?

Accepted Answer

Mitosis followed by cytokinesis

Question 14

A cell is observed to have a large number of ribosomes attached to its rough endoplasmic reticulum. What is the most likely function of this cell?

Accepted Answer

Secretion of proteins

Question 15

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

Accepted Answer

It packages and modifies products from the endoplasmic reticulum for secretion.

Question 16

Which of the following is a real-life example of the importance of selective permeability of the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

Red blood cells swelling and bursting in a hypotonic solution due to uncontrolled water entry

Question 17

Which of the following best explains the relationship between cell structure and function, as described by cell theory?

Accepted Answer

A cell's shape and subcellular components are specialized to perform specific functions.

Question 18

A patient is diagnosed with a disease that affects the cytoskeleton. Which of the following cellular processes is most likely to be impaired?

Accepted Answer

Maintenance of cell shape and movement of organelles

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the function of microvilli on absorptive cells in the intestine?

Accepted Answer

They increase the surface area for absorption.

Question 20

Which of the following equations best represents the process of aerobic cellular respiration occurring in mitochondria?

Accepted Answer

$\mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6} + 6\,\mathrm{O_2} \rightarrow 6\,\mathrm{CO_2} + 6\,\mathrm{H_2O} + \mathrm{ATP}$

Anatomy of a Cell: Structure and Function Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions