Question 1

Which of the following best explains why most cells are microscopic in size rather than large, visible structures?

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 discovers a cell with the following characteristics: a single circular chromosome, no membrane-bound organelles, and a cell wall. Which type of cell is this most likely to be?

Accepted Answer

Prokaryotic cell

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Central vacuole

Question 4

A patient is prescribed an antibiotic that targets bacterial ribosomes. Why does this antibiotic not harm the patient's own cells?

Accepted Answer

Bacterial ribosomes are structurally different from eukaryotic ribosomes, allowing selective targeting.

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the function of the Golgi apparatus in a eukaryotic cell?

Accepted Answer

It modifies, sorts, and packages proteins received from the endoplasmic reticulum.

Question 6

A mutation prevents the formation of lysosomes in a cell. Which of the following consequences is most likely?

Accepted Answer

The cell will accumulate undigested materials, leading to cellular dysfunction.

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

It proposes that mitochondria and chloroplasts originated as independent prokaryotes that were engulfed by a host cell.

Question 8

A cell is observed to have a large number of bound ribosomes and a prominent nucleolus. What is the most likely function of this cell?

Accepted Answer

Active secretion of proteins

Question 9

Which of the following molecules can most easily cross the plasma membrane without the aid of a transport protein?

Accepted Answer

Oxygen ($\mathrm{O_2}$)

Question 10

A plant cell is placed in a solution and its central vacuole shrinks. Which process is most directly responsible for this observation?

Accepted Answer

Osmosis of water out of the cell

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the role of cristae in mitochondria?

Accepted Answer

They increase the surface area for ATP synthesis.

Question 12

A cell is observed to have a rigid cell wall, chloroplasts, and plasmodesmata. Which type of cell is this?

Accepted Answer

Plant cell

Question 13

Which of the following is a function of the cytoskeleton in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Structural support and movement of organelles

Question 14

A cell is unable to add carbohydrate groups to proteins. Which organelle is most likely malfunctioning?

Accepted Answer

Golgi apparatus

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why the plasma membrane is described as a 'phospholipid bilayer'?

Accepted Answer

It consists of two layers of phospholipids with hydrophilic heads facing outward and hydrophobic tails facing inward.

Question 16

Which of the following is a unique feature of prokaryotic cells compared to eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Circular DNA located in a nucleoid region

Question 17

A cell is observed to have many smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER). Which function is this cell most likely specialized for?

Accepted Answer

Detoxification of drugs and synthesis of lipids

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the function of plasmodesmata in plant cells?

Accepted Answer

They are channels that allow communication and transport between adjacent plant cells.

Question 19

Which of the following is a correct sequence of the endomembrane system for a secretory protein?

Accepted Answer

Rough ER $\rightarrow$ Golgi apparatus $\rightarrow$ Plasma membrane

Question 20

Which cytoskeletal element is primarily responsible for the movement of chromosomes during cell division?

Accepted Answer

Microtubules

Cell Biology: Structure and Function of Cells

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