Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

It provides structural support and helps cells attach to one another.

Question 2

A scientist treats plant cells with a chemical that disrupts pectin in the middle lamella. What is the most likely outcome?

Accepted Answer

The plant cells will lose adhesion to each other and may separate.

Question 3

Which of the following is a key difference between the cell walls of bacteria and archaea?

Accepted Answer

Bacterial cell walls are made of peptidoglycan, while archaeal cell walls lack peptidoglycan and often have an S-layer.

Question 4

Which structure in animal cells forms a watertight seal between adjacent cells, especially in epithelial tissue?

Accepted Answer

Tight junctions

Question 5

What is the primary fibrous component of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in animal cells?

Accepted Answer

Collagen

Question 6

A mutation prevents the production of expansins in a young plant cell. What is the most likely effect?

Accepted Answer

The cell wall will not be able to expand, limiting cell growth.

Question 7

Which of the following best explains why gap junctions are important in animal tissues?

Accepted Answer

They allow rapid communication by permitting ions and small molecules to pass between cells.

Question 8

Which equation best represents the osmotic pressure ($$\Pi) $$generated by solute concentration in plant cells?

Accepted Answer

$$\Pi = CRT$$

Question 9

Which protein is responsible for the selective adhesion of animal cells, ensuring that only cells of the same type bind together?

Accepted Answer

Cadherin

Question 10

A patient has a genetic disorder affecting the production of proteoglycans. Which tissue is most likely to be affected?

Accepted Answer

Cartilage

Question 11

Which of the following statements about plasmodesmata is correct?

Accepted Answer

They connect plant cells by forming membrane-lined channels through the cell wall.

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the role of integrins in animal cells?

Accepted Answer

They anchor the cytoskeleton to the extracellular matrix (ECM).

Question 13

A researcher observes that two types of animal cells do not adhere to each other in culture. Which hypothesis best explains this observation?

Accepted Answer

The cells have different types of cadherin proteins.

Question 14

Which of the following is a function of the primary cell wall in plants?

Accepted Answer

It defines cell shape and counteracts turgor pressure.

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the composition of the ground substance in the extracellular matrix (ECM) of animals?

Accepted Answer

It consists of proteoglycans, which are proteins attached to many polysaccharides.

Question 16

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the function of desmosomes?

Accepted Answer

A muscle cell remains attached to its neighboring cells during contraction.

Question 17

Which of the following is a correct statement about the secondary cell wall in plants?

Accepted Answer

Its composition varies depending on the cell's function, such as containing lignin in wood cells.

Question 18

Which of the following best explains why elastin is important in lung tissue?

Accepted Answer

It allows the lung tissue to stretch and recoil during breathing.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the difference between the symplast and apoplast in plant tissues?

Accepted Answer

The symplast is the shared cytoplasm connected by plasmodesmata, while the apoplast is the extracellular space.

Cell-Cell Interactions: Structure, Function, and Communication

Study Guide - Practice Questions