Question 1

Which of the following is the strongest evidence that all presently living cells share a common origin?

Accepted Answer

All cells use DNA as their genetic material and share similar molecular machinery for replication and protein synthesis.

Question 2

Why is the surface area to volume ratio important for cells?

Accepted Answer

It limits the rate at which substances can enter or leave the cell, affecting nutrient uptake and waste removal.

Question 3

As a cell grows larger, what usually happens to its surface area to volume ratio?

Accepted Answer

It decreases.

Question 4

Which statement best describes the difference between a light microscope (LM) and an electron microscope (EM)?

Accepted Answer

EMs use electron beams and can resolve much smaller structures than LMs.

Question 5

During cell fractionation, what is the purpose of centrifugation?

Accepted Answer

To separate cellular components based on their density, forming a pellet and supernatant.

Question 6

Which of the following best describes a major structural difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Eukaryotic cells have a nucleus surrounded by a double membrane, while prokaryotic cells lack a true nucleus.

Question 7

Which organelle is responsible for packaging and sorting proteins for secretion or delivery to other organelles?

Accepted Answer

Golgi apparatus

Question 8

A scientist isolates a cell organelle that contains its own DNA, has a double membrane, and is the site of aerobic respiration. Which organelle is this?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondrion

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT a function of the cytoskeleton?

Accepted Answer

Synthesizing proteins

Question 10

Which of the following correctly matches the cytoskeletal element with its function?

Accepted Answer

Intermediate filaments: cell shape and mechanical strength

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the endosymbiont theory?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondria and chloroplasts originated as free-living bacteria that were engulfed by ancestral eukaryotic cells.

Question 12

A protein destined for secretion from a cell follows which pathway?

Accepted Answer

Rough ER → transport vesicle → Golgi apparatus → secretory vesicle → plasma membrane

Question 13

Which of the following is a function of peroxisomes?

Accepted Answer

Detoxification of harmful substances and breakdown of hydrogen peroxide

Question 14

Which structure allows for selective passage of molecules into and out of the nucleus?

Accepted Answer

Nuclear pores

Question 15

Which of the following is a key function of the animal cell glycocalyx and its interaction with the extracellular matrix (ECM)?

Accepted Answer

Providing structural support and mediating cell signaling through proteins like collagen, fibronectin, and integrin

Question 16

Which organelle is the primary site of photosynthesis in plant cells?

Accepted Answer

Chloroplast

Question 17

Which equation correctly represents aerobic cellular respiration in mitochondria?

Accepted Answer

$\mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2 ightarrow 6CO_2 + 6H_2O + 	ext{energy}}$

Question 18

Which of the following statements about the Golgi apparatus is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

It consists of a stack of flattened membranes called cisternae and modifies, sorts, and packages proteins.

Question 19

Which of the following is a function of lysosomes?

Accepted Answer

Degradation of worn-out organelles and macromolecules

Question 20

Which cytoskeletal element is primarily involved in muscle contraction and cell movement?

Accepted Answer

Actin filaments (microfilaments)

Cell Structure and Function: A Tour of the Cell

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