Question 1

Which of the following best explains why mitochondria and chloroplasts are considered to have evolved from prokaryotic cells, according to the endosymbiont theory?

Accepted Answer

They contain free ribosomes, circular DNA molecules, and are enveloped by a double membrane.

Question 2

A scientist wants to study the internal structure of mitochondria at very high resolution. Which microscopy technique should she use and why?

Accepted Answer

Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), because it passes electrons through the specimen to reveal internal details.

Question 3

Which of the following is a function of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in liver cells?

Accepted Answer

Detoxification of drugs and poisons

Question 4

A mutation disrupts the function of dynein in a cell. Which cellular process would be most directly affected?

Accepted Answer

The bending movements of cilia and flagella

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the role of the Golgi apparatus in the endomembrane system?

Accepted Answer

It modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for secretion or delivery to other organelles.

Question 6

A plant cell is placed in a hypotonic solution. Which structure prevents the cell from bursting, and what is it primarily composed of?

Accepted Answer

Cell wall; cellulose

Question 7

Which of the following statements about ribosomes is correct?

Accepted Answer

Ribosomes are composed of ribosomal RNA and protein and can be free in the cytosol or bound to the ER.

Question 8

Which of the following best explains why cells are small and have a high surface area to volume ratio?

Accepted Answer

To allow efficient exchange of materials such as oxygen, nutrients, and waste with the environment.

Question 9

A genetic disorder causes the nuclear lamina to be defective. Which of the following cellular processes would most likely be affected?

Accepted Answer

Maintenance of nuclear shape and organization of chromatin

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

DNA located in an unbound region called the nucleoid

Question 11

A mutation prevents the formation of tight junctions in epithelial cells. What is a likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

Extracellular fluid will leak between the cells.

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the function of peroxisomes in liver cells?

Accepted Answer

They detoxify alcohol and other harmful compounds by transferring hydrogen to oxygen.

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

Microtubules

Question 14

A cell is observed to have an extensive network of rough ER. Which of the following is the most likely function of this cell?

Accepted Answer

Production of large amounts of secreted proteins

Question 15

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

Accepted Answer

Central vacuole

Question 16

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

Accepted Answer

They provide cytoplasmic channels for communication and transport between adjacent cells.

Question 17

A mutation in a gene encoding a motor protein prevents vesicles from moving along microtubules. Which process would be most directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Transport of proteins from the ER to the Golgi apparatus

Question 18

Which of the following is a function of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in animal cells?

Accepted Answer

It regulates cell behavior by communicating with cells through integrins.

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why lysosomal enzymes are most active at low pH?

Accepted Answer

The acidic environment inside lysosomes optimizes the activity of hydrolytic enzymes and protects the cell if the lysosome ruptures.

Question 20

Which of the following is a correct sequence of structures through which a newly synthesized secretory protein would pass before being secreted from a eukaryotic cell?

Accepted Answer

Rough ER → Golgi apparatus → Transport vesicle → Plasma membrane

Cell Structure and Function: A Tour of the Cell

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