Question 1

Which of the following best explains why cells are generally small in size?

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 observes a cell under an electron microscope and notes the presence of a nucleus, mitochondria, and endoplasmic reticulum. Which type of cell is being observed?

Accepted Answer

Eukaryotic cell

Question 3

Which organelle is primarily responsible for cellular respiration in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondrion

Question 4

A mutation causes a cell to lose its ability to produce lysosomal enzymes. Which process would be most directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Autophagy

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Chloroplast

Question 6

If a cell's plasma membrane becomes less selectively permeable, which of the following is most likely to occur?

Accepted Answer

The cell may lose homeostasis due to uncontrolled movement of substances in and out.

Question 7

Which equation correctly represents the surface area to volume ratio for a spherical cell of radius $r$?

Accepted Answer

$\frac{4 \pi r^2}{\frac{4}{3} \pi r^3}$

Question 8

A cell is observed to have ribosomes attached to its endoplasmic reticulum. What is the primary function of this organelle?

Accepted Answer

Synthesis of proteins for export or membrane insertion

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the function of the extracellular matrix in animal cells?

Accepted Answer

It provides structural support and mediates cell signaling.

Question 10

A patient is diagnosed with Tay-Sachs disease, which affects lysosomal enzymes. What cellular process is most directly impaired?

Accepted Answer

Hydrolytic digestion of macromolecules

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

Synthesis of DNA

Question 12

A researcher is studying a cell that lacks centrioles. Which type of cell is most likely being studied?

Accepted Answer

Plant cell

Question 13

Which of the following statements about prokaryotic cells is correct?

Accepted Answer

They lack membrane-bound organelles such as a nucleus.

Question 14

Which organelle is responsible for packaging and modifying proteins for secretion?

Accepted Answer

Golgi apparatus

Question 15

During phagocytosis, which organelle fuses with the engulfed particle to digest it?

Accepted Answer

Lysosome

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the role of microtubules in the cell?

Accepted Answer

They form tracks for organelle movement and are involved in cell division.

Question 17

A cell is observed to have a cell wall, plasma membrane, and ribosomes, but no nucleus. Which type of cell is this most likely to be?

Accepted Answer

Prokaryotic cell

Question 18

Which of the following is a function of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum?

Accepted Answer

Synthesis of lipids and detoxification of drugs

Question 19

Which structure is responsible for the selective permeability of the cell?

Accepted Answer

Plasma membrane

Question 20

A cell is exposed to a toxin that disrupts the function of ribosomes. Which process will be most directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Protein synthesis

Cell Structure and Function: A Tour of the Cell

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