Question 1

Which of the following best describes the primary function of the cell membrane in all living cells?

Accepted Answer

It separates the internal environment from the external environment, allowing selective transport of substances.

Question 2

According to the cell theory, which statement is correct?

Accepted Answer

All cells come from the division of pre-existing cells.

Question 3

A spherical cell has a radius of $r = 2$ units. What is its surface area to volume ratio? (Surface area $= 4\pi r^2$, Volume $= \frac{4}{3}\pi r^3$)

Accepted Answer

$\frac{4\pi (2)^2}{\frac{4}{3}\pi (2)^3} = \frac{16\pi}{\frac{32}{3}\pi} = \frac{16}{\frac{32}{3}} = \frac{16 	imes 3}{32} = \frac{48}{32} = 1.5$

Question 4

Which of the following is NOT a feature of prokaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Presence of membrane-bound organelles

Question 5

Which organelle is responsible for producing ATP by metabolizing glucose in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondrion

Question 6

Endosymbiont theory explains the origin of which two organelles in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondria and chloroplasts

Question 7

Which of the following statements about the cytoskeleton is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Microtubules are involved in cell division and maintaining cell shape.

Question 8

A scientist stains a cell with a dye that binds specifically to DNA. Which cell structure will be most visible under the microscope in a eukaryotic cell?

Accepted Answer

Nucleus

Question 9

Which of the following best explains why cells must remain small?

Accepted Answer

To maximize the surface area to volume ratio for efficient exchange of materials.

Question 10

Which of the following is a function of the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER)?

Accepted Answer

Modification and export of proteins

Question 11

Which evidence supports the endosymbiont theory for the origin of mitochondria and chloroplasts?

Accepted Answer

Both organelles have circular chromosomes similar to bacteria.

Question 12

Which of the following is a major difference between plant and animal cells?

Accepted Answer

Plant cells have a cell wall and large central vacuole, while animal cells do not.

Question 13

Which process is most directly responsible for the spontaneous formation of simple organic molecules in abiogenesis?

Accepted Answer

Chemical reactions driven by lightning and heat

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

They synthesize proteins by reading mRNA.

Question 15

A mutation causes a cell to lack functional actin proteins. Which cellular process would be most directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Cell membrane movement and division

Question 16

Which of the following statements about lysosomes is correct?

Accepted Answer

They contain hydrolytic enzymes and maintain a low pH to digest cellular waste.

Question 17

Which of the following is a plausible consequence if a cell's surface area to volume ratio decreases significantly?

Accepted Answer

The cell will have difficulty exchanging materials efficiently with its environment.

Question 18

Which of the following is TRUE about the genetic material in prokaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

It is free in the cytoplasm, typically as a single circular chromosome.

Question 19

Which cellular structure is responsible for modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins for export?

Accepted Answer

Golgi apparatus

Question 20

Which of the following statements about the endomembrane system is correct?

Accepted Answer

It includes the rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, and nuclear envelope.

Cell Structure and Function: Foundations of Life

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