Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Because smaller cells have a higher surface area-to-volume ratio, allowing efficient exchange of materials.

Question 2

A scientist is studying a cell that contains a nucleus, mitochondria, and chloroplasts. Which domain does this cell most likely belong to?

Accepted Answer

Domain Eukarya

Question 3

Which structure is responsible for synthesizing proteins that are destined for secretion from the cell?

Accepted Answer

Rough endoplasmic reticulum

Question 4

A drug inhibits the transport of vesicles from the endoplasmic reticulum to the Golgi apparatus. Which cellular processes would be directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Protein modification and sorting, lysosome formation, and plasma membrane renewal

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT a component of the endomembrane system?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondria

Question 6

Which organelle is primarily responsible for detoxifying drugs and poisons in liver cells?

Accepted Answer

Smooth endoplasmic reticulum

Question 7

According to the endosymbiont theory, which evidence supports the idea that mitochondria originated from free-living prokaryotes?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondria have their own circular DNA and ribosomes similar to prokaryotes.

Question 8

A patient with Tay-Sachs disease has a defect in which cellular organelle, leading to the accumulation of lipids in the brain?

Accepted Answer

Lysosome

Question 9

Which cytoskeletal element is most directly involved in muscle contraction?

Accepted Answer

Microfilaments (actin)

Question 10

If a cell's microtubules are disrupted by a chemotherapy drug, which process would be most affected?

Accepted Answer

Chromosome separation during cell division

Question 11

Which formula correctly calculates the surface area of a cube-shaped cell with side length $l$?

Accepted Answer

$6l^2$

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the function of the Golgi apparatus in a pancreatic cell producing insulin?

Accepted Answer

It modifies, sorts, and packages insulin for secretion.

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

Central vacuole

Question 14

Which process is most directly facilitated by the carbohydrate side chains on the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

Cell-cell recognition and communication

Question 15

A mutation prevents the formation of dynein motor proteins. Which cellular function would be most impaired?

Accepted Answer

Movement of cilia and flagella

Question 16

Which organelle is responsible for converting glucose and oxygen into ATP, water, and carbon dioxide?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondrion

Question 17

Which of the following is the correct formula for the volume of a cube-shaped cell with side length $l$?

Accepted Answer

$l^3$

Question 18

Which organelle contains enzymes that break down fatty acids and detoxify alcohol in liver cells?

Accepted Answer

Peroxisome

Question 19

Which cytoskeletal element is most important for maintaining the permanent shape of a neuron?

Accepted Answer

Intermediate filaments

Question 20

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

Accepted Answer

It regulates cell behavior and influences gene activity.

Cell Structure and Function: General Biology Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions