Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Small cells have a higher surface area-to-volume ratio, which facilitates efficient exchange of materials with their environment.

Question 2

Which cellular structures can be visualized using light microscopy but NOT electron microscopy?

Accepted Answer

Nucleus and cell membranes in living cells

Question 3

Which statement is NOT part of the cell theory?

Accepted Answer

Cells can arise spontaneously from non-living matter.

Question 4

Which of the following is a key difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Prokaryotic cells are generalists, while eukaryotic cells are specialists.

Question 5

What is the primary function of ribosomes in the cell?

Accepted Answer

Assembling proteins from amino acids

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

DNA replication

Question 7

Which cytoskeletal component is made of actin and is primarily responsible for maintaining cell shape?

Accepted Answer

Microfilaments

Question 8

Which motor protein is associated with microtubules and is responsible for moving organelles within the cell?

Accepted Answer

Kinesin

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the role of the endomembrane system?

Accepted Answer

It is the internal compartmentalization of a cell, synthesizing, modifying, packaging, and transporting proteins and lipids.

Question 10

Which organelle is NOT considered part of the endomembrane system?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondria

Question 11

Which statement correctly describes the difference between rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum?

Accepted Answer

Rough ER has ribosomes attached and synthesizes proteins destined for secretion; smooth ER synthesizes lipids and aids in detoxification.

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the pathway of a secreted protein through the endomembrane system?

Accepted Answer

Synthesized in the rough ER, transferred to the Golgi apparatus, packaged in a vesicle, and secreted through the plasma membrane

Question 13

Which organelle contains enzymes that break down proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and carbohydrates?

Accepted Answer

Lysosome

Question 14

A mutation causes a cell to lack functional rough ER. Which process would be most directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Synthesis of secreted proteins

Question 15

Which of the following is a function of the Golgi apparatus?

Accepted Answer

Collecting, processing, and directing trafficking of proteins

Question 16

Which of the following organelles is most likely to be abundant in cells that secrete large amounts of protein, such as pancreatic cells?

Accepted Answer

Rough ER

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the function of peroxisomes?

Accepted Answer

Metabolize fatty acids and break down reactive peroxides into water and oxygen gas

Question 18

A scientist observes a cell with a large central vacuole, rough and smooth ER, and a cell wall. Which type of cell is this most likely to be?

Accepted Answer

Plant cell

Question 19

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

Accepted Answer

Synthesizing proteins

Cell Structure and Function: General Biology Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions