Question 1

Which of the following best explains why mitochondria and chloroplasts are considered to have originated via endosymbiosis?

Accepted Answer

They contain their own circular DNA and ribosomes, similar to prokaryotes.

Question 2

A scientist wants to study the detailed structure of ribosomes within a cell. Which microscopy technique should they use and why?

Accepted Answer

Transmission electron microscopy, because it has a resolution limit as low as $0.1\ \mathrm{nm}$, allowing visualization of molecular complexes.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Detoxification of drugs and poisons

Question 4

A mutation disrupts the function of actin filaments in a cell. Which of the following processes would be most directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Cell crawling and muscle contraction

Question 5

Which of the following correctly matches the organelle with its primary function?

Accepted Answer

Lysosome: breakdown of macromolecules and foreign invaders

Question 6

Why are most cells limited in size, and how do some cells overcome this limitation?

Accepted Answer

Cells are limited by the surface area-to-volume ratio, but some overcome this by having specialized structures like microvilli to increase surface area.

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

Central vacuole

Question 8

During cell fractionation, which step is essential for separating organelles based on their size and density?

Accepted Answer

Centrifugation

Question 9

A cell is observed to have no nucleus, no membrane-bound organelles, and a cell wall. Which type of cell is this most likely to be?

Accepted Answer

Prokaryotic cell

Question 10

Which cytoskeletal filament is primarily responsible for separating chromosomes during mitosis?

Accepted Answer

Microtubules

Question 11

A researcher uses fluorescence microscopy to study a protein tagged with a green fluorescent dye. What is the main advantage of this technique?

Accepted Answer

It allows visualization of specific proteins or structures within living cells.

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the role of the Golgi apparatus in a eukaryotic cell?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 13

Which of the following statements about the cytoskeleton is correct?

Accepted Answer

Microtubules provide tracks for organelle movement and are involved in chromosome separation.

Question 14

A patient has a genetic disorder that affects the function of lysosomes. Which of the following symptoms is most likely to result?

Accepted Answer

Accumulation of undigested macromolecules within cells

Question 15

Which of the following best explains how actin filaments and myosin interact to produce muscle contraction?

Accepted Answer

Myosin heads bind to actin filaments and pull them past each other, shortening the muscle cell.

Question 16

Which of the following equations best 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 17

A cell biologist wants to isolate mitochondria from a sample of liver cells. Which process should they use after homogenizing the tissue?

Accepted Answer

Differential centrifugation

Question 18

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

Accepted Answer

Eukaryotic cells have membrane-bound organelles, while prokaryotic cells do not.

Question 19

Which organelle is directly involved in the conversion of light energy into chemical energy during photosynthesis?

Accepted Answer

Chloroplast

Question 20

A cell is observed to have a large central vacuole, chloroplasts, and a cell wall. Which type of cell is this most likely to be?

Accepted Answer

Plant cell

Cell Structure and Function: Microscopy, Cell Fractionation, Organelles, and Cytoskeleton

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards