Question 1

Phospholipids are described as amphipathic molecules. What happens when phospholipids are placed in water, and why does this occur?

Accepted Answer

They spontaneously arrange into a bilayer with hydrophilic heads facing water and hydrophobic tails facing each other.

Question 2

Which statement best explains why the plasma membrane is described as a 'fluid mosaic'?

Accepted Answer

It consists of a phospholipid bilayer with proteins and other molecules that can move laterally within the layer.

Question 3

What distinguishes a free ribosome from a bound ribosome in a eukaryotic cell?

Accepted Answer

Free ribosomes float in the cytoplasm and synthesize proteins for use within the cell, while bound ribosomes are attached to the rough ER and synthesize proteins for secretion or membrane insertion.

Question 4

How does DNA direct protein production in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

DNA is transcribed into mRNA, which is then translated by ribosomes into protein.

Question 5

Which organelles are part of the endomembrane system and how are they functionally related?

Accepted Answer

Rough ER, smooth ER, Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, and vesicles; they work together to synthesize, modify, package, and transport proteins and lipids.

Question 6

What is the primary benefit of lysosomes in animal cells?

Accepted Answer

They contain hydrolytic enzymes that break down waste materials and cellular debris.

Question 7

Which two eukaryotic organelles contain their own DNA?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondria and chloroplasts

Question 8

A mutation prevents the formation of the central vacuole in a plant cell. Which function would be most directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Storage of water and maintenance of turgor pressure

Question 9

Which structure is found in prokaryotic cells but not in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Nucleoid region

Question 10

Which component of the cytoskeleton is primarily responsible for cell movement and muscle contraction?

Accepted Answer

Actin filaments (microfilaments)

Question 11

A scientist isolates a cell and observes that it contains a cell wall, central vacuole, and chloroplasts. What type of cell is this most likely to be?

Accepted Answer

Plant cell

Question 12

Which organelle is the site of aerobic cellular respiration and ATP production in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondrion

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the function of the Golgi apparatus?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 14

If a cell's rough ER is damaged, which process would be most directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Protein synthesis for secretion or membrane insertion

Question 15

Which of the following equations best represents the process of photosynthesis occurring in chloroplasts?

Accepted Answer

$6CO_2 + 6H_2O \rightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2$

Question 16

Which cellular structure is primarily responsible for organizing chromosomes during cell division?

Accepted Answer

Microtubules of the cytoskeleton

Question 17

A patient has a genetic disorder that affects the extracellular matrix of their cells. Which symptom would most likely be observed?

Accepted Answer

Weak connective tissues and poor wound healing

Question 18

Which of the following best describes chromatin?

Accepted Answer

A complex of DNA and proteins that is less condensed than chromosomes

Question 19

Which process occurs in the nucleolus?

Accepted Answer

Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) synthesis and ribosome assembly

Question 20

A cell is observed to have extensive smooth ER. Which function is this cell most likely specialized for?

Accepted Answer

Lipid synthesis and detoxification of harmful substances

Cell Structure and Function: Plasma Membrane, Organelles, and Cellular Components

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