Question 1

Which of the following statements best explains why eukaryotic cells can carry out more complex functions than prokaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Eukaryotic cells contain membrane-bound organelles that compartmentalize incompatible chemical reactions, increasing efficiency.

Question 2

A scientist observes a cell with branched isoprenoid chains bound to glycerol in its membrane phospholipids. To which domain does this cell most likely belong?

Accepted Answer

Archaea

Question 3

Which structure is responsible for synthesizing proteins that are destined to be secreted from a eukaryotic cell?

Accepted Answer

Ribosomes attached to the rough endoplasmic reticulum

Question 4

A mutation prevents the formation of peptidoglycan in a bacterial cell. What is the most likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

The cell will be unable to maintain its shape and structural rigidity.

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the function of the Golgi apparatus in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

It processes, sorts, and ships proteins synthesized in the rough ER.

Question 6

A plant cell is observed to have a large organelle filled with pigments and water. What is the primary function of this organelle?

Accepted Answer

It stores water, ions, and pigments, and may contain compounds that protect the cell from herbivores.

Question 7

Which equation best represents the relationship between cell surface area ($A$) and volume ($V$) for a spherical cell of radius $r$?

Accepted Answer

$A = 4 \pi r^2$, $V = \frac{4}{3} \pi r^3$

Question 8

A cell is observed to have multiple elongated and branched mitochondria. What does this suggest about the cell’s metabolic activity?

Accepted Answer

The cell is likely to have high metabolic activity and high ATP demand.

Question 9

Which of the following is a unique feature of chloroplasts and mitochondria that supports the endosymbiosis theory?

Accepted Answer

They contain their own DNA and ribosomes, and can divide independently of the cell.

Question 10

A researcher isolates a cell structure that contains acid hydrolases and maintains an internal pH of 5.0. What is the most likely identity of this structure?

Accepted Answer

Lysosome

Question 11

Which of the following structures is essential for cell division and maintaining cell shape in bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Cytoskeleton

Question 12

A cell is observed to have a tough, fibrous layer surrounding its plasma membrane, composed primarily of polysaccharides. What is the function of this layer?

Accepted Answer

It provides protection, shape, and rigidity to the cell.

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the role of peroxisomes in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

They catalyze reduction-oxidation (redox) reactions and detoxify hydrogen peroxide.

Question 14

A mutation causes a eukaryotic cell to lack a nuclear lamina. Which process would be most directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Structural support and organization of the nucleus

Question 15

Which of the following structures is found in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and is responsible for protein synthesis?

Accepted Answer

Ribosome

Question 16

A bacterial cell is observed to have long filaments that allow it to move through liquid environments. What are these structures called?

Accepted Answer

Flagella

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

Detoxifies metabolic waste and drugs, and synthesizes lipids

Question 18

Which of the following best explains why multicellular eukaryotes can have specialized cell types such as fat cells and cardiac muscle cells?

Accepted Answer

Variation in size, number, and type of organelles correlates with specialized cell functions.

Question 19

Which of the following is NOT a component found in all cells according to cell theory?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondria

Question 20

A scientist uses differential centrifugation to isolate cell components. Which property of organelles does this technique primarily exploit?

Accepted Answer

Differences in size and density of organelles

Cell Structure and Function: Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells

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