Question 1

Which of the following best explains why electron microscopes can resolve much smaller structures than light microscopes?

Accepted Answer

Electrons have a much shorter wavelength than visible light, allowing for higher resolution.

Question 2

A scientist wants to observe the internal structure of mitochondria in a eukaryotic cell. Which microscopy technique should they use and why?

Accepted Answer

Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), because it can visualize internal cell structures at high resolution.

Question 3

Which of the following statements about prokaryotic cells is CORRECT?

Accepted Answer

Prokaryotic cells have ribosomes that are structurally different from those in eukaryotes.

Question 4

Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria differ in their cell wall structure. Which feature is unique to Gram-negative bacteria?

Accepted Answer

An outer membrane containing lipopolysaccharides.

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the function of the plasma membrane in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

It regulates the movement of substances into and out of the cell.

Question 6

A mutation causes a eukaryotic cell to produce defective lysosomal enzymes. Which cellular process would be most directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Digestion of macromolecules within the cell.

Question 7

Which organelle is primarily responsible for synthesizing ATP by extracting energy from sugars, fats, and other fuels with the help of oxygen?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondrion

Question 8

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

Question 9

Which of the following equations correctly represents the surface area of a spherical cell with radius $r$?

Accepted Answer

$A = 4 \pi r^2$

Question 10

A cell has a diameter of 20 µm. What is its approximate volume, assuming it is spherical? (Use $V = \frac{4}{3} \pi r^3$ and $r = 10$ µm)

Accepted Answer

$V \approx 4,188$ µm$^3$

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

Synthesis of lipids and detoxification of drugs and poisons.

Question 12

A patient is diagnosed with Tay-Sachs disease, a disorder caused by malfunctioning lysosomal enzymes. What is the primary consequence at the cellular level?

Accepted Answer

Accumulation of undigested lipids in nerve cells.

Question 13

Which of the following statements about ribosomes is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Ribosomes are the site of protein synthesis in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

Question 14

Which organelle is responsible for modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins for secretion or delivery to other organelles?

Accepted Answer

Golgi apparatus

Question 15

A cell is unable to produce enough ATP and shows signs of energy deficiency. Which organelle is most likely malfunctioning?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondrion

Question 16

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

Accepted Answer

They transport materials between organelles and to the cell membrane.

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

Eukaryotic gene expression involves compartmentalization, with transcription in the nucleus and translation in the cytoplasm.

Question 18

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

Accepted Answer

Chloroplast

Question 19

A researcher observes a cell with DNA located in a nucleoid region, no membrane-bound organelles, and a cell wall. What type of cell is this?

Accepted Answer

Prokaryotic cell

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why cells are limited in size by the surface area-to-volume ratio?

Accepted Answer

As cells grow larger, their volume increases faster than their surface area, limiting efficient exchange of materials.

Cell Structure and Function: Study Notes for General Biology

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