Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Smaller cells have a higher surface area-to-volume ratio, which allows for more efficient exchange of nutrients and waste.

Question 2

A scientist is using a microscope to observe two organelles that are very close together. Which property of the microscope is most important for distinguishing between them?

Accepted Answer

Resolution

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a feature shared by all cells (prokaryotic and eukaryotic)?

Accepted Answer

Nucleus

Question 4

A mutation causes a eukaryotic cell to lose its nuclear envelope. Which process would be most directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Separation of DNA from cytoplasmic processes

Question 5

Which of the following statements about prokaryotic and eukaryotic DNA is correct?

Accepted Answer

Prokaryotic DNA is circular and not associated with histone proteins, while eukaryotic DNA is linear and complexed with histones.

Question 6

According to the endosymbiotic theory, which of the following organelles originated from a symbiotic relationship between an ancestral eukaryote and a prokaryote?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondria

Question 7

A cell is observed to have a cell wall made of chitin, a nucleus, and membrane-bound organelles. Which type of organism is this cell most likely from?

Accepted Answer

Fungus

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the function of the nucleolus?

Accepted Answer

It synthesizes ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and assembles ribosome subunits.

Question 9

A researcher is studying a protein that is destined to be secreted from the cell. Which pathway does this protein most likely follow?

Accepted Answer

Rough ER → Golgi apparatus → vesicle → plasma membrane

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

Synthesis of lipids and metabolism of carbohydrates

Question 11

A cell is exposed to a toxin that inhibits the function of peroxisomes. Which of the following processes would be most directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Detoxification of hydrogen peroxide

Question 12

Which of the following best explains why mitochondria and chloroplasts are considered semi-autonomous organelles?

Accepted Answer

They contain their own DNA and ribosomes, allowing them to replicate independently within the cell.

Question 13

Which cytoskeletal element is primarily responsible for resisting compression forces and serving as tracks for vesicle movement?

Accepted Answer

Microtubules

Question 14

A mutation in a gene encoding a motor protein that interacts with microtubules would most likely affect which cellular process?

Accepted Answer

Vesicle transport within the cell

Question 15

Which of the following junctions allows for the direct passage of ions and small molecules between adjacent animal cells?

Accepted Answer

Gap junctions

Question 16

A plant cell is placed in a hypotonic solution. Which structure prevents the cell from bursting?

Accepted Answer

Cell wall

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the role of signal sequences in protein targeting?

Accepted Answer

They are amino acid sequences that direct proteins to their correct cellular destinations.

Question 18

Which of the following equations correctly represents the relationship between surface area (SA) and volume (V) for a spherical cell of radius $r$?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 19

Which of the following is a key difference between the cell walls of plants and fungi?

Accepted Answer

Plant cell walls are made of cellulose, while fungal cell walls are made of chitin.

Question 20

A cell is observed to have a high number of lysosomes. Which function is this cell most likely specialized for?

Accepted Answer

Digesting and recycling cellular waste

Cell Structure and Function: Study Notes for General Biology

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