Question 1

Which of the following best explains why eukaryotic cells are able to maintain larger sizes than prokaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Eukaryotic cells contain membrane-bound organelles that compartmentalize functions, increasing efficiency.

Question 2

A scientist observes that a cell is able to synthesize proteins, package them, and then secrete them outside the cell. Which sequence of organelles is most directly involved in this process?

Accepted Answer

Ribosome → Golgi apparatus → Plasma membrane

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 4

A red blood cell placed in a hypotonic solution will:

Accepted Answer

Swell and potentially burst as water enters the cell.

Question 5

Which of the following statements about the fluid mosaic model of the plasma membrane is correct?

Accepted Answer

Both phospholipids and proteins can move laterally within the layer.

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the role of the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) in a pancreatic cell that secretes insulin?

Accepted Answer

The RER synthesizes insulin and packages it into vesicles for transport.

Question 7

A cell is observed to have a large number of mitochondria. Which of the following is the most likely function of this cell?

Accepted Answer

Active transport of ions against a concentration gradient.

Question 8

Which of the following best explains why the surface area to volume ratio is important for cell function?

Accepted Answer

A higher surface area to volume ratio allows for more efficient exchange of materials with the environment.

Question 9

Which of the following processes requires the direct use of ATP?

Accepted Answer

Active transport of sodium ions via the Na$$^+/K$^+$$ ATPase pump.

Question 10

A mutation causes a cell to produce a nonfunctional aquaporin protein. Which of the following is the most likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

The cell will have reduced ability to transport water rapidly across the membrane.

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the function of lysosomes in animal cells?

Accepted Answer

Lysosomes digest macromolecules and recycle cellular components.

Question 12

A plant cell is placed in a solution with a lower water potential than the cell’s cytoplasm. What will most likely happen?

Accepted Answer

Water will move out of the cell, causing plasmolysis.

Question 13

Which of the following is a function of the Golgi apparatus?

Accepted Answer

Modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins for secretion.

Question 14

Which of the following best explains why phospholipids form a bilayer in aqueous environments?

Accepted Answer

The hydrophilic heads interact with water, while the hydrophobic tails avoid water.

Question 15

A cell is observed to engulf a large particle by wrapping its plasma membrane around it and forming a vesicle. This process is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Phagocytosis

Question 16

Which of the following statements about facilitated diffusion is correct?

Accepted Answer

It moves substances down their concentration gradient using membrane proteins.

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the function of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) in liver cells?

Accepted Answer

The SER detoxifies drugs and synthesizes lipids.

Question 18

Which of the following is a direct result of the selective permeability of the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

The cell can maintain internal conditions different from the external environment.

Question 19

A cell is placed in a solution and begins to lose water rapidly. Which of the following best describes the tonicity of the solution relative to the cell?

Accepted Answer

The solution is hypertonic to the cell.

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why cells that specialize in absorption, such as intestinal epithelial cells, have microvilli?

Accepted Answer

Microvilli increase the surface area, enhancing the rate of absorption.

Cell Structure and Function: Study Notes for General Biology

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