Question 1

Which type of microscope would be most appropriate for viewing the detailed structure of a protein molecule?

Accepted Answer

Transmission electron microscope

Question 2

As a cell increases in size, what happens to its surface area to volume ratio, and why is this significant for cell function?

Accepted Answer

The ratio decreases, limiting the rate of nutrient and waste exchange.

Question 3

Which of the following best explains why most cells are small?

Accepted Answer

Smaller cells have a higher surface area to volume ratio, facilitating efficient exchange of materials.

Question 4

Which organelle is responsible for producing ATP in both plant and animal cells?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondrion

Question 5

A scientist observes a cell with a cell wall, chloroplasts, and a large central vacuole. Which type of cell is this most likely to be?

Accepted Answer

Plant cell

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

It synthesizes ribosomal RNA and assembles ribosome subunits.

Question 7

Proteins produced by free ribosomes are most likely to be used:

Accepted Answer

Within the cytosol of the cell

Question 8

Which of the following is NOT a component of the endomembrane system?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondrion

Question 9

The endosymbiotic theory explains the origin of which two organelles?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondrion and chloroplast

Question 10

Which feature do mitochondria, chloroplasts, and bacteria all have in common?

Accepted Answer

Double membranes and circular DNA

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the function of peroxisomes?

Accepted Answer

They break down fatty acids and detoxify harmful substances.

Question 12

Which of the following statements about the plasma membrane is correct?

Accepted Answer

It contains proteins that function in transport, signaling, and cell recognition.

Question 13

Which experiment would best test the fluid mosaic model of the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

Labeling membrane proteins with fluorescent tags and observing their movement over time.

Question 14

Which of the following would increase membrane fluidity?

Accepted Answer

Increasing the proportion of unsaturated fatty acids.

Question 15

What is the main function of carbohydrates attached to the cell membrane?

Accepted Answer

Cell recognition and signaling

Question 16

Which of the following best describes osmosis?

Accepted Answer

The movement of water molecules across a selectively permeable membrane from low solute concentration to high solute concentration.

Question 17

A red blood cell placed in a hypotonic solution will:

Accepted Answer

Swell and possibly burst due to water influx.

Question 18

Which of the following best describes passive diffusion?

Accepted Answer

Movement of molecules down their concentration gradient without energy input.

Question 19

Which solution has the highest free water molecule concentration: hypotonic, hypertonic, or isotonic?

Accepted Answer

Hypotonic solution

Question 20

How does the sodium-potassium pump contribute to the resting membrane potential in animal cells?

Accepted Answer

By moving 3 $\mathrm{Na^+}$ ions out and 2 $\mathrm{K^+}$ ions in, creating an electrochemical gradient.

Cell Structure and Membrane Function: Study Guide for General Biology

Study Guide - Practice Questions