Question 1

Which of the following best explains why electron microscopes have higher resolving power than light microscopes?

Accepted Answer

Electron microscopes use shorter wavelengths of electrons compared to the longer wavelengths of visible light.

Question 2

Arrange the following biological structures in order from largest to smallest: organelle, cell, virus, macromolecule, water molecule.

Accepted Answer

Cell > Organelle > Virus > Macromolecule > Water molecule

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a basic feature shared by all cell types?

Accepted Answer

A nucleus containing DNA

Question 4

The plasma membrane is described as a 'fluid mosaic.' Which structural feature allows it to be selectively permeable?

Accepted Answer

The phospholipid bilayer with hydrophobic tails and hydrophilic heads

Question 5

Which of the following statements correctly compares prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Eukaryotic cells have membrane-bound organelles, while prokaryotic cells do not.

Question 6

Why are cells limited in size? Choose the best explanation.

Accepted Answer

As cell size increases, the surface area-to-volume ratio decreases, limiting efficient exchange of materials.

Question 7

A bacterium is observed to have a thick outer layer that protects it from desiccation and helps evade the host immune system. What is this structure called?

Accepted Answer

Capsule

Question 8

Which structure in a prokaryotic cell is responsible for protein synthesis?

Accepted Answer

Ribosomes

Question 9

Which of the following is a function of prokaryotic fimbriae?

Accepted Answer

Attachment to surfaces and other cells

Question 10

Which feature is unique to eukaryotic cells and contributes to their increased complexity compared to prokaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Presence of internal membrane-bound organelles

Question 11

Which of the following structures is found in plant cells but not in animal cells?

Accepted Answer

Cell wall

Question 12

A scientist is studying a cell with a double membrane containing pores and a dense region where ribosomal RNA is synthesized. What is this cell structure?

Accepted Answer

Nucleus

Question 13

Which part of the nucleus is directly involved in the synthesis of ribosomal RNA?

Accepted Answer

Nucleolus

Question 14

Chromatin is composed of DNA and proteins. What is its primary function in the cell?

Accepted Answer

Packaging DNA to fit inside the nucleus and regulating gene expression

Question 15

Where in a eukaryotic cell would you expect to find ribosomes actively synthesizing proteins for secretion?

Accepted Answer

Attached to the rough endoplasmic reticulum

Question 16

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

Accepted Answer

Maintaining the shape and structural integrity of the nucleus

Question 17

If a cell's plasma membrane were composed entirely of hydrophilic molecules, which function would be most compromised?

Accepted Answer

Selective permeability to nonpolar substances

Question 18

Which equation best 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

A virus is approximately 100 nm in diameter. Which microscope would be best suited to visualize its internal structure?

Accepted Answer

Transmission electron microscope (TEM)

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the function of the nuclear envelope in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Regulates the passage of molecules between the nucleus and cytoplasm

Cell Structure and Microscopy: Study Guide

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