$$\text{Carbohydrates} + O_2$ \rightarrow CO_2$ + H_2O + \text{energy}$$

Question 1

Which of the following statements best explains why cells are considered the basic unit of life?

Accepted Answer

Cells are the smallest structures that can carry out all the processes required for life.

Question 2

Which feature is found in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Plasma membrane

Question 3

A scientist is studying a cell that contains thylakoid membranes but no nucleus. Which type of cell is she most likely observing?

Accepted Answer

Photosynthetic prokaryote

Question 4

Which of the following best describes the main difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Eukaryotic cells have a nucleus, while prokaryotic cells do not.

Question 5

Which metabolic strategy is unique to prokaryotes and not found in multicellular eukaryotes?

Accepted Answer

Photoheterotrophy

Question 6

Which of the following is a real-world example of a mutualistic relationship involving prokaryotes?

Accepted Answer

Bacteria in the gut of termites digesting cellulose

Question 7

Which process is responsible for making atmospheric nitrogen available to plants?

Accepted Answer

Nitrogen fixation

Question 8

Which of the following best explains why mitochondria and chloroplasts are not considered independent living organisms?

Accepted Answer

They cannot survive and reproduce outside the host cell.

Question 9

Which evidence supports the endosymbiont theory for the origin of mitochondria and chloroplasts?

Accepted Answer

Both organelles have their own DNA and replicate by binary fission.

Question 10

During which phase of the cell cycle is DNA replicated?

Accepted Answer

S phase

Question 11

Which of the following equations correctly represents aerobic cellular respiration?

Accepted Answer

$$	ext{Carbohydrates} + O_2$ ightarrow CO_2$ + H_2O + 	ext{energy}$$

Question 12

A cell is observed to have a contractile ring of microfilaments forming a cleavage furrow. What process is this cell undergoing?

Accepted Answer

Cytokinesis in an animal cell

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

It organizes cell structures, anchors organelles, and enables movement.

Question 14

Which of the following is a key reason why gene expression largely stops during mitosis?

Accepted Answer

Chromatin condenses, making DNA inaccessible to transcription machinery.

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why organelles increase the efficiency of chemical reactions in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

They compartmentalize enzymes and substrates, allowing related reactions to occur together.

Question 16

Which of the following is true about the cell cycle in multicellular eukaryotes?

Accepted Answer

It is essential for development, growth, and repair.

Question 17

Which of the following is a correct statement about the packaging of DNA in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

DNA is wrapped around histone proteins to form chromatin.

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the evolutionary origin of mitochondria according to the endosymbiont theory?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondria evolved from aerobic prokaryotes engulfed by ancestral eukaryotic cells.

Question 19

Which of the following is a function of ribosomes in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Synthesizing proteins using genetic information from DNA

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why life is considered an emergent property of the cell?

Accepted Answer

The integration of cellular structures and organelles allows complex functions that individual molecules cannot perform alone.

Cell Structure and Mitosis: Foundations of Cellular Biology

Study Guide - Practice Questions