Question 1

Which of the following is a key difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Eukaryotic cells have their DNA enclosed within a nucleus, whereas prokaryotic cells have their DNA in the cytoplasm.

Question 2

Why are cells generally small in size?

Accepted Answer

Because smaller cells have a higher surface area-to-volume ratio, which facilitates efficient exchange of materials.

Question 3

A red blood cell is specialized for oxygen transport. Which structural feature best supports this function?

Accepted Answer

It lacks a nucleus to maximize space for hemoglobin.

Question 4

Which organelle is responsible for the synthesis of lipids and detoxification of poisons in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Smooth endoplasmic reticulum

Question 5

During which process does the plasma membrane engulf large particles or bacteria to form a vesicle inside the cell?

Accepted Answer

Phagocytosis

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the function of the Golgi complex?

Accepted Answer

It processes, sorts, and packages proteins for export or use within the cell.

Question 7

A mutation in a gene leads to the production of a nonfunctional protein. Which cellular structure is directly responsible for translating the gene into a protein?

Accepted Answer

Ribosome

Question 8

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 9

Which of the following best explains why the plasma membrane is described as a 'fluid mosaic'?

Accepted Answer

Proteins and lipids can move laterally within the layer, and the membrane contains various embedded molecules.

Question 10

Which transport mechanism requires energy input from the cell and moves substances against their concentration gradient?

Accepted Answer

Active transport

Question 11

A cell is placed in a solution with a higher solute concentration than its cytoplasm. What will most likely happen to the cell due to osmosis?

Accepted Answer

Water will move out of the cell, causing it to shrink.

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a function of the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

Synthesizing proteins for export

Question 13

Which organelle is responsible for cellular respiration and the production of ATP?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondrion

Question 14

Which of the following best describes facilitated diffusion?

Accepted Answer

Movement of molecules from high to low concentration through a protein channel, without energy input.

Question 15

A white blood cell engulfs a bacterium by wrapping its plasma membrane around it and forming a vesicle. Which process is this?

Accepted Answer

Phagocytosis

Question 16

Which of the following statements about lysosomes is correct?

Accepted Answer

They contain enzymes that break down macromolecules and worn-out organelles.

Question 17

Which process describes the release of neurotransmitters from a neuron into the synaptic cleft?

Accepted Answer

Exocytosis

Question 18

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

Accepted Answer

Their hydrophobic tails avoid water while hydrophilic heads interact with water.

Question 19

Which of the following is a real-life example of active transport in human physiology?

Accepted Answer

Uptake of glucose in the intestines against its concentration gradient

Question 20

A scientist observes a cell with a nucleus, mitochondria, and a plasma membrane, but no cell wall. Which type of cell is this most likely to be?

Accepted Answer

Animal cell

Cell Structure, Function, and Membrane Transport: Study Notes for General Biology

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