$\Psi = \text{solute potential} + \text{pressure potential}$

Question 1

Which of the following best describes the primary function of ribosomes in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

They assemble amino acids into polypeptides during protein synthesis.

Question 2

What is the main structural difference between rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) and smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER)?

Accepted Answer

RER contains ribosomes on its surface, while SER does not.

Question 3

A scientist is studying a cell that contains both mitochondria and chloroplasts. Which type of organism is this cell most likely from?

Accepted Answer

A plant

Question 4

Which of the following equations correctly represents the water potential ($\Psi$) of a solution?

Accepted Answer

$\Psi = 	ext{solute potential} + 	ext{pressure potential}$

Question 5

A red blood cell is placed in a hypotonic solution. What will most likely happen to the cell, and why?

Accepted Answer

It will burst because water will move into the cell.

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

A higher ratio allows for more efficient exchange of materials with the environment.

Question 7

Which process requires energy input from the cell to move molecules against their concentration gradient?

Accepted Answer

Active transport

Question 8

A cell is observed to engulf large particles by wrapping its plasma membrane around them and forming a vesicle. What is this process called?

Accepted Answer

Endocytosis

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

Proteins and phospholipids can move laterally within the layer, giving the membrane flexibility.

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

They digest and recycle cellular waste and foreign material.

Question 11

A plant cell is placed in a hypertonic solution. What is the most likely outcome for the cell?

Accepted Answer

The cell will lose water and the plasma membrane will pull away from the cell wall (plasmolysis).

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 13

Which of the following best describes facilitated diffusion?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 14

The sodium-potassium pump is an example of which type of membrane transport?

Accepted Answer

Active transport

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why mitochondria and chloroplasts are considered to have originated from endosymbiotic events?

Accepted Answer

They both contain their own circular DNA and double membranes.

Question 16

Which of the following molecules is least likely to pass directly through the phospholipid bilayer of a cell membrane?

Accepted Answer

Glucose

Question 17

A cell with a large surface-area-to-volume ratio is likely to:

Accepted Answer

Exchange materials with its environment more efficiently.

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the role of phospholipids in the cell membrane?

Accepted Answer

They create a semi-permeable barrier that allows selective passage of substances.

Question 19

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

Accepted Answer

Modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins for secretion

Question 20

If a cell needs to import a large quantity of cholesterol, which process is most likely to be used?

Accepted Answer

Receptor-mediated endocytosis

Cell Structure, Function, and Membrane Transport: General Biology Study Guide

Study Guide - Practice Questions