Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Eukaryotic cells have a true nucleus, whereas prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus.

Question 2

According to the endosymbiosis theory, which evidence supports the origin of mitochondria and chloroplasts from free-living prokaryotes?

Accepted Answer

They have double membranes and their own circular DNA.

Question 3

Which organelle is primarily responsible for synthesizing proteins and lipids in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER)

Question 4

Which equation correctly represents Gibbs free energy change ($\Delta G$) in a chemical reaction?

Accepted Answer

$\Delta G = \Delta H - T\Delta S$

Question 5

Which statement best describes the role of enzymes in biological reactions?

Accepted Answer

Enzymes lower the activation energy, speeding up reactions.

Question 6

During glycolysis, which molecule is produced as a result of the energy payoff phase?

Accepted Answer

ATP and NADH

Question 7

Which process occurs in the mitochondrial matrix and completes the oxidation of glucose derivatives?

Accepted Answer

Citric Acid Cycle (Krebs Cycle)

Question 8

In the electron transport chain (ETC), what is the primary function of the proton gradient across the inner mitochondrial membrane?

Accepted Answer

To drive ATP synthesis via oxidative phosphorylation

Question 9

Which of the following is a correct description of aerobic vs. anaerobic respiration?

Accepted Answer

Anaerobic respiration occurs without oxygen and can result in fermentation.

Question 10

Which phase of the Calvin cycle involves the enzyme RuBisCO attaching CO$_2$ to RuBP?

Accepted Answer

Fixation

Question 11

A plant species found in hot, dry environments uses temporal separation of CO$_2$ fixation and the Calvin cycle. What type of plant is this?

Accepted Answer

CAM plant

Question 12

Which of the following best explains why extreme changes in pH can denature enzymes?

Accepted Answer

pH changes alter the ionic bonds and shape of the enzyme's active site.

Question 13

Which of the following is a product of the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis?

Accepted Answer

ATP and NADPH

Question 14

A mutation disables the Golgi apparatus in a eukaryotic cell. Which cellular process would be most directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Modification and packaging of proteins and lipids

Question 15

Which metabolic pathway occurs in the cytoplasm and is common to both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Glycolysis

Question 16

Which of the following best describes an endergonic reaction?

Accepted Answer

A reaction that requires energy input and has $\Delta G > 0$

Question 17

In the Z-scheme of photosynthesis, what is the main result of electron flow through photosystems I and II?

Accepted Answer

Generation of ATP and NADPH

Question 18

Which of the following is NOT a function of the nucleus in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Synthesizing proteins

Question 19

A patient is diagnosed with a mitochondrial disorder affecting the electron transport chain. Which cellular process would be most impaired?

Accepted Answer

Oxidative phosphorylation and ATP synthesis

Question 20

Which of the following is a correct input-output pair for the Calvin cycle?

Accepted Answer

Input: CO$_2$, ATP, NADPH; Output: Glucose, ADP, NADP$^+$

Cell Structure, Function, and Metabolic Pathways: Study Notes for General Biology

Study Guide - Practice Questions