Question 1

Which of the following best explains why cells cannot survive if their surface area to volume ratio ($$\frac{	ext{Surface Area}}{	ext{Volume}}) $$falls below 1?

Accepted Answer

The cell cannot transport enough nutrients and waste across the plasma membrane to meet metabolic demands.

Question 2

A scientist wants to observe the internal structure of mitochondria in a eukaryotic cell. Which type of microscopy should they use and why?

Accepted Answer

Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), because it provides high-resolution images of internal cell structures.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Central vacuole

Question 4

A mutation causes a cell to lack functional dynein proteins. Which cellular process would be most directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Movement of cilia and flagella

Question 5

Which of the following statements about prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells is correct?

Accepted Answer

Eukaryotic cells have a true nucleus, while prokaryotic cells have free-floating DNA.

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the function of the Golgi apparatus in a eukaryotic cell?

Accepted Answer

It collects, processes, and directs trafficking of proteins.

Question 7

A researcher stains a cell to visualize actin filaments. Which cytoskeletal function are they most likely investigating?

Accepted Answer

Providing cell mobility and maintaining cell shape

Question 8

Which of the following correctly matches a cytoskeletal element with its protein subunit and function?

Accepted Answer

Microtubules – tubulin – chromosome movement during cell division

Question 9

Which of the following best explains why mitochondria and chloroplasts are considered semiautonomous organelles?

Accepted Answer

They contain their own DNA and can grow and reproduce independently within the cell.

Question 10

A cell is observed to have a large number of ribosomes attached to its rough endoplasmic reticulum. What is the most likely function of this cell?

Accepted Answer

Synthesis and secretion of proteins

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the role of phosphodiester bonds in nucleic acids?

Accepted Answer

They connect nucleotides together to form a polymer.

Question 12

A scientist is studying a bacterial cell and observes structures that allow it to attach to surfaces and to other bacteria. Which structure is being observed?

Accepted Answer

Pili

Question 13

Which of the following base pairs is stabilized by three hydrogen bonds in DNA?

Accepted Answer

Guanine–Cytosine

Question 14

A mutation disrupts the function of kinesin in a cell. Which process would be most directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Movement of vesicles along microtubules

Question 15

Which of the following is a function of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER)?

Accepted Answer

Detoxification of alcohol

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the difference between the cis and trans faces of the Golgi apparatus?

Accepted Answer

The cis face receives vesicles from the ER, while the trans face is involved in shipping proteins to their final destinations.

Question 17

Which of the following is a property of the cytosol in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

It is the site of metabolic processes and protein synthesis.

Question 18

A cell is observed to have a 9+2 arrangement of microtubules. Which structure is being described?

Accepted Answer

Cilia or flagella

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why incompatible reactions are separated in animal cells?

Accepted Answer

To allow enzymes that work together to be clustered and substrates to have small diffusion distances.

Question 20

Which of the following is NOT a component of the endomembrane system?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondria

Cell Structure, Function, and Microscopy: General Biology Study Notes

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