Question 1

Which of the following best distinguishes a prokaryotic cell from a eukaryotic cell?

Accepted Answer

Presence of membrane-bound organelles

Question 2

According to the endosymbiotic theory, which organelle is believed to have originated from a free-living prokaryote engulfed by an ancestral eukaryotic cell?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondrion

Question 3

Which of the following best explains why cells are generally small in size?

Accepted Answer

To maximize the surface area to volume ratio for efficient exchange of materials

Question 4

Which structure is found in plant cells but not in animal cells?

Accepted Answer

Chloroplast

Question 5

A scientist observes a cell with a nucleus, mitochondria, and a cell wall. Which type of cell is this most likely to be?

Accepted Answer

Plant cell

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the function of the extracellular matrix in animal cells?

Accepted Answer

It provides structural support and mediates cell signaling

Question 7

Cilia and flagella are both involved in cell movement. Which of the following statements is true regarding their structure?

Accepted Answer

Both are composed of microtubules arranged in a 9+2 pattern

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the fluid mosaic model of the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

A phospholipid bilayer with proteins and other molecules embedded and able to move laterally

Question 9

Which of the following molecules can most easily cross a pure phospholipid bilayer without the aid of a protein?

Accepted Answer

Oxygen ($$O_2)$$

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the difference between passive and active transport across a cell membrane?

Accepted Answer

Passive transport moves substances down their concentration gradient without energy input, while active transport moves substances against their gradient using energy

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

It will swell and possibly burst because water moves in by osmosis

Question 12

Which of the following is a function of integral membrane proteins?

Accepted Answer

Facilitating the movement of substances across the membrane

Question 13

Which of the following best describes facilitated diffusion?

Accepted Answer

Movement of molecules down their concentration gradient through a membrane protein

Question 14

Which of the following best explains the effect of water potential on water movement in plant cells?

Accepted Answer

Water moves from areas of high water potential to low water potential

Question 15

A cell is placed in a solution with a higher solute concentration than the cytoplasm. What type of solution is this, and what will happen to the cell?

Accepted Answer

Hypertonic; the cell will shrink

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the role of aquaporins in cells?

Accepted Answer

They facilitate the rapid movement of water across the cell membrane

Question 17

Which of the following statements about the sodium-potassium pump is correct?

Accepted Answer

It moves 3 $$Na^+$$ ions out of the cell and 2 $$K^+$$ ions into the cell, using ATP

Question 18

Which of the following best describes selective permeability of the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

The membrane allows some substances to pass more easily than others

Question 19

Which of the following is true about the hydrophobic region of the phospholipid bilayer?

Accepted Answer

It is composed of fatty acid tails and repels water

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the function of carrier proteins in the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

They transport specific molecules across the membrane by changing shape

Question 21

Which of the following is the correct formula for calculating water potential ($$\Psi) in $$plant cells?

Accepted Answer

$$\Psi = \Psi_s + \Psi_p$$

Cell Structure, Membrane Function, and Transport Mechanisms

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