Question 1

Which of the following best explains why mitochondria are often called the 'powerhouse' of the cell?

Accepted Answer

They generate ATP through cellular respiration, providing energy for cellular processes.

Question 2

A scientist observes a cell with a large number of ribosomes attached to its endoplasmic reticulum. What is the most likely function of this cell?

Accepted Answer

Synthesis and secretion of proteins.

Question 3

Which of the following equations correctly represents the surface area to volume ratio ($SA:V$) for a cube with side length $l$?

Accepted Answer

$SA:V = \frac{6l^2}{l^3}$

Question 4

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 will move into the cell.

Question 5

Which organelle is primarily responsible for modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins for secretion?

Accepted Answer

Golgi apparatus

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

Passive transport moves molecules down their concentration gradient without energy input, while active transport requires energy to move molecules against their gradient.

Question 7

A cell is placed in an environment where the concentration of solutes outside the cell is higher than inside. Which term best describes this environment, and what is the expected movement of water?

Accepted Answer

Hypertonic; water moves out of the cell

Question 8

Which of the following statements about the structure of phospholipids in the plasma membrane is correct?

Accepted Answer

Phospholipids have hydrophilic heads and hydrophobic tails.

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

Smaller cells have a higher surface area to volume ratio, which allows for more efficient exchange of materials with their environment.

Question 10

Which of the following is a function of the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER)?

Accepted Answer

Protein synthesis and modification

Question 11

A neuron transmits a signal from one cell to another. Which structure is primarily responsible for carrying the electrical signal away from the cell body?

Accepted Answer

Axon

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the role of ATP in active transport?

Accepted Answer

ATP provides the energy needed to move molecules against their concentration gradient.

Question 13

Which of the following best explains why the sodium-potassium pump is considered an example of active transport?

Accepted Answer

It requires ATP to move ions against their concentration gradients.

Question 14

A cell is observed to have a large number of lysosomes. Which function is this cell most likely specialized for?

Accepted Answer

Intracellular digestion and recycling of cellular components

Question 15

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

Accepted Answer

Eukaryotic cells have a nucleus, prokaryotic cells do not.

Question 16

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the concept of osmoregulation?

Accepted Answer

A plant cell losing water and becoming plasmolyzed in a hypertonic solution.

Question 17

Which of the following is true regarding the movement of water across a semipermeable membrane?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the function of the cytoskeleton in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

It provides structural support and facilitates cell movement.

Question 19

A cell is observed to have a high concentration of smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER). Which function is this cell most likely specialized for?

Accepted Answer

Lipid synthesis and detoxification of drugs and poisons

Question 20

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

Accepted Answer

A higher surface area to volume ratio allows for more efficient exchange of materials with the environment.

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

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