Question 1

Which process describes the breakdown of complex molecules into simpler ones, releasing energy in a cell?

Accepted Answer

Catabolism

Question 2

A scientist observes a cell with a double membrane, its own circular DNA, and ribosomes. Which organelle is most likely being observed?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondrion

Question 3

Which equation best represents the production of ATP during cellular respiration in mitochondria?

Accepted Answer

$\mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6} + 6\mathrm{O_2} \rightarrow 6\mathrm{CO_2} + 6\mathrm{H_2O} + \mathrm{ATP}$

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

It affects the cell's ability to exchange materials efficiently.

Question 5

A plant cell is placed in a hypotonic solution. What will most likely happen to the cell?

Accepted Answer

It will gain water and become turgid.

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

Detoxifying drugs and poisons

Question 7

Which type of cell junction prevents the leakage of extracellular fluid between neighboring animal cells?

Accepted Answer

Tight junctions

Question 8

What is the main role of aquaporins in the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

Increasing the rate of water transport

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

A dynamic bilayer of phospholipids with proteins embedded and moving within it

Question 10

Which process is responsible for the uptake of large particles, such as bacteria, by a cell?

Accepted Answer

Phagocytosis

Question 11

A mutation causes a cell to produce defective dynein proteins. Which cellular structure would be most affected?

Accepted Answer

Cilia and flagella

Question 12

Which of the following is true about the sodium-potassium pump in animal cells?

Accepted Answer

It uses ATP to move $\mathrm{Na^+}$ out and $\mathrm{K^+}$ into the cell.

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the role of peroxisomes in liver cells?

Accepted Answer

Detoxifying alcohol and other harmful compounds

Question 14

Which equation represents the movement of water across a selectively permeable membrane due to osmosis?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 15

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

Accepted Answer

Modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins

Question 16

Which property of phospholipids allows them to form bilayers in water?

Accepted Answer

They are amphipathic, with hydrophilic heads and hydrophobic tails.

Question 17

Which of the following best explains the function of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) in cell signaling?

Accepted Answer

They catalyze the transfer of phosphate groups from ATP to proteins.

Question 18

A cell is exposed to a toxin that prevents the formation of vesicles. Which cellular process would be most directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Bulk transport (endocytosis and exocytosis)

Question 19

Which of the following is a consequence of excessive cell signaling amplification?

Accepted Answer

Overproduction of activated proteins, potentially leading to disease

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the role of microtubules during cell division?

Accepted Answer

They separate chromosomes by forming the mitotic spindle.

Cell Structure, Membranes, and Cellular Processes: Study Notes for General Biology

Study Guide - Practice Questions