Question 1

Which of the following best explains why eukaryotic cells are able to compartmentalize cellular functions more efficiently than prokaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Eukaryotic cells contain membrane-bound organelles that separate incompatible chemical reactions.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Transmission electron microscope (TEM), because it can resolve fine internal details at the nanometer scale.

Question 3

Which of the following best describes the function of ribosomes in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Ribosomes are responsible for the synthesis of proteins from mRNA templates.

Question 4

Why are most cells small rather than large? Use the surface area to volume ratio to justify your answer.

Accepted Answer

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

Question 5

A mutation causes a eukaryotic cell to lack functional lysosomes. Which of the following consequences is most likely?

Accepted Answer

The cell will accumulate undigested waste and damaged organelles.

Question 6

Which of the following structures is present in plant cells but not in animal cells?

Accepted Answer

Chloroplasts

Question 7

Penicillin is an antibiotic that inhibits the synthesis of peptidoglycan. Why does this make it effective against bacteria but not human cells?

Accepted Answer

Bacterial cells have a cell wall made of peptidoglycan, which human cells lack.

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

It provides structural support, maintains cell shape, and facilitates movement of organelles.

Question 9

A white blood cell changes shape as it engulfs a bacterium. Which cellular structure is most directly responsible for this ability?

Accepted Answer

Cytoskeleton

Question 10

Which of the following statements about prokaryotic cells is correct?

Accepted Answer

Prokaryotic cells have a single, circular DNA molecule located in the nucleoid region.

Question 11

If the surface area of a cube-shaped cell increases from $$1 \, 	ext{mm}^2 to$$ $$9 \, 	ext{mm}^2$$, by what factor does the volume increase?

Accepted Answer

By a factor of 27

Question 12

Which of the following best explains why antibiotics that target bacterial ribosomes do not harm human cells?

Accepted Answer

Bacterial ribosomes are structurally different from eukaryotic ribosomes, allowing selective targeting.

Question 13

A researcher wants to visualize the surface texture of a pollen grain at very high resolution. Which microscope should they use?

Accepted Answer

Scanning electron microscope (SEM)

Question 14

Which organelle is responsible for packaging and modifying proteins for transport out of the cell?

Accepted Answer

Golgi apparatus

Question 15

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

Accepted Answer

Lipid synthesis and detoxification of harmful substances

Question 16

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

Accepted Answer

Transport of RNA and ribosomal subunits from the nucleus to the cytoplasm

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the main difference between gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria in terms of cell wall structure?

Accepted Answer

Gram-positive bacteria have a thick peptidoglycan layer, while gram-negative bacteria have an outer membrane and a thinner peptidoglycan layer.

Question 18

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 19

Which of the following is NOT a function of the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

Synthesizing proteins for the cell

Question 20

A cell is observed to have a large central vacuole, chloroplasts, and a cell wall. Which type of cell is this most likely to be?

Accepted Answer

Plant cell

Cell Structure, Microscopy, and the Organization of Life: Study Notes for General Biology

Study Guide - Practice Questions