Question 1

Which of the following best explains why cells are limited in size by the surface area to volume ratio?

Accepted Answer

As cells grow larger, their volume increases faster than their surface area, making it difficult to efficiently exchange materials with the environment.

Question 2

Which structure is found in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Plasma membrane

Question 3

According to the endosymbiont theory, which of the following is evidence that mitochondria and chloroplasts originated from prokaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

They contain their own circular DNA and ribosomes similar to those of bacteria.

Question 4

A protein destined for secretion from a eukaryotic cell will most likely be synthesized by ribosomes located:

Accepted Answer

On the rough endoplasmic reticulum

Question 5

Which organelle is primarily responsible for sorting and modifying proteins before they are sent to their final destination?

Accepted Answer

Golgi apparatus

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

Intracellular digestion and recycling of macromolecules

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the role of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum in liver cells?

Accepted Answer

Detoxification of drugs and poisons

Question 8

Which equation correctly represents the relationship between surface area and volume for a spherical cell of radius $r$?

Accepted Answer

Surface area: $A = 4 \pi r^2$, Volume: $V = \frac{4}{3} \pi r^3$

Question 9

Which of the following is a function of the central vacuole in plant cells?

Accepted Answer

Providing turgor pressure to maintain cell structure

Question 10

A cell is observed to have a cell wall composed primarily of peptidoglycan. This cell is most likely:

Accepted Answer

A bacterial cell

Question 11

Which cytoskeletal element is primarily responsible for the movement of chromosomes during cell division?

Accepted Answer

Microtubules

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

Tight junctions

Question 13

Which organelle is responsible for converting hydrogen peroxide ($H_2O_2$) into water in the cell?

Accepted Answer

Peroxisome

Question 14

A cell is exposed to a toxin that disrupts the function of its mitochondria. Which process will be most directly impaired?

Accepted Answer

Production of ATP via aerobic respiration

Question 15

Which of the following statements about the evolution of eukaryotic cells is supported by the endosymbiont theory?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondria and chloroplasts originated as free-living prokaryotes that were engulfed by ancestral eukaryotic cells.

Question 16

Which organelle is most directly involved in the synthesis of lipids, including steroid hormones?

Accepted Answer

Smooth endoplasmic reticulum

Question 17

A white blood cell engulfs a bacterium. Which organelle is responsible for digesting the bacterium?

Accepted Answer

Lysosome

Question 18

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

Accepted Answer

It facilitates communication and structural support between cells and the cytoskeleton.

Question 19

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

Accepted Answer

Production of ATP via oxidative phosphorylation

Question 20

A mutation in the 'postal code' amino acid sequence of a protein causes it to be misdirected to the cytosol instead of the mitochondria. Which type of signal sequence is most likely missing?

Accepted Answer

A charged amino acid sequence specific for mitochondrial targeting

Cell Structure: Organelles, Endomembrane System, and Evolution in Eukaryotes

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