Question 1

Which statement best explains why most cells are 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 2

Given a cube-shaped cell with a side length of $$2\ \mathrm{\mu m}$$, calculate its surface area-to-volume ratio using the formulas $$	ext{Surface Area} = 6 	imes (	ext{side length})^2$ and $$	ext{Volume} = (	ext{side length}$$)^3.$$

Accepted Answer

$$3:1$$

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a direct implication of the cell theory?

Accepted Answer

The origin of life was the origin of cells.

Question 4

A scientist observes a cell with the following features: a nucleoid region, ribosomes, and a plasma membrane, but no membrane-bound organelles. What type of cell is this most likely?

Accepted Answer

A prokaryotic cell

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Central vacuole

Question 6

Which organelle is primarily responsible for modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins for secretion or delivery to other organelles?

Accepted Answer

Golgi apparatus

Question 7

A patient is diagnosed with Tay-Sachs disease, which is caused by the accumulation of undigested lipids in neurons. Which organelle is most likely defective in this patient?

Accepted Answer

Lysosome

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the endosymbiotic theory for the origin of mitochondria and chloroplasts?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 9

Which cytoskeletal component is primarily responsible for muscle contraction and amoeboid movement?

Accepted Answer

Microfilaments (actin)

Question 10

A cell is observed to have a large number of mitochondria. What can you infer about the cell's function?

Accepted Answer

It requires a large amount of energy for its activities.

Question 11

Which of the following structures is involved in the selective transport of substances into and out of the cell?

Accepted Answer

Plasma membrane

Question 12

Which of the following is a function of the extracellular matrix in animal cells?

Accepted Answer

It helps hold cells together in tissues and contributes to the properties of bone, cartilage, and skin.

Question 13

Which organelle is the site of photosynthesis in plant cells?

Accepted Answer

Chloroplast

Question 14

Which of the following statements about ribosomes is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Ribosomes are found in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and are the sites of protein synthesis.

Question 15

Which cytoskeletal element forms the rigid internal skeleton of some cells and is involved in chromosome movement during cell division?

Accepted Answer

Microtubules

Question 16

A mutation causes a defect in the integrin proteins of a cell. Which process would be most directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Attachment of the cell to the extracellular matrix

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the function of the nuclear lamina?

Accepted Answer

It maintains the shape of the nucleus by providing structural support.

Question 18

Which process is used by amoebas and white blood cells to engulf large particles or other cells?

Accepted Answer

Phagocytosis

Question 19

Which of the following is a major difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Eukaryotic cells have membrane-bound organelles, while prokaryotic cells do not.

Question 20

A cell is observed to have a meshwork of actin filaments just inside its plasma membrane. What is the most likely function of this structure?

Accepted Answer

Providing structural support and maintaining cell shape

Cells: The Working Units of Life – Structure, Function, and Origin

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