Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

As a cell increases in size, its volume increases faster than its surface area, limiting the efficiency of material exchange across the plasma membrane.

Question 2

A scientist wants to study the detailed internal structure of mitochondria. Which type of microscope should they use and why?

Accepted Answer

Transmission electron microscope (TEM), because it passes electrons through the specimen to reveal internal structures.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Mitochondrion

Question 4

A mutation prevents the formation of nuclear pores in a eukaryotic cell. Which process would be most directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Transport of RNA and proteins between the nucleus and cytoplasm

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the function of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum (smooth ER)?

Accepted Answer

Synthesis of lipids, metabolism of carbohydrates, detoxification of drugs and poisons, and storage of calcium ions

Question 6

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

Question 7

Which of the following statements about mitochondria and chloroplasts supports the endosymbiont theory?

Accepted Answer

They contain their own circular DNA and free ribosomes, similar to prokaryotes.

Question 8

A patient has a genetic disorder that affects the function of lysosomal enzymes. Which of the following cellular processes is most likely to be impaired?

Accepted Answer

Digestion of macromolecules and recycling of cellular components (autophagy)

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

They detoxify alcohol and other harmful compounds by transferring hydrogen to oxygen, forming hydrogen peroxide.

Question 10

A researcher observes a eukaryotic cell with an extensive network of microtubules. Which of the following functions is most likely associated with these structures?

Accepted Answer

Providing tracks for vesicle movement and forming the mitotic spindle during cell division

Question 11

Which of the following cell junctions would you expect to find in tissues that experience a lot of mechanical stress, such as skin?

Accepted Answer

Desmosomes

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

Modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins and lipids for secretion or delivery to other organelles

Question 13

A mutation causes a defect in the integrin proteins of an animal cell. Which of the following processes would be most directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Attachment of the cell to the extracellular matrix (ECM)

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 15

A plant cell is placed in a solution with a high concentration of potassium and chloride ions. Which organelle will play the largest role in storing these ions?

Accepted Answer

Central vacuole

Question 16

Which of the following best explains why the rough endoplasmic reticulum (rough ER) appears 'rough' under an electron microscope?

Accepted Answer

It is studded with ribosomes on its cytoplasmic surface.

Question 17

A cell is unable to produce ATP efficiently due to a genetic defect. Which organelle is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondrion

Question 18

Which of the following structures is found in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Ribosomes

Question 19

A scientist is studying the movement of vesicles within a neuron. Which cytoskeletal component and associated protein are primarily responsible for this movement?

Accepted Answer

Microtubules and motor proteins (such as kinesin or dynein)

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the function of tight junctions in animal cells?

Accepted Answer

They prevent leakage of extracellular fluid by pressing neighboring cell membranes tightly together.

Chapter 06: A Tour of the Cell – Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards