Question 1

Which of the following best explains why cells are generally small in size?

Accepted Answer

Smaller cells have a higher surface area-to-volume ratio, which facilitates efficient exchange of materials with their environment.

Question 2

A scientist wants to observe 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 thin sections of the specimen, revealing internal structures at high resolution.

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a feature shared by all cells (prokaryotic and eukaryotic)?

Accepted Answer

A nucleus containing DNA

Question 4

A mutation causes a cell to lack functional lysosomes. Which of the following would most likely result from this mutation?

Accepted Answer

The cell would accumulate undigested macromolecules, leading to cellular dysfunction.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

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

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 organelles is primarily responsible for the synthesis of lipids and detoxification of drugs in liver cells?

Accepted Answer

Smooth endoplasmic reticulum (Smooth ER)

Question 8

During protein synthesis, which sequence of organelles is involved in the production and export of a secreted protein?

Accepted Answer

Ribosome → Rough ER → Golgi apparatus → Plasma membrane

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

It provides structural support, facilitates cell movement, and organizes organelles within the cell.

Question 10

A researcher stains a cell with a fluorescent marker that binds to actin. Which cellular structure is most likely to be highlighted?

Accepted Answer

Microfilaments

Question 11

Which of the following equations correctly calculates the surface area-to-volume ratio for a cube-shaped cell with side length $$l$$?

Accepted Answer

$$\frac{6l^2$}{l^3$}$$

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

It provides structural support and helps cells communicate with each other.

Question 13

A patient has a genetic disorder that affects the function of dynein motor proteins. Which cellular process is most likely to be impaired?

Accepted Answer

Movement of cilia and flagella

Question 14

Which of the following statements about the plasma membrane is correct?

Accepted Answer

It is composed of a phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins, providing selective permeability.

Question 15

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

Accepted Answer

They break down fatty acids and detoxify harmful substances by producing hydrogen peroxide.

Question 16

A cell is observed to have DNA, ribosomes, a plasma membrane, but no membrane-bound organelles. Which domain does this cell most likely belong to?

Accepted Answer

Bacteria

Question 17

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the function of tight junctions in animal tissues?

Accepted Answer

Preventing leakage of digestive enzymes between cells lining the intestine

Question 18

Which of the following is a correct sequence of events for the digestion of a bacterium by a macrophage?

Accepted Answer

Phagocytosis → Formation of food vacuole → Fusion with lysosome → Digestion

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why mitochondria and chloroplasts have their own DNA and ribosomes?

Accepted Answer

They are believed to have originated from free-living prokaryotes that were engulfed by ancestral eukaryotic cells.

Question 20

A mutation disrupts the function of the Golgi apparatus in a cell. Which of the following processes would be most directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Modification, sorting, and packaging of proteins for secretion

Chapter 4: Structure and Function of the Cell

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