Question 1

Which of the following best distinguishes prokaryotic cells from eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Eukaryotic cells contain membrane-bound organelles, whereas prokaryotic cells do not.

Question 2

A scientist observes a cell with a nucleoid, circular DNA, and no membrane-bound organelles. Which domain does this cell most likely belong to?

Accepted Answer

Bacteria

Question 3

Why are cells generally small in size? Choose the best explanation.

Accepted Answer

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

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Ribosomes

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Separation of DNA from cytoplasmic processes

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

It is a site for protein synthesis and modification due to the presence of ribosomes.

Question 7

A cell is observed to have a large number of smooth endoplasmic reticulum (smooth ER). Which function is this cell likely specialized for?

Accepted Answer

Lipid synthesis and detoxification of drugs

Question 8

Which of the following equations correctly represents the relationship between surface area (SA) and volume (V) for a spherical cell of radius $$r$$?

Accepted Answer

$$SA = 4\pi r^2$, V$$ = \frac{4}{3}\pi $$r^3$$

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

Golgi apparatus

Question 10

A plant cell is placed in a hypotonic solution. Which organelle helps prevent the cell from bursting, and how?

Accepted Answer

The cell wall provides structural support and prevents excessive expansion.

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

They contain circular DNA and have their own ribosomes.

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the function of lysosomes in animal cells?

Accepted Answer

They digest macromolecules using hydrolytic enzymes.

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a function of the cytoskeleton?

Accepted Answer

Protein synthesis

Question 14

A sperm cell uses a tail-like structure to swim toward an egg. This structure is most similar to which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Flagellum on a bacterial cell

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why mitochondria have highly folded inner membranes (cristae)?

Accepted Answer

To increase the surface area for ATP production

Question 16

Which of the following is a function of peroxisomes in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

They contain enzymes that transfer hydrogen from substrates to oxygen, producing hydrogen peroxide as a by-product.

Question 17

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 18

Which of the following best describes the role of microvilli in intestinal epithelial cells?

Accepted Answer

They increase the surface area to enhance absorption of nutrients.

Question 19

Which of the following statements about ribosomes is correct?

Accepted Answer

Ribosomes are the site of protein synthesis and can be found free in the cytoplasm or bound to the rough ER.

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why the surface area-to-volume ratio is important for cell function?

Accepted Answer

A higher surface area-to-volume ratio allows for more efficient exchange of materials with the environment.

Chapter 6: A Tour of the Cell – Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions