Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Eukaryotic cells have their DNA enclosed in a nucleus, while prokaryotic cells have their DNA in a nucleoid region.

Question 2

Why are most cells less than or equal to 100 μm in diameter?

Accepted Answer

Because the surface area to volume ratio limits efficient exchange of materials across the plasma membrane.

Question 3

Which of the following best describes the function of the endomembrane system in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

It synthesizes and distributes proteins and lipids within the cell and for export.

Question 4

A protein is synthesized by a ribosome attached to the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER). What is the most likely pathway for this protein to be secreted from the cell?

Accepted Answer

RER → Golgi apparatus → transport vesicle → plasma membrane

Question 5

Which organelle is responsible for the breakdown and recycling of cellular waste and damaged organelles?

Accepted Answer

Lysosome

Question 6

Which of the following statements about mitochondria and chloroplasts is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Both contain their own DNA and ribosomes.

Question 7

According to the endosymbiont theory, which evidence supports the idea that mitochondria originated from free-living prokaryotes?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondria contain circular DNA similar to bacterial DNA.

Question 8

Which cytoskeletal element is primarily responsible for muscle contraction and the formation of pseudopodia?

Accepted Answer

Microfilaments (actin filaments)

Question 9

A mutation causes a cell to lack functional intermediate filaments. Which of the following would most likely be affected?

Accepted Answer

The structural support of the nucleus and the integrity of hair and nails

Question 10

Which of the following best explains why plant cells do not burst when placed in pure water?

Accepted Answer

They have a cell wall that provides structural support and prevents excessive water uptake.

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT a function of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER)?

Accepted Answer

Protein synthesis

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

Prokaryotic cell

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the role of the Golgi apparatus in the endomembrane system?

Accepted Answer

It processes, sorts, and ships proteins and lipids received from the ER.

Question 14

Which of the following statements about ribosomes is correct?

Accepted Answer

Ribosomes are composed of rRNA and proteins and can be free in the cytosol or bound to the ER.

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why eukaryotic cells can be much larger than prokaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Eukaryotic cells have internal membranes that compartmentalize functions and increase efficiency.

Question 16

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

Accepted Answer

Guiding vesicle movement and forming the mitotic spindle during cell division

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 composition of biological membranes?

Accepted Answer

A bilayer of phospholipids with embedded proteins and other lipids

Question 19

Which of the following is a real-life example of autophagy in human cells?

Accepted Answer

A lysosome breaking down damaged mitochondria within a liver cell

Question 20

Which of the following equations best represents the surface area to volume ratio for a spherical cell of radius $$r$$?

Accepted Answer

$$\frac{4 \pi r^2$}{\frac{4}{3} \pi r^3$}$$

Chapter 6: A Tour of the Cell – Structure, Function, and Diversity

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