Question 1

Which of the following best explains why electron microscopes can resolve much smaller structures than light microscopes?

Accepted Answer

Electron microscopes use beams of electrons, which have much shorter wavelengths than visible light.

Question 2

A scientist wants to study the internal structure of mitochondria in detail. Which technique should she use and why?

Accepted Answer

Transmission electron microscopy, because it allows visualization of internal ultrastructure at high resolution.

Question 3

Which of the following statements about cell fractionation is correct?

Accepted Answer

Cell fractionation separates organelles based on their size and density using centrifugation.

Question 4

Which organelle is primarily responsible for the synthesis of steroids, detoxification of poisons, and storage of calcium ions in muscle cells?

Accepted Answer

Smooth endoplasmic reticulum

Question 5

A mutation prevents the formation of tight junctions in intestinal epithelial cells. Which of the following is the most likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

Substances from the intestinal lumen could leak between cells into underlying tissues.

Question 6

Which of the following is a function of the large central vacuole in plant cells?

Accepted Answer

Storage of water and waste products, cell growth, and protection

Question 7

Which of the following correctly matches the organelle with its function?

Accepted Answer

Peroxisome: Converts hydrogen peroxide to water and detoxifies alcohol

Question 8

A cell is observed to have a cell wall, chloroplasts, and a large central vacuole, but no centrioles. Which type of cell is this most likely to be?

Accepted Answer

Plant cell

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

It provides structural support, enables cell motility, and helps regulate cellular activities.

Question 10

Which of the following structures is found in animal cells but not in most plant cells?

Accepted Answer

Centrioles

Question 11

A researcher is studying a disease that affects the anchoring of skin cells, leading to blistering. Which cell junction is most likely defective?

Accepted Answer

Desmosomes

Question 12

Which of the following statements about ribosomes is true?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the function of the Golgi apparatus?

Accepted Answer

It modifies, sorts, and ships proteins and synthesizes some polysaccharides.

Question 14

Which of the following is a unique feature of prokaryotic cells compared to eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

They lack membrane-bound organelles such as nuclei.

Question 15

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

Accepted Answer

They organize the spindle apparatus during cell division.

Question 16

A mutation in a plant prevents the formation of plasmodesmata. Which process would be most directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Cell-to-cell communication through the cell wall

Question 17

Which of the following best explains why mitochondria and chloroplasts are considered semiautonomous organelles?

Accepted Answer

They contain their own DNA and ribosomes and can replicate independently within the cell.

Question 18

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

Accepted Answer

Support, adhesion, movement, and regulation

Question 19

A muscle cell is unable to contract due to a defect in a cytoskeletal component. Which structure is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Microfilaments (actin)

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the relationship between the nucleus and the endoplasmic reticulum in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

The endoplasmic reticulum is continuous with the nuclear envelope, allowing direct transfer of materials.

Chapter 6: A Tour of the Cell – Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions