Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Because smaller cells have a higher surface area-to-volume ratio, allowing efficient exchange of materials with their environment.

Question 2

A scientist wants to observe the detailed structure of ribosomes in a cell. Which type of microscope should they use and why?

Accepted Answer

Electron microscope, because ribosomes are too small to be resolved by light microscopes.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Ribosomes

Question 4

Penicillin is effective against many Gram-positive bacteria but less effective against Gram-negative bacteria. Why?

Accepted Answer

Gram-negative bacteria have an additional outer membrane that blocks penicillin from reaching the peptidoglycan layer.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Detoxification of drugs and synthesis of lipids

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

Synthesizing DNA

Question 7

A patient has a disease characterized by the accumulation of undigested materials in lysosomes. Which organelle is most likely malfunctioning?

Accepted Answer

Lysosome

Question 8

According to the endosymbiosis theory, which of the following is evidence that mitochondria originated from prokaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondria have their own circular DNA and double membranes.

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the pathway of a protein destined for secretion from a eukaryotic cell?

Accepted Answer

Nucleus → Rough ER → Transport vesicle → Golgi apparatus → Transport vesicle → Plasma membrane

Question 10

A cell with abundant cilia is most likely specialized for which function?

Accepted Answer

Moving fluids or particles across its surface

Question 11

If a eukaryotic cell lacked functional microtubules, which of the following processes would be directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Chromosome movement during cell division

Question 12

Which of the following best explains why antibiotics like penicillin do not harm human cells?

Accepted Answer

Human cells lack peptidoglycan cell walls, which are targeted by penicillin.

Question 13

A researcher wants to study the changes in shape of a living white blood cell as it engulfs bacteria. Which microscope should they use?

Accepted Answer

Light microscope

Question 14

Which of the following is a key difference between plant and animal cells?

Accepted Answer

Plant cells have chloroplasts and a cell wall, while animal cells do not.

Question 15

A cell is observed to have a high abundance of rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER). What is this cell most likely specialized for?

Accepted Answer

Producing and secreting proteins

Question 16

Which of the following equations correctly represents the calculation for the surface area of a cube-shaped cell with side length $$l$$?

Accepted Answer

$$6 	imes l^2$

Question 17

If the side length of a cube-shaped cell increases from 1 to 5 units, how does the surface area-to-volume ratio change?

Accepted Answer

It decreases by a factor of 5.

Question 18

Which of the following is NOT evidence supporting the endosymbiosis theory for the origin of mitochondria and chloroplasts?

Accepted Answer

They are surrounded by a single membrane.

Question 19

A patient presents with muscle weakness and excessive glycogen in the liver. Which organelle is most likely malfunctioning?

Accepted Answer

Lysosome

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the function of the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

It regulates the movement of materials into and out of the cell.

Comprehensive Study Guide: Cell Structure, Function, and Microscopy

Study Guide - Practice Questions