Question 1

Which of the following best explains why eukaryotic cells are generally larger than prokaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Eukaryotic cells contain membrane-bound organelles that compartmentalize functions, increasing efficiency despite a lower surface area-to-volume ratio.

Question 2

A scientist discovers a new cell with the following features: a single circular DNA molecule, no membrane-bound organelles, and a cell wall containing peptidoglycan. To which domain does this cell most likely belong?

Accepted Answer

Domain Bacteria

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a function of the endomembrane system in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Generation of ATP through oxidative phosphorylation

Question 4

A mutation prevents the formation of signal sequences in proteins. Which of the following processes would be most directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Targeting of proteins to the rough endoplasmic reticulum

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the evidence supporting the endosymbiotic origin of mitochondria?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondria contain their own circular DNA and ribosomes similar to those of bacteria.

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

Smooth endoplasmic reticulum

Question 7

A plant cell is observed to have a large central vacuole, chloroplasts, and a cell wall. Which molecule is most abundant in the cell wall?

Accepted Answer

Cellulose

Question 8

During vesicular transport, which of the following best describes the process of endocytosis?

Accepted Answer

A vesicle buds off from the plasma membrane to bring substances into the cell.

Question 9

Which cytoskeletal element is primarily responsible for resisting compressive forces and serving as tracks for organelle movement?

Accepted Answer

Microtubules

Question 10

A genetic defect causes the dynein motor protein to malfunction. Which of the following cellular processes would be most directly impaired?

Accepted Answer

Bending of cilia and flagella

Question 11

Which of the following best explains why lysosomes are important for cellular homeostasis?

Accepted Answer

They catalyze hydrolysis of macromolecules, recycling cellular components.

Question 12

A cell is observed to have a high concentration of actin filaments just beneath its plasma membrane. Which function is this arrangement most likely to support?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining cell shape and enabling cell movement

Question 13

Which of the following statements about the nuclear envelope is correct?

Accepted Answer

It is continuous with the endoplasmic reticulum and consists of a double membrane.

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the role of the Golgi apparatus in the secretory pathway?

Accepted Answer

It modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids received from the ER.

Question 15

A cell is exposed to a toxin that prevents the polymerization of tubulin. Which of the following processes would be most directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Separation of chromosomes during mitosis

Question 16

Which of the following is a key difference between microfilaments and intermediate filaments?

Accepted Answer

Microfilaments are composed of actin, while intermediate filaments are composed of various proteins such as keratin.

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

$6l^2$

Question 18

A patient has a genetic disorder that affects the function of kinesin. Which of the following cellular processes is most likely to be impaired?

Accepted Answer

Transport of vesicles toward the plus end of microtubules

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why plant cells can maintain turgor pressure while animal cells cannot?

Accepted Answer

Plant cells have a cell wall composed of cellulose that resists osmotic pressure.

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the process by which cilia and flagella generate movement?

Accepted Answer

Dynein arms walk along adjacent microtubule doublets, causing bending.

Inside the Cell: Structure and Function of Cells (BIOL 1115, Ch. 7)

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards