Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Eukaryotic cells contain organelles that compartmentalize incompatible chemical reactions and increase reaction efficiency.

Question 2

A scientist discovers a new microorganism with branched isoprenoid chains in its membrane phospholipids. To which domain does this organism most likely belong?

Accepted Answer

Archaea

Question 3

Which structure is responsible for synthesizing proteins that are destined to be secreted from the cell?

Accepted Answer

Rough endoplasmic reticulum

Question 4

A mutation prevents the formation of peptidoglycan in a bacterial cell. What is the most likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

The cell will lose its shape and become more susceptible to osmotic stress.

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the function of the nucleolus in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

It is the location where ribosomal RNA is synthesized and ribosome subunits are assembled.

Question 6

A plant cell is observed to have a large organelle filled with water, ions, and pigments. Which organelle is this, and what is one of its primary functions?

Accepted Answer

Vacuole; storage and structural support

Question 7

Which of the following is a key difference between ribosomes in prokaryotes and eukaryotes?

Accepted Answer

The primary structure of RNA and protein components differs between prokaryotic and eukaryotic ribosomes.

Question 8

A patient is exposed to a drug that inhibits the function of acid hydrolases. Which cellular process would be most directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Digestion of macromolecules in lysosomes

Question 9

Which of the following best explains the endosymbiosis theory for the origin of mitochondria and chloroplasts?

Accepted Answer

They were once free-living bacteria engulfed by ancestral eukaryotic cells.

Question 10

A researcher isolates a eukaryotic cell with an unusually high number of peroxisomes. Which of the following is the most likely function of this cell?

Accepted Answer

Detoxification of harmful substances

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

Ribosomes

Question 12

A bacterial cell is observed to swim toward a nutrient source. Which structure is most directly responsible for this movement?

Accepted Answer

Flagella

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the function of the Golgi apparatus in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

It processes, sorts, and ships proteins synthesized in the rough ER.

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

Photosynthesis

Question 15

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

Accepted Answer

Providing shape and structural stability to the cell

Question 16

A cell is observed to have a high concentration of rough endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus. Which of the following is the most likely function of this cell?

Accepted Answer

Secretion of large amounts of protein

Question 17

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 18

Which of the following best explains why lysosomal enzymes are most active at pH 5.0?

Accepted Answer

Proton pumps in the lysosomal membrane maintain an acidic environment optimal for acid hydrolases.

Question 19

A mutation causes a eukaryotic cell to lack a nuclear lamina. Which of the following would most likely be affected?

Accepted Answer

The structural support and organization of the nucleus

Question 20

Which of the following is a real-world example of the importance of compartmentalization in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

The separation of glycolysis in the cytosol and the citric acid cycle in the mitochondrial matrix allows for efficient ATP production.

Inside the Cell: Structure and Function of Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells

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