Question 1

Which of the following best describes the main structural difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Eukaryotic cells contain membrane-bound organelles, while prokaryotic cells do not.

Question 2

What is the primary structural component of the bacterial cell wall?

Accepted Answer

Peptidoglycan

Question 3

Which of the following statements about plasmids in prokaryotic cells is correct?

Accepted Answer

Plasmids are circular, supercoiled DNA molecules that can carry genes for antibiotic resistance.

Question 4

A scientist observes a cell with a single, circular chromosome and no membrane-bound organelles. Which type of cell is being observed?

Accepted Answer

Prokaryotic cell

Question 5

Which structure allows prokaryotic cells to attach to surfaces and other cells?

Accepted Answer

Fimbriae

Question 6

What is the main function of the flagellum in prokaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Cell movement

Question 7

Why is compartmentalization by organelles advantageous for eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

It allows separation of incompatible chemical reactions and increases efficiency of chemical reactions.

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

Eukaryotic cells have compartmentalized organelles that increase metabolic efficiency.

Question 9

A bacterial cell is exposed to an antibiotic that targets peptidoglycan synthesis. What is the most likely effect?

Accepted Answer

The cell wall will weaken, making the cell susceptible to lysis.

Question 10

Which of the following equations best represents the relationship between surface area (SA) and volume (V) for a spherical cell, and why does this relationship limit cell size?

Accepted Answer

$$SA = 4 \pi r^2$, V$$ = \frac{4}{3} \pi $$r^3$$; as cell size increases, volume increases faster than surface area, limiting exchange with the environment.

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT a function of the prokaryotic cell wall?

Accepted Answer

Carrying out protein synthesis

Question 12

A mutation prevents a bacterium from producing fimbriae. Which process would be most directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Attachment to host tissues

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the nucleoid in a prokaryotic cell?

Accepted Answer

A region where the cell's circular chromosome is located, not surrounded by a membrane

Question 14

Which of the following is a real-world example of the importance of plasmids in medicine?

Accepted Answer

Plasmids can carry genes for antibiotic resistance, making infections harder to treat.

Question 15

Which of the following statements about the cytosol in eukaryotic cells is correct?

Accepted Answer

The cytosol is the fluid portion of the cell, and it has a relatively small volume compared to the total cell volume.

Question 16

Which of the following best explains why supercoiling of DNA is important in prokaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Supercoiling compacts the DNA so it fits inside the small cell.

Question 17

A researcher is studying a unicellular organism with membrane-bound organelles and a nucleus. To which domain does this organism most likely belong?

Accepted Answer

Eukarya

Question 18

Which of the following is a direct consequence of the low surface-area-to-volume ratio in large cells?

Accepted Answer

Decreased efficiency of waste removal

Question 19

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

Accepted Answer

Ribosomes

Question 20

A patient is infected with a bacterial strain that lacks a cell wall. Which antibiotic would likely be ineffective against this strain?

Accepted Answer

An antibiotic that inhibits peptidoglycan synthesis

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

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