Question 1

Which of the following best explains why eukaryotic cells benefit from having membrane-bound organelles?

Accepted Answer

They allow for the separation of incompatible chemical reactions and increase the efficiency of chemical reactions.

Question 2

A scientist discovers a cell with the following characteristics: a single circular chromosome, ribosomes, a cell wall made of peptidoglycan, and no membrane-bound nucleus. To which domain does this cell most likely belong?

Accepted Answer

Bacteria

Question 3

Which structure is responsible for synthesizing proteins that are exported from the cell?

Accepted Answer

Ribosomes attached to the rough endoplasmic reticulum

Question 4

A mutation prevents the formation of the nuclear localization signal (NLS) on a protein. What is the most likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

The protein will not be transported into the nucleus.

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the function of the Golgi apparatus in the endomembrane system?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 6

A plant cell is observed to have a large central vacuole filled with pigments. Which of the following is a likely function of this vacuole?

Accepted Answer

To store pigments that give color to flower petals or fruits

Question 7

Which of the following statements about mitochondria and chloroplasts supports the endosymbiosis theory?

Accepted Answer

They contain their own DNA and ribosomes.

Question 8

A cell is observed to have an extensive network of smooth endoplasmic reticulum. Which of the following is the most likely function of this cell?

Accepted Answer

Synthesis of lipids such as steroid hormones

Question 9

During phagocytosis, which sequence of events correctly describes the fate of a bacterium engulfed by a white blood cell?

Accepted Answer

The bacterium is enclosed in a phagosome, which fuses with a lysosome for digestion.

Question 10

Which cytoskeletal element is primarily responsible for muscle contraction and cell crawling, and what motor protein does it interact with?

Accepted Answer

Actin filaments; myosin

Question 11

A cell is unable to transport vesicles from the Golgi apparatus to the plasma membrane. Which cytoskeletal component and associated motor protein are most likely defective?

Accepted Answer

Microtubules and kinesin

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the difference between the cis and trans faces of the Golgi apparatus?

Accepted Answer

The cis face receives vesicles from the ER, while the trans face ships vesicles to other organelles or the cell surface.

Question 13

Which of the following equations correctly represents the surface area to volume ratio ($$SA:V) $$for a spherical cell of radius $$r$$?

Accepted Answer

$$SA:V = \frac{4\pi r^2$}{\frac{4}{3}\pi r^3$}$$

Question 14

A genetic disorder causes the proton pumps in lysosomal membranes to malfunction, resulting in a higher internal pH. What is the most likely effect on lysosomal function?

Accepted Answer

Lysosomal enzymes will be less effective at hydrolyzing macromolecules.

Question 15

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

Accepted Answer

Synthesizing DNA for cell division

Question 16

A cell is observed to have many chloroplasts. Which of the following is the most likely function of this cell?

Accepted Answer

Photosynthesis

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the process of autophagy?

Accepted Answer

A portion of the cytoplasm, including damaged organelles, is enclosed to form an autophagosome, which fuses with a lysosome for digestion.

Question 18

Which of the following statements about prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells is correct?

Accepted Answer

Eukaryotic cells have chromosomes enclosed in a nucleus, while prokaryotic cells have chromosomes in a nucleoid region.

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why the plasma membrane is described as 'selectively permeable'?

Accepted Answer

It allows some substances to cross more easily than others.

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

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards