Question 1

Which of the following best explains why cells are limited in how large they can grow?

Accepted Answer

Because the surface area-to-volume ratio decreases as cell size increases, limiting efficient exchange of materials.

Question 2

A spherical cell has a radius of 5 μm. What is its surface area-to-volume ratio? Use $$SA = 4\pi r^2$ and V$$ = \frac{4}{3}\pi $$r^3.$$

Accepted Answer

0.8 μm$$^{-1}$$

Question 3

Which organelle is primarily responsible for detoxifying alcohol in liver cells?

Accepted Answer

Peroxisome

Question 4

A mutation disrupts the nuclear localization sequence (NLS) of a protein. What is the most likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

The protein will remain in the cytosol and not enter the nucleus.

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT a function of the Golgi apparatus?

Accepted Answer

Synthesis of ATP

Question 6

A cell is observed to have a large number of ribosomes attached to its endoplasmic reticulum. What is the most likely function of this cell?

Accepted Answer

Secretion of proteins

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the pathway of a newly synthesized protein destined for secretion?

Accepted Answer

Ribosome → Rough ER → Golgi apparatus → Secretory vesicle → Plasma membrane

Question 8

Which cytoskeletal filament is primarily responsible for maintaining cell shape and resisting tension?

Accepted Answer

Actin filaments (microfilaments)

Question 9

A patient presents with a disease characterized by poor cellular waste management and accumulation of undigested macromolecules. Which organelle is most likely dysfunctional?

Accepted Answer

Lysosome

Question 10

Which of the following statements about prokaryotic cells is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

They lack a membrane-bound nucleus.

Question 11

Which organelle is the site of ATP production in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondrion

Question 12

Which process allows cells to take in large molecules by engulfing them with the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

Phagocytosis

Question 13

A plant cell is observed to have a large central vacuole. What is one function of this organelle?

Accepted Answer

Storage of inorganic ions and maintenance of cell rigidity

Question 14

Which of the following is a function of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum?

Accepted Answer

Synthesis of lipids

Question 15

A protein is found embedded in the plasma membrane. Which cellular structure was it most likely synthesized in?

Accepted Answer

Rough endoplasmic reticulum

Question 16

Which organelle contains enzymes that function best under acidic conditions and is involved in recycling cellular components?

Accepted Answer

Lysosome

Question 17

Which cytoskeletal element serves as tracks for organelle movement and is involved in chromosome separation during cell division?

Accepted Answer

Microtubules

Question 18

A scientist tags a protein with a fluorescent marker and observes its movement from the ER to the Golgi and then to the plasma membrane. What does this experiment demonstrate?

Accepted Answer

The pathway of protein secretion via the endomembrane system

Question 19

Which of the following is a major difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 20

Which organelle is found in plant cells but not in animal cells and is responsible for photosynthesis?

Accepted Answer

Chloroplast

Inside the Cell: Structure and Function of Cellular Components

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