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 cellular functions, increasing efficiency and allowing for larger cell size.

Question 2

A scientist observes a cell with the following characteristics: a single circular chromosome, ribosomes, a cell wall made of peptidoglycan, and the presence of plasmids. To which domain does this cell most likely belong?

Accepted Answer

Bacteria

Question 3

Which of the following best describes the function of the nuclear localization signal (NLS) in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

It serves as a 'zip code' that directs proteins to the nucleus through the nuclear pore complex.

Question 4

Which of the following is a key difference between the phospholipids found in the plasma membranes of Bacteria and Archaea?

Accepted Answer

Bacterial phospholipids have fatty acids bound to glycerol, while archaeal phospholipids have branched isoprenoid chains bound to glycerol.

Question 5

A mutation prevents the addition of carbohydrate groups to proteins in the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER). Which process would be most directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Glycosylation, resulting in improper formation of glycoproteins

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the sequence of events in the secretory pathway for a protein destined for secretion from a eukaryotic cell?

Accepted Answer

Ribosome → rough ER → Golgi apparatus → vesicle → plasma membrane

Question 7

A cell is observed to have a large central vacuole, chloroplasts, and a cell wall. Which of the following statements is most accurate regarding this cell?

Accepted Answer

It is a eukaryotic plant cell, and the vacuole stores water, ions, and sometimes pigments.

Question 8

Which of the following best explains why mitochondria and chloroplasts are considered to have originated via endosymbiosis?

Accepted Answer

They contain their own DNA and ribosomes, and can grow and divide independently of the cell.

Question 9

Which of the following processes is responsible for the recycling of damaged organelles within a eukaryotic cell?

Accepted Answer

Autophagy

Question 10

A researcher uses a pulse-chase experiment to track the movement of a newly synthesized protein. After the pulse, the protein is found in the rough ER. After the chase, it is found in the Golgi apparatus and then in vesicles near the plasma membrane. What does this experiment demonstrate?

Accepted Answer

Proteins follow a secretory pathway from the rough ER to the Golgi apparatus and then to the plasma membrane.

Question 11

Which of the following statements about lysosomes is correct?

Accepted Answer

Lysosomes are recycling centers in animal cells, containing enzymes that hydrolyze macromolecules.

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the role of the cytoskeleton in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

It provides structural support, maintains cell shape, and is involved in cell division in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes.

Question 13

A bacterial cell is exposed to a drug that disrupts the formation of peptidoglycan. What is the most likely effect on the cell?

Accepted Answer

The cell wall will be weakened, making the cell susceptible to lysis.

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT a function of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER)?

Accepted Answer

Synthesis of proteins for secretion

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the process of receptor-mediated endocytosis?

Accepted Answer

Specific molecules bind to receptors on the plasma membrane, which then invaginates to form a vesicle that delivers cargo to the early endosome.

Question 16

Which of the following statements about ribosomes is correct?

Accepted Answer

Ribosomes are composed of RNA and protein and are responsible for protein synthesis in all cells.

Question 17

A mutation prevents the formation of the mannose-6-phosphate tag on a protein in the Golgi apparatus. What is the most likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

The protein will be secreted from the cell instead of being delivered to the lysosome.

Question 18

Which of the following best explains why the plasma membrane is considered the boundary between living and nonliving things?

Accepted Answer

The plasma membrane separates the living contents of the cell from the nonliving external environment.

Question 19

Which of the following is a direct result of the compartmentalization provided by organelles in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Incompatible chemical reactions are separated, and the efficiency of chemical reactions is increased.

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

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