Question 1

Which statement best summarizes the contributions of Matthias Schleiden, Theodor Schwann, and Rudolf Virchow to cell theory?

Accepted Answer

They established that all living organisms are composed of cells, cells are the smallest unit of life, and all cells arise from pre-existing cells.

Question 2

Why are cells typically so small, as shown in the size comparison chart?

Accepted Answer

Small size increases the surface area-to-volume ratio, facilitating efficient exchange of materials with the environment.

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a feature shared by all cells?

Accepted Answer

A true nucleus containing DNA.

Question 4

A scientist observes a cell with a true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. Which class of cell is being observed?

Accepted Answer

Eukaryotic cell

Question 5

Which cytoskeletal component is primarily responsible for forming the cleavage furrow during animal cell division?

Accepted Answer

Microfilaments (actin)

Question 6

During cell division, which cytoskeletal structure organizes the movement of chromosomes?

Accepted Answer

Microtubules

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

It provides organization, support, and motility to the cell.

Question 8

A cell is observed to have a diameter of 25 nm cytoskeletal structures made of $	ext{\alpha}$- and $	ext{\beta}$-tubulin. What is the primary function of these structures?

Accepted Answer

Providing cell motility as components of flagella and cilia.

Question 9

Which of the following statements about prokaryotic cells is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

They lack membrane-bound organelles.

Question 10

Motor proteins use which molecule as an energy source to 'walk' vesicles along cytoskeletal filaments?

Accepted Answer

ATP

Question 11

Which cytoskeletal element is most stable and is responsible for anchoring the nucleus and forming the nuclear lamina?

Accepted Answer

Intermediate filaments

Question 12

A cell is observed to have a dynamic network of thin, entwined threads with a diameter of 7 nm. Which protein is the main subunit of these threads?

Accepted Answer

Actin

Question 13

Which of the following best explains why transmission electron microscopes (TEM) are used to visualize cell components?

Accepted Answer

TEMs provide high-resolution images of internal cell structures by passing electrons through thin specimens.

Question 14

Which equation best represents the relationship between surface area ($A$) and volume ($V$) for a spherical cell of radius $r$?

Accepted Answer

$A = 4 \pi r^2$ and $V = \frac{4}{3} \pi r^3$

Question 15

Which of the following is a real-world example of cytoplasmic streaming, a process driven by microfilaments?

Accepted Answer

Distribution of nutrients in large plant cells.

Question 16

If a cell's cytoskeleton is disrupted, which of the following processes would be most directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Movement of vesicles within the cell.

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the role of the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

It separates the interior of the cell from the external environment.

Question 18

Which cytoskeletal component is most likely to be involved in the movement of cilia and flagella?

Accepted Answer

Microtubules

Question 19

A mutation causes a cell to lose its ability to anchor organelles in place. Which cytoskeletal element is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Intermediate filaments

Question 20

Which of the following is a correct application of the cell theory to a real-life scenario?

Accepted Answer

A new cell in your skin arises from the division of a pre-existing skin cell.

Introduction to Cells: Structure, Function, and Microscopy

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