Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Eukaryotic cells have a nucleus surrounded by a nuclear envelope, while prokaryotic cells lack a true nucleus.

Question 2

Why is diffusion a limiting factor for the size of cells?

Accepted Answer

Diffusion time increases with the square of the distance, making it inefficient for large cells.

Question 3

Which structure is present in eukaryotic cells but absent in prokaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Endoplasmic reticulum

Question 4

A scientist observes a cell with a nucleoid, ribosomes, and a plasma membrane, but no membrane-bound organelles. What type of cell is this most likely to be?

Accepted Answer

Prokaryotic cell

Question 5

If the radius of a cell increases from $1 \ \mu m$ to $20 \ \mu m$, by what factor does the time required for a protein to diffuse across the cell increase, assuming $t \propto R^2$?

Accepted Answer

$400$

Question 6

Which of the following best explains why eukaryotic cells have evolved internal compartmentalization (organelles)?

Accepted Answer

To allow incompatible chemical reactions to occur simultaneously in different environments.

Question 7

Which of the following is a function of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Protein and lipid synthesis

Question 8

A mutation causes a eukaryotic cell to lack a functional cytoskeleton. Which process would be most directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Transport of vesicles within the cell

Question 9

Which of the following statements about ribosomes is correct?

Accepted Answer

Ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

Question 10

Which of the following best describes Brownian motion in the context of cellular biology?

Accepted Answer

Random movement of molecules due to thermal energy.

Question 11

Why do eukaryotic cells need specialized transport systems such as the cytoskeleton and endomembrane system?

Accepted Answer

Because diffusion is too slow over the large distances inside eukaryotic cells.

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a function of the endomembrane system in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

DNA replication

Question 13

A protein destined for secretion from a eukaryotic cell is synthesized by:

Accepted Answer

Ribosomes attached to the rough endoplasmic reticulum

Question 14

Which of the following best explains why prokaryotic cells can rely solely on diffusion for molecular transport?

Accepted Answer

They have a high surface area to volume ratio due to their small size.

Question 15

If a eukaryotic cell's endoplasmic reticulum is damaged, which process would be most directly impaired?

Accepted Answer

Protein synthesis for export

Question 16

Which of the following correctly matches the structure with its function?

Accepted Answer

Rough ER – protein synthesis

Question 17

A cell is observed to have a single circular DNA molecule, no membrane-bound organelles, and a cell wall. Which organism is this cell most likely from?

Accepted Answer

A bacterium

Question 18

Which of the following statements about the nuclear envelope is correct?

Accepted Answer

It consists of a double membrane with nuclear pores for transport.

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why proteins such as digestive enzymes are synthesized in the rough ER rather than in the cytoplasm?

Accepted Answer

The rough ER provides a specialized environment for folding and processing proteins destined for export or specific organelles.

Question 20

Which of the following is a consequence of the random nature of Brownian motion for cellular processes?

Accepted Answer

Chemical reactions in large cells are less efficient without compartmentalization.

Prokaryotes vs Eukaryotes: Cell Structure and Solutions to Cellular Size

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