Question 1

Which of the following statements best explains why eukaryotic cells can compartmentalize different metabolic processes?

Accepted Answer

They possess membrane-bound organelles that create specialized environments for distinct functions.

Question 2

A scientist discovers a cell with the following features: a single circular DNA molecule, ribosomes, and a cell wall made of peptidoglycan. Which type of cell is this most likely to be?

Accepted Answer

Prokaryotic cell

Question 3

Which organelle is responsible for the majority of ATP production in animal cells, and what evidence supports its endosymbiotic origin?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondrion; it contains circular DNA and double membranes.

Question 4

A mutation prevents the addition of sugar tags to proteins in the rough ER. Which process would be most directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Sorting and targeting of proteins to their correct destinations

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the function of lysosomes in animal cells?

Accepted Answer

They break down and recycle macromolecules and damaged organelles.

Question 6

A red blood cell is biconcave in shape. How does this shape affect its surface area to volume ratio ($SA:V$), and why is this important for its function?

Accepted Answer

It increases $SA:V$, allowing for more efficient gas exchange.

Question 7

Which of the following equations correctly represents the volume of a sphere, and why is this relevant to cell biology?

Accepted Answer

$V = \frac{4}{3} \pi r^3$; it demonstrates how volume increases faster than surface area as a cell grows.

Question 8

Which of the following best explains why most cells are small in size?

Accepted Answer

Smaller cells have a higher $SA:V$ ratio, allowing for efficient exchange of materials with their environment.

Question 9

A patient is treated with a drug that inhibits microtubule assembly. Which cellular process would be most directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Separation of chromosomes during cell division

Question 10

Which of the following structures is found in plant cells but not in animal cells, and what is its primary function?

Accepted Answer

Chloroplast; converting solar energy into chemical energy via photosynthesis

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the role of plasmodesmata in plant cells?

Accepted Answer

They are channels that allow cytoplasm, ions, and small molecules to pass between adjacent cells.

Question 12

A mutation in a cell prevents the formation of the peroxisomal targeting signal (PTS). What is the most likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

Proteins required for peroxisome function will not be imported, impairing fatty acid breakdown.

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

Prokaryotic DNA is circular and found in the nucleoid, while eukaryotic DNA is linear and found in the nucleus.

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the function of the Golgi apparatus?

Accepted Answer

It modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for secretion or delivery to other organelles.

Question 15

Which of the following is true regarding the endosymbiotic theory?

Accepted Answer

It proposes that mitochondria and chloroplasts originated from free-living prokaryotes engulfed by ancestral eukaryotes.

Question 16

Which of the following best explains why the surface area to volume ratio ($SA:V$) is important for cell survival?

Accepted Answer

A higher $SA:V$ ratio allows for more efficient exchange of nutrients and waste products with the environment.

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the function of tight junctions in animal tissues?

Accepted Answer

They form continuous seals around cells to prevent leakage of extracellular fluid.

Question 18

A cell is observed to have a large central vacuole, chloroplasts, and a cell wall made of cellulose. Which type of cell is this?

Accepted Answer

Plant cell

Question 19

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

Accepted Answer

It provides structural support, enables cell motility, and assists in intracellular transport.

Question 20

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

Accepted Answer

Detoxification of drugs and synthesis of lipids

Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells: Structure, Function, and Comparison

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