Q: Which of the following equations correctly represents the relationship between surface area and volume as a cell increases in size?

$\text{Surface Area} \propto n^2$, $\text{Volume} \propto n^3$

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Smaller cells have a higher surface area to volume ratio, allowing for more efficient exchange of materials with their environment.

Question 2

A scientist observes a cell with the following characteristics: DNA located in a nucleoid region, no membrane-bound organelles, and a cell wall. Which type of cell is being observed?

Accepted Answer

Prokaryotic cell

Question 3

Which organelle is primarily responsible for synthesizing lipids, metabolizing carbohydrates, detoxifying drugs, and storing calcium ions?

Accepted Answer

Smooth endoplasmic reticulum

Question 4

During protein synthesis, which cellular structure is responsible for translating mRNA into polypeptides?

Accepted Answer

Ribosome

Question 5

A mutation causes a cell to lose its ability to package and sort proteins for secretion. Which organelle is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Golgi apparatus

Question 6

Which of the following equations correctly represents the relationship between surface area and volume as a cell increases in size?

Accepted Answer

$	ext{Surface Area} \propto n^2$, $	ext{Volume} \propto n^3$

Question 7

Which organelle contains hydrolytic enzymes and is involved in autophagy and the breakdown of macromolecules?

Accepted Answer

Lysosome

Question 8

According to the endosymbiont theory, which of the following is evidence that mitochondria and chloroplasts originated from prokaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

They contain circular DNA and ribosomes similar to those of bacteria.

Question 9

Which cytoskeletal component is primarily responsible for separating chromosomes during cell division?

Accepted Answer

Microtubules

Question 10

A patient has a genetic disorder affecting the protein dynein. Which cellular process is most likely to be impaired?

Accepted Answer

Movement of cilia and flagella

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the function of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in animal cells?

Accepted Answer

Provides structural support and mediates cell signaling

Question 12

Which cell junction type prevents the leakage of extracellular fluid between adjacent animal cells?

Accepted Answer

Tight junctions

Question 13

Which of the following structures is found in plant cells but not in animal cells?

Accepted Answer

Central vacuole

Question 14

A cell is observed to have a large number of actin filaments arranged in parallel bundles. Which function is this cell most likely specialized for?

Accepted Answer

Contraction and movement

Question 15

Which of the following statements about microtubules is correct?

Accepted Answer

They are polymers of tubulin heterodimers and provide tracks for organelle movement.

Question 16

Which process involves the fusion of a food vacuole with a lysosome to digest engulfed material?

Accepted Answer

Phagocytosis

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

They allow water, small solutes, and some macromolecules to pass between adjacent cells.

Question 18

A muscle cell contracts due to the interaction of two proteins. Which proteins are directly involved in this process?

Accepted Answer

Actin and myosin

Question 19

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

Accepted Answer

Synthesis of proteins for secretion or membrane insertion

Question 20

A cell is unable to produce ATP efficiently and shows signs of energy deficiency. Which organelle is most likely malfunctioning?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondrion

The Cell: Structure and Function – A Survey of Cellular Components

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