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 efficient exchange of materials with their environment. The surface area-to-volume ratio is calculated as $$\frac{	ext{surface area}}{	ext{volume}}.$$

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Nucleoid

Question 3

A scientist discovers a new organism with DNA in a membrane-bound nucleus, mitochondria, and chloroplasts. To which group does this organism most likely belong?

Accepted Answer

Plant

Question 4

Which of the following is NOT a component of the endomembrane system?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondrion

Question 5

A cell is observed to have a large number of ribosomes attached to its endoplasmic reticulum. What is the most likely function of this cell?

Accepted Answer

Production and secretion of proteins

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

They contain hydrolytic enzymes that digest macromolecules and recycle cellular components.

Question 7

According to the endosymbiont theory, which of the following organelles originated from an ancestral prokaryote engulfing another prokaryote?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondria and chloroplasts

Question 8

A mutation causes a plant cell to lack plasmodesmata. Which process would be most directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Movement of water and small molecules between adjacent plant cells

Question 9

Which of the following statements about the cytoskeleton is correct?

Accepted Answer

Microtubules are involved in chromosome separation during cell division.

Question 10

A patient has a genetic disorder that affects the function of peroxisomes. Which of the following cellular processes is most likely to be impaired?

Accepted Answer

Breakdown of fatty acids and detoxification of hydrogen peroxide

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the role of the Golgi apparatus in the cell?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

Synthesis of lipids and detoxification of drugs

Question 13

Which of the following is a key difference between plant and animal cells?

Accepted Answer

Plant cells have a cell wall made of cellulose, while animal cells lack a cell wall.

Question 14

A researcher observes a cell with a large central vacuole, chloroplasts, and a cell wall. Which of the following is most likely true about this cell?

Accepted Answer

It is a plant cell specialized for storage and photosynthesis.

Question 15

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

Accepted Answer

They prevent leakage of extracellular fluid between neighboring cells.

Question 16

If a mutation disrupts the function of integrins in an animal cell, which process would be most directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Communication between the extracellular matrix and the cytoskeleton

Question 17

Which of the following best explains why mitochondria have a highly folded inner membrane (cristae)?

Accepted Answer

The folds increase the surface area for enzymes involved in ATP synthesis.

Question 18

A cell is observed to have a defective nuclear lamina. Which of the following is a likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

The nucleus may lose its shape and structural integrity.

Question 19

Which of the following is a correct sequence of structures through which a newly synthesized secretory protein passes before being released from the cell?

Accepted Answer

Rough ER $$\rightarrow$$ Golgi apparatus $$\rightarrow$$ transport vesicle $$\rightarrow$$ plasma membrane

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the function of contractile vacuoles in freshwater protists?

Accepted Answer

They expel excess water to maintain osmotic balance.

Tour of the Cell: Structure, Function, and Diversity

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