Question 1

Which of the following best explains why mitochondria and chloroplasts are considered evidence for the endosymbiotic theory?

Accepted Answer

They both contain their own circular DNA and double membranes, similar to prokaryotes.

Question 2

A cell has a surface area of $$54\ 	ext{	extmu m}^2$$ and a volume of $$27\ 	ext{	extmu m}^3. $$What is its surface area to volume ratio, and why is this ratio important for cell function?

Accepted Answer

$$2:1$$; a higher ratio increases efficiency of material exchange with the environment.

Question 3

Which of the following best describes the function of the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER)?

Accepted Answer

Synthesis of proteins that are secreted or inserted into membranes.

Question 4

A plant cell is placed in a solution with a water potential of $$-0.5\ 	ext{MPa}. $$The cell's internal water potential is $$-0.3\ 	ext{MPa}. In $$which direction will water move?

Accepted Answer

Water will move out of the cell.

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT a function of the Golgi apparatus?

Accepted Answer

Synthesis of ATP.

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the difference between simple diffusion and facilitated diffusion?

Accepted Answer

Facilitated diffusion requires membrane proteins, while simple diffusion does not.

Question 7

A red blood cell is placed in a hypotonic solution. What will happen to the cell?

Accepted Answer

It will swell and may burst due to water influx.

Question 8

Which of the following best explains why eukaryotic cells can be larger and more complex than prokaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Eukaryotic cells have membrane-bound organelles that compartmentalize functions.

Question 9

Which of the following statements about the Fluid Mosaic Model of the plasma membrane is correct?

Accepted Answer

Proteins and lipids can move laterally within the layer, allowing membrane flexibility.

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

It maintains membrane fluidity at various temperatures.

Question 11

A cell is placed in a solution where the extracellular solute concentration is higher than the intracellular solute concentration. What type of solution is this, and what will happen to the cell?

Accepted Answer

Hypertonic; the cell will lose water and shrink.

Question 12

Which of the following is a real-life example of active transport in human physiology?

Accepted Answer

The sodium-potassium pump moving $$	ext{Na}^+$$ and $$	ext{K}^+$$ ions against their concentration gradients in nerve cells.

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the function of lysosomes?

Accepted Answer

They contain hydrolytic enzymes for intracellular digestion.

Question 14

Which of the following is a function of the cell wall in plant cells?

Accepted Answer

Providing structural support and preventing excessive water uptake.

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why small cells are more efficient at exchanging materials with their environment than large cells?

Accepted Answer

Small cells have a higher surface area to volume ratio.

Question 16

Which of the following is true about the movement of water across a membrane?

Accepted Answer

Water moves from areas of higher water potential to areas of lower water potential.

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

Eukaryotic cells have membrane-bound organelles; prokaryotic cells do not.

Question 18

Which of the following best describes exocytosis?

Accepted Answer

The process by which cells expel large molecules by vesicle fusion with the plasma membrane.

Question 19

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

Accepted Answer

Synthesis of lipids and detoxification of harmful substances.

Question 20

Which of the following best explains the advantage of compartmentalization in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

It allows for specialized environments and processes within the cell.

Unit 3: Cell Structure and Function – Comprehensive Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards