Question 1

Which of the following best explains why electron microscopes have a higher resolving power than light microscopes?

Accepted Answer

Electrons have a much shorter wavelength than visible light, allowing for greater resolution. $$\lambda_{electron} \ll \lambda_{light}$$

Question 2

A scientist is studying a newly discovered unicellular organism. It has a cell wall, no membrane-bound organelles, and its DNA is located in a region not surrounded by a membrane. Which type of cell is this organism most likely to be?

Accepted Answer

A prokaryotic cell

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

It contains nuclear pores that regulate the movement of molecules between the nucleus and cytoplasm.

Question 4

A mutation causes a cell to produce ribosomes that are only found attached to the endoplasmic reticulum and not free in the cytosol. Which of the following processes would be most directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Synthesis of cytosolic proteins

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the function of the nucleolus?

Accepted Answer

It is the site of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) synthesis and ribosome assembly.

Question 6

A researcher observes that a cell has an extensive network of smooth endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Which of the following is the most likely function of this cell?

Accepted Answer

Lipid synthesis and detoxification of drugs

Question 7

During the process of cisternal maturation in the Golgi apparatus, which of the following occurs?

Accepted Answer

Cisternae move from the cis to the trans face, carrying and modifying their contents as they progress.

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

Mitochondria

Question 9

A plant cell is observed to have a large central vacuole. Which of the following is NOT a function of this vacuole?

Accepted Answer

Photosynthesis

Question 10

Which of the following best supports the endosymbiont theory for the origin of mitochondria and chloroplasts?

Accepted Answer

Both organelles contain their own circular DNA and ribosomes similar to those of prokaryotes.

Question 11

A cell is observed to have a high surface area to volume ratio. What is the most likely advantage of this characteristic?

Accepted Answer

It allows for more efficient exchange of materials with the environment. $$	ext{Surface Area} : 	ext{Volume}$$

Question 12

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates compartmentalization in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Enzymes for cellular respiration are located within mitochondria, separated from the cytosol by a double membrane.

Question 13

A patient is diagnosed with a genetic disorder that impairs lysosomal function. Which of the following symptoms is most likely to result from this defect?

Accepted Answer

Accumulation of undigested macromolecules within cells

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the main difference between the cis and trans faces of the Golgi apparatus?

Accepted Answer

The cis face receives vesicles from the endoplasmic reticulum, while the trans face ships modified products to their final destinations.

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why mitochondria have an inner membrane that is highly folded into cristae?

Accepted Answer

To increase the surface area for enzymes involved in ATP production $$	ext{Surface Area} \uparrow \implies 	ext{ATP Production} \uparrow$$

Question 16

A cell biologist isolates a structure that is responsible for sorting and packaging proteins for secretion. Which organelle has most likely been isolated?

Accepted Answer

Golgi apparatus

Question 17

Which of the following is a function shared by both mitochondria and chloroplasts?

Accepted Answer

Conversion of energy from one form to another

Question 18

A scientist wants to visualize the surface features of a pollen grain at very high resolution. Which type of microscope should they use?

Accepted Answer

Scanning electron microscope (SEM)

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the pathway of a secreted protein from synthesis to secretion?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 20

Which of the following is a reason why cells are limited in size?

Accepted Answer

As cells increase in size, their volume increases faster than their surface area, limiting efficient exchange of materials. $$	ext{Surface Area} \propto r^2$, 	ext{Volume} \propto r^3$

A Tour of the Cell I: Organelles, Cell Types, and Techniques

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