Question 1

Which of the following best describes the primary function of the cytoskeleton in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

It maintains cell shape, enables cellular movement, and organizes organelles within the cytoplasm.

Question 2

Which cytoskeletal fiber is primarily responsible for resisting tension (pulling forces) within animal cells?

Accepted Answer

Intermediate filaments

Question 3

A scientist treats a cell with a drug that depolymerizes microtubules. Which of the following cellular processes would be most directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Chromosome separation during mitosis

Question 4

Which of the following correctly matches a cytoskeletal fiber with its monomer and a key function?

Accepted Answer

Microfilaments – actin – cell motility

Question 5

Centrioles and basal bodies share a similar structure. Which of the following best describes their arrangement of microtubules?

Accepted Answer

A ring of nine triplets of microtubules

Question 6

The movement of cilia and flagella is powered by which of the following mechanisms?

Accepted Answer

Sliding of microtubule doublets driven by dynein motor proteins using ATP

Question 7

A patient has a genetic defect in collagen production. Which cellular structure is most likely to be compromised?

Accepted Answer

The extracellular matrix (ECM)

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the role of integrins in animal cells?

Accepted Answer

They connect the ECM to the cytoskeleton, transmitting signals between the exterior and interior of the cell.

Question 9

Which intercellular junction in animal tissues prevents the leakage of extracellular fluid across a layer of epithelial cells?

Accepted Answer

Tight junctions

Question 10

Plasmodesmata in plant cells are functionally most similar to which structure in animal cells?

Accepted Answer

Gap junctions

Question 11

A mutation causes a cell to lack functional dynein arms. Which of the following would most likely be observed?

Accepted Answer

Impaired movement of cilia and flagella

Question 12

Which of the following equations best represents the energy required for dynein-driven movement of cilia, assuming $$n$$ ATP molecules are hydrolyzed per second and each ATP hydrolysis releases $$\Delta G$$ joules of energy?

Accepted Answer

$$E = n 	imes \Delta G$$

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a function of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in animal cells?

Accepted Answer

Synthesizing ribosomal RNA

Question 14

A researcher observes that a certain animal cell type is highly resistant to mechanical stress. Which cytoskeletal component is most likely abundant in these cells?

Accepted Answer

Intermediate filaments

Question 15

During wound healing, fibroblasts migrate into the wound site. Which cytoskeletal element is most directly involved in this process?

Accepted Answer

Actin filaments (microfilaments)

Question 16

Which of the following best explains why plant cells do not have desmosomes?

Accepted Answer

Plant cells are connected by plasmodesmata, which allow cytoplasmic continuity.

Question 17

A cell is observed to have a '9+2' arrangement of microtubules. This structure is most likely found in which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Cilia or flagella

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the difference between gap junctions and tight junctions in animal cells?

Accepted Answer

Gap junctions allow direct cytoplasmic exchange between cells, while tight junctions prevent leakage of extracellular fluid.

Question 19

A mutation in the gene encoding tubulin would most directly affect which of the following cellular structures?

Accepted Answer

Microtubules

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why intermediate filaments are more stable than microtubules or microfilaments?

Accepted Answer

They are composed of various proteins (such as keratins) that form strong, durable networks and are less dynamic.

Cytoskeleton, Cell Junctions, and Extracellular Matrix: Structure and Function

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