Question 1

Which statement best summarizes the cell theory?

Accepted Answer

All living things are composed of cells, cells are the smallest unit of life, and all cells arise from preexisting cells.

Question 2

Why is being small advantageous for multicellular organisms?

Accepted Answer

It increases the surface area to volume ratio, allowing efficient exchange of nutrients and wastes.

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of prokaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

They possess membrane-bound organelles.

Question 4

Which cell type contains a membrane-bound nucleus?

Accepted Answer

Eukaryotic cells

Question 5

A scientist observes a cell with a cell wall made of chitin. Which type of organism is this cell most likely from?

Accepted Answer

Fungi

Question 6

Which organelle is responsible for packaging and distributing proteins and lipids within the cell?

Accepted Answer

Golgi apparatus

Question 7

What is the main function of ribosomes?

Accepted Answer

Protein synthesis using messenger RNA as a template

Question 8

Which organelle is considered the 'control center' of the cell?

Accepted Answer

Nucleus

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

Chloroplast

Question 10

A cell increases in volume by a factor of 8. By what factor does its surface area increase, assuming the cell is spherical?

Accepted Answer

$$4$$

Question 11

Which organelle contains hydrolytic enzymes and acts as the cell's garbage disposal?

Accepted Answer

Lysosome

Question 12

Which organelle is responsible for synthesizing phospholipids and detoxifying chemicals in liver cells?

Accepted Answer

Smooth endoplasmic reticulum

Question 13

Which of the following is evidence supporting the endosymbiotic theory for the origin of mitochondria and chloroplasts?

Accepted Answer

They contain circular DNA and have ribosomes similar to those of prokaryotes.

Question 14

Which structure is directly involved in the movement of chromosomes during cell division?

Accepted Answer

Microtubules

Question 15

Which organelle is the site of cellular respiration and ATP production in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondria

Question 16

A cell is observed to have a large central vacuole, chloroplasts, and a cell wall. What type of cell is this?

Accepted Answer

Plant cell

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the function of the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

It regulates the entrance and exit of molecules into and out of the cytoplasm.

Question 18

Which structure is found in animal cells and is involved in organizing microtubules during cell division?

Accepted Answer

Centrioles

Question 19

Which of the following is a function of the cytoskeleton?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining cell shape and facilitating movement of organelles

Question 20

Which of the following statements about the endomembrane system is correct?

Accepted Answer

It compartmentalizes the cell so that enzymatic reactions are restricted to specific cell sections.

Cell Structure and Function: Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions