Question 1

Which of the following best explains why most cells are microscopic in size?

Accepted Answer

Smaller cells have a greater surface area-to-volume ratio, which facilitates efficient exchange of materials across the plasma membrane. $$	ext{Surface area-to-volume ratio} = \frac{	ext{surface area}}{	ext{volume}}$$

Question 2

A scientist wants to observe the movement of living white blood cells as they respond to an infection. Which type of microscope should she use and why?

Accepted Answer

A light microscope, because it allows observation of living cells in real time.

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a component found in all cells (prokaryotic and eukaryotic)?

Accepted Answer

A membrane-enclosed nucleus

Question 4

Which organelle is responsible for synthesizing lipids and detoxifying drugs in liver cells?

Accepted Answer

Smooth endoplasmic reticulum

Question 5

A mutation prevents the formation of transport vesicles in a eukaryotic cell. Which process would be most directly affected?

Accepted Answer

The movement of proteins from the endoplasmic reticulum to the Golgi apparatus

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

They contain hydrolytic enzymes that break down ingested substances and damaged organelles, similar to a recycling center.

Question 7

A plant cell is placed in a solution and its central vacuole shrinks. What is the most likely explanation for this observation?

Accepted Answer

The solution is hypertonic, causing water to leave the vacuole by osmosis.

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

Both mitochondria and chloroplasts contain their own DNA and ribosomes, similar to prokaryotes.

Question 9

Which structure is found in plant cells but not in animal cells, and what is its primary function?

Accepted Answer

Cell wall; provides structural support and protection

Question 10

A patient is diagnosed with Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD), a disease in which cilia and flagella lack motor proteins. Which symptoms would you expect and why?

Accepted Answer

Recurrent respiratory infections and immotile sperm, because cilia and flagella cannot move without motor proteins.

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the role of the Golgi apparatus in a protein-secreting cell?

Accepted Answer

It modifies, sorts, and ships proteins received from the endoplasmic reticulum.

Question 12

Which component of the cytoskeleton is most important for guiding transport vesicles from the Golgi apparatus to the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

Microtubules

Question 13

Which type of cell junction would most likely be involved in a muscle tear injury?

Accepted Answer

Anchoring junctions (desmosomes)

Question 14

Which of the following is a function of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in animal cells?

Accepted Answer

It binds tissue cells together, supports the plasma membrane, and communicates with the cytoskeleton.

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the relationship between the nucleus and ribosomes in a eukaryotic cell?

Accepted Answer

The nucleus contains DNA, which directs the synthesis of messenger RNA that is translated by ribosomes to make proteins.

Question 16

A cell is observed to have a large number of ribosomes attached to its rough endoplasmic reticulum. What can you infer about this cell's function?

Accepted Answer

It is actively synthesizing proteins for export or for use in membranes.

Question 17

Which of the following equations correctly represents the surface area-to-volume ratio for a cube-shaped cell with side length $$l$$?

Accepted Answer

$$	ext{Surface area-to-volume ratio} = \frac{6l^2$}{l^3$}$$

Question 18

Which of the following is NOT part of the endomembrane system?

Accepted Answer

Peroxisome

Question 19

Which animal cell junction is functionally analogous to plasmodesmata in plant cells?

Accepted Answer

Gap junctions

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why mitochondria are found in all eukaryotic cells, but chloroplasts are only found in some?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondria evolved first and are essential for cellular respiration, while chloroplasts evolved later in the lineage leading to plants and algae.

A Tour of the Cell: Structure, Function, and Microscopy

Guida di studio - Domande di pratica

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