Question 1

Which of the following best explains why ribosomes are considered evidence for the common ancestry of all known life?

Accepted Answer

Ribosomes are comprised of ribosomal RNA and protein and are present in all forms of life, synthesizing proteins according to mRNA sequences.

Question 2

A cell is observed to have extensive rough endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Which function is most likely enhanced in this cell?

Accepted Answer

Synthesis and compartmentalization of proteins for secretion

Question 3

Which organelle is primarily responsible for the chemical modification and packaging of newly synthesized proteins for trafficking within the cell?

Accepted Answer

Golgi complex

Question 4

A scientist is studying a cell with a highly convoluted inner membrane in one of its organelles. What is the main advantage of this structural feature?

Accepted Answer

It increases the efficiency of ATP synthesis by providing more surface area for metabolic reactions.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

They digest material using hydrolytic enzymes and play a role in programmed cell death (apoptosis).

Question 6

A plant cell is placed in a hypotonic solution. Which organelle is most directly involved in maintaining turgor pressure, and what is its function?

Accepted Answer

The large central vacuole; it stores water and nutrients, maintaining turgor pressure.

Question 7

Which equation correctly represents the surface area-to-volume ratio for a cube with side length $$s$$?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 8

A cell increases in size from a radius of $$2\ 	ext{\mu m} to$$ $$4\ 	ext{\mu m}. $$Using the formulas $$V = \frac{4}{3}\pi r^3$ and SA = 4$$\pi $$r^2$$, what happens to its surface area-to-volume ratio?

Accepted Answer

The surface area-to-volume ratio decreases as the cell grows larger.

Question 9

Which of the following is a consequence of a low surface area-to-volume ratio in large cells?

Accepted Answer

Restricted cell size and shape due to decreased efficiency in exchanging materials

Question 10

Which structure is found in plant cells but not in animal cells, and is essential for photosynthesis?

Accepted Answer

Chloroplast

Question 11

A mutation disrupts the internal membranes of a eukaryotic cell. Which process is most likely to be affected?

Accepted Answer

Compartmentalization of metabolic processes and specific enzymatic reactions

Question 12

Which of the following best explains how internal membranes increase the efficiency of cellular processes?

Accepted Answer

By minimizing competing interactions and increasing the surface area for reactions

Question 13

Which statement best supports the endosymbiotic theory for the origin of mitochondria and chloroplasts?

Accepted Answer

Both organelles contain a double membrane and their own DNA, suggesting they evolved from once free-living prokaryotic cells.

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

Prokaryotic cells lack internal membrane-bound organelles, while eukaryotic cells maintain internal membranes that partition the cell into specialized regions.

Question 15

A multicellular organism increases in size. What happens to its surface area-to-volume ratio and metabolic rate per unit body mass?

Accepted Answer

Surface area-to-volume ratio decreases; metabolic rate per unit body mass decreases.

Question 16

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the importance of membrane folds in cellular function?

Accepted Answer

The inner membrane of mitochondria is highly folded, increasing the surface area for ATP synthesis.

Question 17

A cell with a high metabolic rate per unit body mass is most likely to be:

Accepted Answer

Small in size, with a high surface area-to-volume ratio

Question 18

Which of the following is a real-world example of a cell structure that increases surface area for exchange with the environment?

Accepted Answer

Root hairs in plants

Question 19

If a cell's plasma membrane surface area is not large enough relative to its volume, which of the following is most likely to occur?

Accepted Answer

The cell will struggle to adequately exchange materials with the environment, limiting its growth.

Cell Structure, Function, and Compartmentalization: Study Notes

Guida di studio - Domande di pratica

Study guide - Flashcard