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 non-membrane-bound structures present in all forms of life and synthesize proteins according to mRNA sequences.

Question 2

A scientist is studying a cell that contains a highly convoluted inner membrane within an organelle. This structure is most likely involved in which of the following processes?

Accepted Answer

Aerobic cellular respiration and efficient ATP production

Question 3

A mutation prevents the Golgi complex from chemically modifying proteins. Which of the following is the most likely consequence for the cell?

Accepted Answer

Proteins will not be properly folded or targeted to their correct destinations.

Question 4

Which of the following best describes the function of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in liver cells exposed to toxins?

Accepted Answer

It detoxifies harmful substances and synthesizes lipids.

Question 5

A plant cell is placed in a hypotonic solution. Which organelle is primarily responsible for maintaining turgor pressure, and what is its main function in this context?

Accepted Answer

The large central vacuole; it stores water and maintains turgor pressure.

Question 6

Which of the following equations correctly represents the surface area-to-volume ratio (SA/V) for a cube with side length $$s$$?

Accepted Answer

$$\frac{6s^2$}{s^3$}$$

Question 7

A cell increases in size from a radius of $$2\ \mu m to$$ $$4\ \mu m. By $$what factor does its surface area-to-volume ratio change? (Assume the cell is spherical. Use $$SA = 4\pi r^2$ and V$$ = \frac{4}{3}\pi $$r^3.)$$

Accepted Answer

It decreases by a factor of 2.

Question 8

Why do small cells typically have higher metabolic rates per unit body mass compared to larger cells or organisms?

Accepted Answer

They have a higher surface area-to-volume ratio, enabling faster exchange of materials and heat with the environment.

Question 9

Which of the following is a direct consequence of the endosymbiotic origin of mitochondria and chloroplasts?

Accepted Answer

They contain their own DNA and double membranes.

Question 10

A researcher disrupts the internal membranes of a eukaryotic cell. Which of the following is the most likely effect?

Accepted Answer

Decreased efficiency of metabolic reactions due to loss of compartmentalization and increased competing interactions.

Question 11

Which of the following best distinguishes prokaryotic cells from eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Prokaryotic cells lack internal membrane-bound organelles but may have specialized internal regions.

Question 12

A cell is observed to have extensive membrane folds within its internal structure. What is the primary advantage of these folds?

Accepted Answer

They increase the surface area available for metabolic reactions.

Question 13

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the importance of the surface area-to-volume ratio in a real-world biological context?

Accepted Answer

Root hairs in plants increase the surface area for water and nutrient absorption.

Question 14

A mutation causes lysosomes in a cell to lose their hydrolytic enzymes. Which process would be most directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Digestion of cellular waste and apoptosis

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why eukaryotic cells can maintain larger sizes than prokaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Eukaryotic cells have internal membranes that compartmentalize functions and increase surface area for reactions.

Question 16

A cube-shaped cell has a side length of $$2\ \mu m. $$Calculate its surface area-to-volume ratio.

Accepted Answer

$$\frac{6 	imes 2^2$}{2^3$} = \frac{24}{8} = 3$$

Question 17

Which of the following is a function of the endomembrane system in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Modifying, packaging, and transporting proteins, lipids, and polysaccharides

Question 18

A cell with a low surface area-to-volume ratio is likely to experience which of the following challenges?

Accepted Answer

Difficulty obtaining nutrients and eliminating waste quickly enough to meet metabolic demands

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the role of the rough endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in a pancreatic cell that secretes digestive enzymes?

Accepted Answer

It synthesizes and compartmentalizes proteins destined for secretion.

Cell Structure, Function, and Compartmentalization: Study Notes

Guida di studio - Domande di pratica

Study guide - Flashcard