Question 1

Which of the following statements best describes the main difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Eukaryotic cells have a nucleus and internal membrane-bound organelles, while prokaryotic cells do not.

Question 2

Which structure is responsible for the selective permeability of the bacterial cytoplasmic membrane?

Accepted Answer

Phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins

Question 3

A bacterium is found to survive extreme heat, radiation, and chemical exposure. Which structure is most likely responsible for this resistance?

Accepted Answer

Endospore

Question 4

Which of the following best describes the function of bacterial pili?

Accepted Answer

Transfer of DNA between cells during conjugation

Question 5

Which component is unique to Gram-negative bacterial cell walls and can trigger strong immune responses in humans?

Accepted Answer

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)

Question 6

A scientist observes a cell with a thick peptidoglycan layer and teichoic acids. What color would this cell appear after a Gram stain, and why?

Accepted Answer

Purple, because it is Gram-positive

Question 7

Which of the following transport processes requires energy in the form of ATP and moves substances against their concentration gradient?

Accepted Answer

Active transport

Question 8

Which equation best represents the movement of water across a semipermeable membrane due to osmosis?

Accepted Answer

$$J = -L_p (\Delta P - \sigma \Delta \pi)$$

Question 9

Which of the following is a function of the eukaryotic Golgi apparatus?

Accepted Answer

Packaging and processing molecules for export

Question 10

A patient is infected with a bacterium that forms biofilms on medical devices. Which structure is most important for initial adherence to surfaces?

Accepted Answer

Fimbriae

Question 11

Which of the following statements about archaeal cell walls is correct?

Accepted Answer

They lack peptidoglycan and contain specialized polysaccharides and proteins.

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

Digestion of macromolecules and cellular debris

Question 13

Which of the following structures is present in all prokaryotes and is the site of protein synthesis?

Accepted Answer

Ribosome

Question 14

Which of the following is a key difference between bacterial and archaeal flagella?

Accepted Answer

Archaeal flagella are thinner and rotate as a bundle, while bacterial flagella rotate independently.

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why some antibiotics can target bacterial ribosomes without affecting eukaryotic ribosomes?

Accepted Answer

Bacterial ribosomes are 70S, while eukaryotic ribosomes are 80S.

Question 16

Which of the following is a function of the eukaryotic cytoskeleton?

Accepted Answer

Anchoring organelles and maintaining cell shape

Question 17

Which of the following processes is unique to eukaryotic cells and involves the engulfment of large particles or liquids?

Accepted Answer

Endocytosis

Question 18

A scientist is studying a cell that contains circular DNA, 70S ribosomes, and lacks a nucleus. Which type of cell is this most likely to be?

Accepted Answer

Bacterial or archaeal cell

Question 19

Which of the following best describes group translocation in bacteria?

Accepted Answer

A process where a substance is chemically modified during transport into the cell

Question 20

Which of the following cell wall components is found in fungal cells but not in bacterial or plant cells?

Accepted Answer

Chitin

Cell Structure and Function: Prokaryotes, Archaea, and Eukaryotes

Study Guide - Practice Questions