Question 1

Which of the following best explains why cells are typically small in size?

Accepted Answer

Smaller cells have a greater surface area to volume ratio, which facilitates efficient exchange of materials with their environment. $$	ext{Surface area to volume ratio} = \frac{	ext{surface area}}{	ext{volume}}$$

Question 2

Which organelle is primarily responsible for the synthesis of lipids, detoxification of drugs, and storage of calcium ions?

Accepted Answer

Smooth endoplasmic reticulum

Question 3

A scientist wants to study the internal structure of mitochondria at very high resolution. Which microscope should they use and why?

Accepted Answer

Transmission electron microscope (TEM), because it passes electrons through the specimen, revealing internal structures at high resolution.

Question 4

Which of the following statements about the endosymbiont theory is CORRECT?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondria and chloroplasts originated from prokaryotic cells that were engulfed by an ancestral eukaryotic cell.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Central vacuole

Question 6

A mutation causes a cell to be unable to produce catalase. Which organelle's function would be most directly affected, and what would be the consequence?

Accepted Answer

Peroxisome; hydrogen peroxide would accumulate and damage the cell.

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the function of the Golgi apparatus?

Accepted Answer

It modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for secretion or delivery to other organelles.

Question 8

Which of the following is a function of microtubules in the cytoskeleton?

Accepted Answer

They guide the movement of organelles and are involved in chromosome separation during cell division.

Question 9

A cell is observed to have a high number of lysosomes. Which of the following is the most likely function of this cell?

Accepted Answer

Digesting and recycling large amounts of cellular debris or foreign material.

Question 10

Which of the following cell junctions allows for the direct passage of ions and small molecules between adjacent animal cells, facilitating communication?

Accepted Answer

Gap junctions

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the role of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in animal cells?

Accepted Answer

It provides structural support, mediates cell-to-cell communication, and helps bind cells together.

Question 12

Which of the following statements about ribosomes is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

They are composed of ribosomal RNA and protein and are the site of protein synthesis.

Question 13

A researcher isolates a cell with the following characteristics: no nucleus, DNA in a nucleoid region, and no membrane-bound organelles. Which type of cell is this?

Accepted Answer

Prokaryotic cell

Question 14

Which of the following best explains why mitochondria and chloroplasts are considered evidence for the endosymbiont theory?

Accepted Answer

They contain their own DNA and ribosomes, and can replicate independently within the cell.

Question 15

Which of the following is a function of the central vacuole in plant cells?

Accepted Answer

It stores water and inorganic ions, helping maintain cell rigidity and turgor pressure.

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the function of the nuclear envelope?

Accepted Answer

It separates the genetic material from the cytoplasm and regulates the passage of molecules via nuclear pores.

Question 17

Which of the following is a key difference between the cell wall of plants and the extracellular matrix (ECM) of animal cells?

Accepted Answer

The plant cell wall is primarily composed of cellulose, while the ECM is mainly composed of glycoproteins such as collagen.

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the process of cell fractionation?

Accepted Answer

It separates cellular components based on size and density using centrifugation.

Question 19

Which of the following is a function of the lysosome?

Accepted Answer

It digests macromolecules and recycles cellular components through autophagy.

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the role of motor proteins in the cell?

Accepted Answer

They move vesicles and organelles along cytoskeletal fibers, facilitating intracellular transport.

Chapter 4 A Tour of the Cell: Structure, Function, and Microscopy

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