Question 1

Which of the following best explains why mitochondria and chloroplasts are considered to have evolved from prokaryotic cells, according to the endosymbiont theory?

Accepted Answer

They contain free ribosomes and circular DNA molecules, and are enveloped by a double membrane.

Question 2

A scientist wants to isolate mitochondria from a sample of animal cells. Which step in differential centrifugation would most likely yield a pellet rich in mitochondria?

Accepted Answer

Centrifuging at 20,000 g for 20 minutes.

Question 3

Which of the following structures is responsible for synthesizing lipids and detoxifying drugs in liver cells?

Accepted Answer

Smooth endoplasmic reticulum

Question 4

A mutation causes a cell to be unable to form tight junctions. Which tissue function would be most directly affected?

Accepted Answer

The prevention of extracellular fluid leakage between cells

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the main function of the Golgi apparatus in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins and lipids for secretion or delivery to other organelles

Question 6

A cell is observed to have a large central vacuole, chloroplasts, and a cell wall. Which type of cell is this most likely to be?

Accepted Answer

Plant cell

Question 7

Which of the following statements about the plasma membrane is correct?

Accepted Answer

It is a selective barrier that allows sufficient passage of oxygen, nutrients, and waste to service the volume of every cell.

Question 8

Which of the following best explains why cells are small and have a high surface area-to-volume ratio?

Accepted Answer

To allow efficient exchange of materials with their environment

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

Guiding movement of organelles and separating chromosomes during cell division

Question 10

A cell is observed under a microscope and found to lack a nucleus, but contains a nucleoid region and ribosomes. Which type of cell is this?

Accepted Answer

Prokaryotic cell

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

Digesting macromolecules and recycling cellular components

Question 12

Which of the following cell junctions allows for the passage of ions and small molecules directly between adjacent animal cells?

Accepted Answer

Gap junctions

Question 13

Which of the following is a unique feature of plant cells that distinguishes them from animal cells?

Accepted Answer

Presence of a cell wall made of cellulose

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

Breaking down fatty acids and detoxifying harmful substances by transferring hydrogen to oxygen

Question 15

A mutation disrupts the function of dynein in a cell. Which cellular process would be most directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Movement of cilia and flagella

Question 16

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

Accepted Answer

The nucleus contains DNA, which provides instructions for ribosomes to synthesize proteins.

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

Regulating cell behavior and gene activity through interactions with integrins

Question 18

Which of the following best explains why the surface area-to-volume ratio is important for cell function?

Accepted Answer

A higher ratio allows for more efficient exchange of materials with the environment.

Question 19

Which of the following organelles is most directly involved in the process of autophagy?

Accepted Answer

Lysosome

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the function of plasmodesmata in plant cells?

Accepted Answer

They provide cytoplasmic channels for communication and transport between adjacent cells.

Chapter 6: A Tour of the Cell: Structure, Function, and Organization

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