Question 1

Which of the following best explains why most cells are microscopic in size rather than much larger?

Accepted Answer

Smaller cells have a larger surface area-to-volume ratio, which facilitates efficient exchange of materials across the plasma membrane.

Question 2

A scientist wants to observe the detailed internal structure of mitochondria in a liver cell. Which type of microscope should she use, and why?

Accepted Answer

Transmission electron microscope, because it provides high resolution images of internal cell structures.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Central vacuole

Question 4

A mutation prevents the formation of anchoring junctions in muscle tissue. Which of the following symptoms would most likely result?

Accepted Answer

Muscle tears due to inability to hold cells together under stress

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the function of the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER)?

Accepted Answer

Synthesis of membrane and secretory proteins by ribosomes attached to its surface

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

Breaking down fatty acids and detoxifying harmful substances

Question 7

Which of the following statements supports the endosymbiont theory for the origin of mitochondria and chloroplasts?

Accepted Answer

Both mitochondria and chloroplasts contain their own DNA and ribosomes, similar to prokaryotes.

Question 8

Which component of the cytoskeleton is primarily responsible for guiding transport vesicles from the Golgi apparatus to the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

Microtubules

Question 9

A patient is diagnosed with Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD), resulting in immotile cilia and flagella. Which of the following symptoms would you expect to observe, and why?

Accepted Answer

Recurrent respiratory infections and immotile sperm due to defective movement of cilia and flagella

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

It binds tissue cells together, supports the plasma membrane, and communicates with the cytoskeleton.

Question 11

Which of the following equations correctly represents the surface area to volume ratio for a cube-shaped cell with side length $$l$$?

Accepted Answer

$$\frac{6l^2$}{l^3$} = \frac{6}{l}$$

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a function of lysosomes?

Accepted Answer

Synthesizing proteins for export

Question 13

A plant cell is placed in a hypotonic solution. Which organelle helps prevent the cell from bursting, and how?

Accepted Answer

The cell wall provides structural support and prevents excessive expansion.

Question 14

Which of the following correctly matches a cell structure with its primary function?

Accepted Answer

Golgi apparatus – modifies, sorts, and ships cell products

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why mitochondria are found in both plant and animal cells, but chloroplasts are only found in plant cells and some protists?

Accepted Answer

All eukaryotes require mitochondria for cellular respiration, but only photosynthetic organisms need chloroplasts for photosynthesis.

Question 16

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

Accepted Answer

Gap junctions

Question 17

A cell is observed to have an extensive network of smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER). Which of the following is the most likely function of this cell?

Accepted Answer

Synthesis of lipids and detoxification of toxins

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the relationship between the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and the Golgi apparatus in a protein-secreting cell?

Accepted Answer

Proteins synthesized in the ER are transported to the Golgi apparatus for modification and sorting before export.

Question 19

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

Accepted Answer

Eukaryotic cells have membrane-bound organelles, while prokaryotic cells do not.

Question 20

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

Accepted Answer

They allow the sharing of water, nourishment, and chemical messages between adjacent cells.

A Tour of the Cell: Structure, Function, and Diversity

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards