Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Eukaryotic cells have a nucleus enclosed by a membrane, while prokaryotic cells lack a true nucleus.

Question 2

A scientist observes a cell with the following features: a cell wall made of peptidoglycan, circular DNA, and no membrane-bound organelles. Which type of organism is this cell most likely from?

Accepted Answer

Bacterium

Question 3

Which organelle is primarily responsible for producing ATP through aerobic respiration in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondrion

Question 4

A plant cell is placed in a hypertonic solution. What is the most likely outcome for the cell?

Accepted Answer

The cell will lose water, and the plasma membrane will pull away from the cell wall (plasmolysis).

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Smaller cells have a higher surface area-to-volume ratio, allowing efficient exchange of materials with their environment.

Question 6

Which equation correctly represents the calculation of water potential ($$\Psi) in $$plant cells?

Accepted Answer

$$\Psi = \Psi_s + \Psi_p$$

Question 7

A mutation causes a eukaryotic cell to lack functional lysosomes. Which of the following processes would be most directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Breakdown of macromolecules and cellular debris

Question 8

Which of the following is a function of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Detoxification of poisons and synthesis of lipids

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the endosymbiotic theory?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondria and chloroplasts originated as free-living prokaryotes that were engulfed by ancestral eukaryotic cells.

Question 10

A red blood cell is placed in pure water. Which of the following will occur?

Accepted Answer

Water will move into the cell, causing it to swell and possibly burst.

Question 11

Which of the following best explains why the inner membrane of mitochondria is highly folded into cristae?

Accepted Answer

To increase the surface area for ATP-producing reactions

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a function of the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

Providing a rigid structure to support the cell

Question 13

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 14

Which of the following best describes facilitated diffusion?

Accepted Answer

Movement of molecules down their concentration gradient through a membrane protein

Question 15

Which of the following is a real-life example of the importance of surface area to volume ratio in biology?

Accepted Answer

The presence of microvilli in the small intestine to increase nutrient absorption

Question 16

Which of the following statements about osmosis is correct?

Accepted Answer

Osmosis is the movement of water from an area of low solute concentration to an area of high solute concentration.

Question 17

Which of the following best explains why cholesterol is important in animal cell membranes?

Accepted Answer

It helps maintain membrane fluidity across temperature changes.

Question 18

A neuron is a very long, thin cell. Which principle does this illustrate regarding cell structure and function?

Accepted Answer

Cell shape can increase surface area to facilitate exchange with the environment.

Question 19

Which of the following is a correct statement about the extracellular matrix (ECM) in animal cells?

Accepted Answer

The ECM provides structural support and helps cells adhere to each other.

Question 20

A cell is actively transporting sodium ions out and potassium ions in, both against their concentration gradients. Which process is being used?

Accepted Answer

Active transport via the sodium-potassium pump

Cell Structure and Function: Study Notes for General Biology

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