Question 1

Which of the following statements best explains why cells are limited in size by their surface area to volume ratio?

Accepted Answer

As a cell increases in size, its volume grows proportionately more than its surface area, which limits the rate of exchange of materials across the plasma membrane.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Transmission electron microscope (TEM), because it passes electrons through thin sections to reveal internal details at high resolution.

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a feature shared by all cells (prokaryotic and eukaryotic)?

Accepted Answer

Membrane-bound organelles

Question 4

During cell fractionation, which organelle would be expected to pellet first when centrifuging a homogenized cell mixture at low speed?

Accepted Answer

Nuclei

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Has bound ribosomes and is involved in the synthesis of proteins destined for secretion or membranes

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

Bending movements of cilia and flagella

Question 7

According to the endosymbiotic theory, which two organelles originated from free-living prokaryotes?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondria and chloroplasts

Question 8

Which of the following is a similarity between mitochondria and chloroplasts that supports the endosymbiotic theory?

Accepted Answer

Both contain circular DNA and free ribosomes.

Question 9

A patient is diagnosed with a genetic disorder affecting the intermediate filaments in their cells. Which of the following cellular functions is most likely to be impaired?

Accepted Answer

Anchorage of the nucleus and maintenance of cell shape

Question 10

Which equation correctly represents the relationship between magnification ($$M$$), image size ($$I$$), and actual size ($$A) in $$microscopy?

Accepted Answer

$$M = \frac{I}{A}$$

Question 11

Which cell junction in animal cells prevents the leakage of extracellular fluid between neighboring cells?

Accepted Answer

Tight junctions

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the process of phagocytosis?

Accepted Answer

A cell engulfs a particle by wrapping its plasma membrane around it, forming a food vacuole that fuses with a lysosome for digestion.

Question 13

Which of the following is a function of peroxisomes in animal cells?

Accepted Answer

Detoxify alcohol and break down fatty acids using oxygen, producing hydrogen peroxide

Question 14

A plant cell is placed in a hypotonic solution. Which structure prevents the cell from bursting?

Accepted Answer

Cell wall

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the role of the Golgi apparatus in the endomembrane system?

Accepted Answer

Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for secretion or delivery to other organelles

Question 16

Which cytoskeletal element is primarily responsible for muscle contraction in animal cells?

Accepted Answer

Microfilaments (actin filaments)

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

Cell wall

Question 18

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

Accepted Answer

They provide channels for water, small solutes, and sometimes proteins and RNA to pass between adjacent cells.

Question 19

A cell is observed to have circular DNA, free ribosomes, and a double membrane. Which organelle is most likely being described?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondrion

Question 20

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

Accepted Answer

It is composed mainly of glycoproteins and helps coordinate cellular activities by binding to integrins in the plasma membrane.

Chapter 6: A Tour of the Cell – Structure and Function in General Biology

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