Question 1

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of living things?

Accepted Answer

Ability to photosynthesize

Question 2

A scientist observes a cell with the following features: no nucleus, peptidoglycan cell wall, and flagella composed of flagellin. To which domain does this cell most likely belong?

Accepted Answer

Bacteria

Question 3

Why are cells generally small in size? Use the surface area to volume ratio to justify your answer.

Accepted Answer

Smaller cells have a higher surface area to volume ratio, which allows for more efficient exchange of materials.

Question 4

Given a cube-shaped cell with sides of length $$2\ \mathrm{mm}$$, calculate its surface area to volume ratio.

Accepted Answer

$$3:1$$

Question 5

Which structure is found in all cell types and is responsible for maintaining homeostasis by regulating what enters and leaves the cell?

Accepted Answer

Plasma membrane

Question 6

A patient is diagnosed with a genetic disorder that affects the function of lysosomes. Which cellular process is most likely to be impaired?

Accepted Answer

Digestion of macromolecules

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

Eukaryotic cells have a nucleus, prokaryotic cells do not.

Question 8

Which organelle is responsible for ATP production through cellular respiration?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondrion

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

Cell wall

Question 10

Which of the following statements about the extracellular matrix (ECM) in animal cells is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

The ECM helps hold cells together and allows communication between cells.

Question 11

Which cellular structure is directly involved in the synthesis of proteins?

Accepted Answer

Ribosome

Question 12

A mutation causes a cell to lose its ability to produce actin. Which cellular function would be most affected?

Accepted Answer

Cell shape and movement

Question 13

Which of the following is a function of the Golgi apparatus?

Accepted Answer

Modification and sorting of proteins

Question 14

Which organelle is found in plant cells but NOT in animal cells and is responsible for photosynthesis?

Accepted Answer

Chloroplast

Question 15

Which of the following structures is unique to prokaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Peptidoglycan cell wall

Question 16

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 17

Which of the following junctions allows direct cytoplasmic exchange between adjacent animal cells?

Accepted Answer

Gap junctions

Question 18

Which process occurs in the nucleolus?

Accepted Answer

Assembly of ribosomes

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why mitochondria and chloroplasts are considered to have originated from endosymbiosis?

Accepted Answer

They possess their own DNA and divide independently of the nucleus.

Question 20

A cell is observed to have extensive rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER). What is the most likely function of this cell?

Accepted Answer

Protein export

The Cell: Structure, Function, and Diversity

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