Q: A cube-shaped cell has a side length $$s = 4\ \mathrm{\mu m}. $$What is its surface area to volume ratio?

$$\frac{6s^2$}{s^3$} = \frac{6 \times 16}{64} = 1.5$$

Question 1

Which of the following statements is NOT a tenet of the modern cell theory?

Accepted Answer

Viruses are considered the most basic unit of life.

Question 2

The Miller-Urey experiment provided evidence for which hypothesis about the origin of life?

Accepted Answer

Primordial soup theory

Question 3

Which of the following is a key piece of evidence supporting the endosymbiotic theory for the origin of mitochondria and chloroplasts?

Accepted Answer

They have circular DNA and ribosomes similar to bacteria.

Question 4

A cube-shaped cell has a side length $$s = 4\ \mathrm{\mu m}. $$What is its surface area to volume ratio?

Accepted Answer

$$\frac{6s^2$}{s^3$} = \frac{6 	imes 16}{64} = 1.5$$

Question 5

Which organelle is responsible for synthesizing proteins that are to be secreted from the cell?

Accepted Answer

Rough endoplasmic reticulum

Question 6

A mutation prevents the formation of nuclear pores in a eukaryotic cell. Which process would be most directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Transport of mRNA from the nucleus to the cytoplasm

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

Breakdown of macromolecules and recycling of cellular components

Question 8

Which of the following is a function of the cytoskeleton in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Support of cell shape and movement of organelles

Question 9

A scientist observes a cell with the following features: a cell wall made of cellulose, a large central vacuole, and chloroplasts. Which type of cell is this?

Accepted Answer

Plant cell

Question 10

Which of the following statements about ribosomes is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Ribosomes are composed of rRNA and protein subunits.

Question 11

Which of the following best explains why mitochondria are considered semiautonomous organelles?

Accepted Answer

They contain their own DNA and can replicate independently within the cell.

Question 12

Which of the following cell junctions is responsible for forming fluid-tight seals between adjacent animal cells, such as those in the intestinal lining?

Accepted Answer

Tight junctions

Question 13

A cell is observed to have a high number of smooth endoplasmic reticulum. Which function is this cell most likely specialized for?

Accepted Answer

Detoxification of drugs and synthesis of lipids

Question 14

Which of the following is a correct comparison between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Eukaryotic cells have a nucleus; prokaryotic cells do not.

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the role of the Golgi apparatus in a eukaryotic cell?

Accepted Answer

It packages and modifies proteins for transport to their final destinations.

Question 16

A mutation in a plant cell prevents the formation of plasmodesmata. Which process would be most directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Direct cytoplasmic communication between adjacent cells

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

It helps anchor cells and transmits signals from the outside to the inside of the cell.

Question 18

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, facilitating efficient exchange of materials.

Question 19

Which of the following is a unique feature of plant cells that is not found in animal cells?

Accepted Answer

Central vacuole

Question 20

A cell is observed to have a large number of mitochondria. Which of the following is the most likely explanation for this observation?

Accepted Answer

The cell is involved in active transport and requires large amounts of ATP.

Cells and Organelles: Foundations of Cell Biology

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