Question 1

Which structure is present in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and is responsible for protein synthesis?

Accepted Answer

Ribosome

Question 2

A scientist discovers a cell with a cell wall, central vacuole, and chloroplasts. Which type of cell is this most likely to be?

Accepted Answer

Plant cell

Question 3

Which organelle is the primary site of cellular respiration in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondrion

Question 4

What is the main function of the rough endoplasmic reticulum (ER)?

Accepted Answer

Protein synthesis for secretion or membrane insertion

Question 5

Which structure in animal cells is most similar in function to plasmodesmata in plant cells?

Accepted Answer

Gap junctions

Question 6

According to the endosymbiotic theory, which evidence supports the idea that mitochondria and chloroplasts were once independent prokaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

They contain their own DNA and ribosomes

Question 7

A white blood cell engulfs a bacterium. Which organelle is responsible for digesting the bacterium?

Accepted Answer

Lysosome

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the function of the Golgi apparatus?

Accepted Answer

Modification, sorting, and shipping of proteins and lipids

Question 9

Which macromolecule is cellulose, the main component of plant cell walls?

Accepted Answer

Carbohydrate

Question 10

A mutation disrupts the function of integrins in an animal cell. What process would be most affected?

Accepted Answer

Communication between the cell interior and exterior

Question 11

Which cytoskeletal element is primarily responsible for the movement of cilia and flagella?

Accepted Answer

Microtubules

Question 12

Which equation best represents the process of cellular respiration occurring in mitochondria?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6$ + 6O_2 \rightarrow 6CO_2 + 6H_2O + ATP}$$

Question 13

Which organelle is responsible for synthesizing lipids in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Smooth ER

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT found in a typical prokaryotic cell?

Accepted Answer

Membrane-bound organelles

Question 15

A mutation causes a plant cell to lack plasmodesmata. What is the most likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

Impaired communication and transport between adjacent cells

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the role of the nucleolus?

Accepted Answer

Site of rRNA synthesis and ribosomal subunit assembly

Question 17

Which cell junction would you expect to find in the lining of the human intestine to prevent leakage of digestive fluids?

Accepted Answer

Tight junctions

Question 18

Which of the following is a real-life example of a human cell with a flagellum?

Accepted Answer

Sperm cell

Question 19

Which process occurs in the thylakoid membranes of the chloroplast?

Accepted Answer

Light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis

Question 20

A cell is observed to have many lysosomes. What might be a likely function of this cell?

Accepted Answer

Digestion of foreign material or cellular debris

A Tour of the Cell: Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cell Structure and Function

Study Guide - Practice Questions