Biology Chapter on Cell Structure and Function

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

Which cellular characteristic is most crucial for efficient nutrient and waste exchange?

Large cell volume to maximize internal reactions.
Small cell size to minimize metabolic activity.
Low surface area to volume ratio to reduce waste production.
High surface area to volume ratio to optimize diffusion. (correct)

A scientist observes a new structure within a cell. Based on the cell theory, what must the scientist confirm to validate its origin?

The structure was imported from outside the cell without modification.
The structure arose spontaneously within the cell de novo.
The structure originated from a pre-existing similar structure via cellular reproduction. (correct)
The structure was assembled from non-cellular components.

Why is diffusion alone sufficient for transport in smaller cells, but not larger cells?

Larger cells have a decreased surface area to volume ratio, increasing diffusion distance. (correct)
Smaller cells have proportionally less surface area, requiring less transport.
Larger cells have more rigid membranes, hindering diffusion.
Smaller cells lack internal organelles, simplifying transport processes.

Which of the following is NOT a fundamental tenet of the cell theory?

All cells contain a nucleus where genetic material is stored. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does the relationship between a cell's surface area and volume impact its ability to sustain life processes?

A larger surface area relative to volume promotes efficient exchange, allowing life processes to be sustained. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the most accurate description of endosymbiosis?

A symbiotic relationship where one organism lives inside another organism. (C) Signup and view all the answers

According to the endosymbiosis theory, which characteristic supports the idea that mitochondria were once free-living bacteria?

Replication through a process similar to binary fission and possessing their own circular DNA. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of plasmodesmata in plant cells?

To create channels that allow direct cytoplasmic connections between cells. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How do gap junctions facilitate communication between animal cells?

By creating protein channels that allow the passage of small molecules and electrical signals. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What benefit did the host cell gain from engulfing the bacteria that would eventually become mitochondria?

The ability to carry out aerobic respiration and produce more energy. (B) Signup and view all the answers

A researcher is studying a cell and observes a high rate of protein synthesis. Which of the following structures would likely be most abundant in this cell?

Ribosomes (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following analogies best describes the relationship between the nucleus and the nucleolus?

A library (nucleus) contains all the books, and a specific reading room (nucleolus) is dedicated to literature about RNA. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the primary function of mitochondria?

Generating ATP through cellular respiration (D) Signup and view all the answers

A plant cell is placed in a hypotonic solution. Which organelle plays the most significant role in preventing the cell from lysing due to the influx of water?

Central vacuole (D) Signup and view all the answers

A cell is exposed to a toxin that inhibits the function of the Golgi complex. Which of the following processes would be most directly affected?

Protein sorting and packaging (C) Signup and view all the answers

In plant cells, the central vacuole plays a critical role in maintaining turgor pressure. What would be the most likely consequence if the central vacuole malfunctions?

Wilting of the plant (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of chloroplasts?

To carry out photosynthesis (B) Signup and view all the answers

How do plant cells differ from animal cells regarding energy-related organelles?

Plant cells have both chloroplasts and mitochondria, while animal cells only have mitochondria. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which cellular component is responsible for generating energy through cellular respiration?

Mitochondria (B) Signup and view all the answers

If a cell were unable to produce lysosomes, what function would be impaired?

Digestion of cellular waste (C) Signup and view all the answers

If a plant cell's chloroplasts are damaged, which of the following processes would be most directly affected?

Photosynthesis (B) Signup and view all the answers

The stroma is to chloroplasts as the ________ is to mitochondria.

Matrix (B) Signup and view all the answers

A scientist observes that a particular cell can move materials within the cell rapidly. Which structure is most likely facilitating this movement?

Cytoskeleton (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly matches a cellular structure with its primary function?

Chloroplast: Photosynthesis (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is responsible for regulating water intake and retention in plant cells?

Cell wall (A) Signup and view all the answers

A researcher is studying a cell and observes that it contains a large central vacuole, chloroplasts, and a cell wall. Which type of cell is the researcher most likely studying?

A plant cell (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following characteristics is exclusive to eukaryotic cells and not found in prokaryotic cells?

Membrane-bound organelles such as mitochondria. (A) Signup and view all the answers

If a cell is observed to have a high rate of synthesizing lipids and detoxifying harmful substances, which organelle is likely to be highly abundant in this cell?

Smooth endoplasmic reticulum (B) Signup and view all the answers

Within the nucleus, which structure is the primary site for ribosome subunit assembly before they are exported to the cytoplasm?

Nucleolus (A) Signup and view all the answers

A scientist is studying a cell and observes that certain proteins are not being correctly folded and modified. Which organelle is most likely malfunctioning?

Rough endoplasmic reticulum (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best explains how the endomembrane system functions within a cell?

It produces, modifies, and transports molecules within the cell. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the most accurate flow of genetic information within a eukaryotic cell?

DNA → mRNA → Protein (B) Signup and view all the answers

If a liver cell is exposed to high levels of a toxin, how would the smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) respond?

Increase in size and activity to detoxify the toxin (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which structure directly controls the movement of substances into and out of the nucleus?

Nuclear pores (D) Signup and view all the answers

How does the presence of ribosomes differentiate the functions of the rough endoplasmic reticulum from the smooth endoplasmic reticulum?

Ribosomes enable the rough ER to synthesize and modify proteins, while the smooth ER synthesizes lipids and detoxifies substances. (C) Signup and view all the answers

If a certain medication increases the amount of smooth ER in cells, leading to a higher tolerance, what could be a possible side effect?

Decreased sensitivity to other drugs due to faster detoxification. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does chronic drug exposure lead to drug tolerance at the cellular level?

It increases the amount of smooth endoplasmic reticulum (ER), enhancing the cell's ability to detoxify the drug. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why might a drug addict respond less effectively to antibiotics, based on the cellular changes induced by chronic drug use?

The increased smooth ER primarily detoxifies antibiotics, reducing their effectiveness. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What are the primary functions of the Golgi complex in a eukaryotic cell?

Processing proteins and lipids, packaging and exporting molecules, and synthesizing carbohydrates. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does the Golgi complex modify proteins received from the endoplasmic reticulum?

By editing side chains, such as trimming sugars or adding phosphate groups. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of transport vesicles in the context of the Golgi complex?

To transport proteins from the ER to the Golgi and from the Golgi to other destinations. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What are the primary functions of the cytoskeleton within a cell?

Providing shape and support, controlling intracellular traffic flow, and controlling cell movement. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes microfilaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules from each other?

Their size, primary function, and protein composition. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What would happen if a cell's lysosomes were to rupture?

The cell would initiate its programmed cell death, or apoptosis, due to the release of digestive enzymes. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the enzymes found inside lysosomes?

To digest and dismantle biomolecules, such as proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes the environment inside a lysosome?

Acidic pH with numerous digestive enzymes. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Cells

The basic unit of LIFE, making up all organisms.

Cell Theory

A fundamental concept stating that all organisms are made of cells, cells are the basic unit of life, and cells arise from pre-existing cells.

Surface Area/Volume Ratio

An important factor in cell size that affects diffusion efficiency; as cells grow, this ratio decreases, limiting their size.

Diffusion

The process by which molecules move from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration, crucial for cell function.