Cells

Which is a primary function of a vacuole in a cell?

• enzyme production

• protein synthesis

• storage

• reproduction

What determines the function of a specialized cell?

• the type of RNA in the cell

• the number of ribosomes in the cell

• the number of chromosomes in the cell

• the active genes in the cell

Waxes create a waterproof layer on the outside of some living organisms. To which group of organic molecules do waxes belong?

• carbohydrates

• lipids

• nucleic acids

• proteins

Plant cells are able to produce their own food. This process happens in which structure?

• cell wall

• chloroplast

• mitochondrion

• vacuole

These diagrams show a variety of cells from the same organism. How can cells from the same organism have such different shapes and functions?

• As each cell differentiates, the DNA changes so that each type of cell has different DNA once it reaches maturity.

• Mutations in the cells’ nuclei lead to new combinations of DNA, resulting in different shapes and functions in the different types of cells.

• During differentiation, different parts of the DNA in each type of cell are activated, resulting in the different structure and function of the cells.

• During differentiation, different types of cells produce proteins which destroy the nonactive DNA, leading to cell specialization.

What do both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells contain?

• membrane-bound organelles

• linear chromosomes

• cytoplasm

• a nucleus

Which of these cells in the human body is specialized to transport oxygen throughout the body?

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This diagram shows a Paramecium, a unicellular protist. When a chemical is added to the pond water in which the Paramecium lives, the Paramecium stops moving. Which structure is most likely affected?

• 1

• 2

• 3

• 4

The human body processes and eliminates food waste using the organs of the excretory system. Which organelle performs a similar function in humans at the cellular level?

• mitochondrion

• endoplasmic reticulum

• lysosome

• Golgi complex

A bilge pump is a device that ships use to pump excess water out when too much water enters the ship. Likewise, a clam uses a structure called a siphon to expel water after it flows over its gills. Which cellular organelle has a similar job?

• vesicle

• lysosome

• Golgi apparatus

• contractile vacuole