Cell Structure and Function

What are the three things that all cells have in common?

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• Cell membrane, cytoplasm, and DNA

• Nucleus, cytoplasm, and mitochondria

• Cell wall, chloroplast, and ribosomes

• Endoplasmic reticulum, lysosomes, and golgi apparatus

Answer explanation

All cells, no matter if they are prokaryotic or eukaryotic, have at least three things in common. They all have a cell membrane, which serves as a barrier and controls what enters and leaves the cell, cytoplasm, which is a jelly-like substance that contains the cell's components, and DNA, the genetic material that guides the cell's functions.

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Which category of cells are more advanced and complex?

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• Prokaryotic cells

• Eukaryotic cells

• Animal cells

• Plant cells

Answer explanation

Eukaryotic cells are more advanced and complex compared to Prokaryotic, Animal, and Plant cells. While Prokaryotic cells are primitive and lack a nucleus, Eukaryotic cells possess a true nucleus and other organelles. Animal and Plant cells are subsets of Eukaryotic cells, but not all Eukaryotic cells are Animal or Plant cells.

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What is the function of the nucleus?

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• Synthesizing proteins

• Storing water

• Controlling the cell

• Breaking down cellular debris

Answer explanation

The nucleus functions as the control center of the cell, directing cellular activities by controlling the production of proteins. Therefore, the correct answer to the question 'What is the function of the nucleus?' is 'Controlling the cell'. The other options are not directly related to the primary role of the nucleus in a cell.

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What is the role of ribosomes in a cell?

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• Making proteins

• Transporting materials

• Customizing proteins

• Storing genetic material

Answer explanation

Ribosomes play a vital role in the cell's protein synthesis process. The question asks about this particular function. The correct choice, 'Making proteins', directly points to this role of ribosomes. The other options are tasks performed by different cell organelles, not by ribosomes.

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Which organelle is responsible for synthesizing proteins?

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• Golgi apparatus

• Endoplasmic reticulum

• Mitochondrion

• Chloroplast

Answer explanation

The Endoplasmic reticulum is responsible for protein synthesis. Proteins are assembled at the rough endoplasmic reticulum, then transported to the Golgi apparatus for further processing. The other options - Golgi apparatus, Mitochondrion, and Chloroplast - have different functions in the cell.

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What is the function of the golgi apparatus?

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• Making ATP molecules

• Storing water

• Breaking down cellular debris

• Customizing proteins

Answer explanation

The question asks about the function of the golgi apparatus. It plays a crucial role in the modification, sorting and packaging of proteins for transport to their intended destinations. Hence, the correct answer is 'Customizing proteins', as it accurately describes this function.

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Which organelle is the powerhouse of the cell?

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• Nucleus

• Ribosomes

• Endoplasmic reticulum

• Mitochondrion

Answer explanation

The powerhouse of the cell is the mitochondrion. It is called so because it produces most of the cell's supply of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is used as a source of chemical energy. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is the mitochondrion.

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Which type of cells have chloroplasts?

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• Prokaryotic cells

• Animal cells

• Plant cells

• Bacterial cells

Answer explanation

Chloroplasts, which are responsible for photosynthesis in cells, are found in plant cells. This is a trait that distinguishes plant cells from prokaryotic, animal, and bacterial cells. Chloroplasts enable plants to convert light energy into chemical energy, which is not a capability of the other cell types listed in the question.

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What is the function of a cell wall in plant cells?

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• Shape, support, and protect the cell

• Synthesize proteins

• Store water

• Break down cellular debris

Answer explanation

The cell wall in plant cells is responsible for maintaining the shape of the cell, providing support, and protecting the cell from damage. It does not synthesize proteins, store water, or break down cellular debris. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Shape, support, and protect the cell'.

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Which unique feature helps trap inhaled particles in the respiratory tract?

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• Cilia

• Flagella

• Microfilaments

• Microtubules

Answer explanation

The unique feature that helps trap inhaled particles in the respiratory tract is cilia. These are microscopic hairlike structures that line the respiratory tract. They move in coordinated waves, pushing mucus and trapped particles up and out of the respiratory system. Therefore, the correct answer is cilia.