Cell Theory Quiz

Cell theory was first proposed in 1838. Evidence obtained through additional scientific investigations resulted in the current cell theory. Which statement describes a component of the original cell theory that was removed because of the new scientific knowledge?

• All living things are made of cells.

• All cells come from other preexisting cells.

• Cells form through spontaneous generation.

• Cells are the basic structural and functional units of life.

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'Cells form through spontaneous generation.' This statement was part of the original cell theory but was removed due to new scientific knowledge showing that cells do not form through spontaneous generation.

Which invention from the 17th century allowed for the development of modern cell theory?

• X-rays

• computers

• the light microscope

• the scanning electron microscope

Answer explanation

The light microscope, invented in the 17th century, allowed for the development of modern cell theory by enabling scientists to observe cells and their structures for the first time.

A plant and an animal are both living things. According to the Cell Theory, what can you conclude about these two very different organisms?

• Plants have cells but animals do not.

• They are both made of one or more cells.

• They both come from the same kind of cell.

• They both come from a non-living organism.

Answer explanation

According to the Cell Theory, both plants and animals are made of one or more cells, so the correct conclusion is that they are both made of one or more cells.

The combined observations of Matthias Schleiden, Theodor Schwann and Rudolph Virchow resulted in the formation of the cell theory. Which of the following is not part of the cell theory?

• All cells contain a nucleus.

• All cells come from other living cells.

• All living organisms are made of one or more cells.

• Cells are the basic unit of structure and function of all living things.

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'All cells contain a nucleus.' as not all cells contain a nucleus according to the cell theory.

Which of the following best describes the type of transport across the cell membrane?

• passive transport

• facilitated diffusion

• active transport

• co-transport

Answer explanation

Active transport involves the movement of molecules against their concentration gradient, requiring energy input. This best describes the type of transport across the cell membrane.

Which of the following is a section of a cell membrane of a eukaryotic cell?

• lysosome

• ribosome

• nucleus

• mitochondrion

Answer explanation

The correct choice is mitochondrion as it is a section of a cell membrane of a eukaryotic cell involved in energy production.

Which of the following structures is found in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

• lysosome

• ribosome

• nucleus

• mitochondrion

Answer explanation

The ribosome is the structure found in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. It is responsible for protein synthesis in all types of cells.

Which type(s) of cells have genetic material that is contained in a nucleus?

• bacteria

• plants only

• both plant and animal cells

• animal cells only

Answer explanation

Both plant and animal cells have genetic material contained in a nucleus, making them the types of cells with this characteristic.

Which characteristic do most plants have in common?

• cell wall

• chloroplasts

• large central vacuole

• all of the above

Answer explanation

Most plants have cell walls in common, making it the characteristic shared among them. Chloroplasts and large central vacuoles are not universal to all plants.

Which cell structure is correctly paired with its primary function?

• ribosome - protein synthesis

• mitochondrion - movement

• vacuole - cell division

• nucleus - storage of nutrients