Cell Biology Quiz

Which structures are present in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

• Nucleus

• Cell wall

• Ribosome

• Chloroplast

Answer explanation

Answer: Ribosome
Explanation: Ribosomes are present in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and play a crucial role in protein synthesis. Unlike structures such as the nucleus (which is only in eukaryotes), ribosomes are found universally, as all cells require protein synthesis machinery.

Which organelle is known as the "powerhouse" of the cell?

• Golgi apparatus

• Mitochondria

• Lysosome

• Ribosome

Answer explanation

• Answer: Mitochondria
  Explanation: Mitochondria are known as the “powerhouse” of the cell because they generate ATP, the cell's primary energy currency, through cellular respiration. While other organelles have various roles, the mitochondria are directly involved in energy production.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS2-5

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

• Control cell division

• Provide structural support

• Store genetic information

• Facilitate cellular respiration

Answer explanation

Answer: Provide structural support
Explanation: The cell wall, particularly in plant cells, provides structural support, maintaining the cell’s shape and protecting it from osmotic pressure. It is a rigid structure composed mainly of cellulose in plants, making it essential for support.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-2

In eukaryotic cells, where does the synthesis of proteins that are exported out of the cell typically occur?

• Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum

• Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum

• Mitochondria

• Cytosol

Answer explanation

Answer: Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum
Explanation: The rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) is studded with ribosomes, making it the site for protein synthesis, especially for proteins exported from the cell or incorporated into cell membranes.

If a cell lacks ribosomes, which of the following processes would be directly affected?

• Protein synthesis

• DNA replication

• Lipid synthesis

• Cellular respiration

Answer explanation

Answer: Protein synthesis
Explanation: Ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis, so if they are absent, the cell cannot produce proteins, which are essential for numerous cellular functions, including enzymatic activities and cell structure.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS1-1

Which of these cellular structures would most likely increase in number when a cell requires more energy?

• Nuclei

• Mitochondria

• Lysosomes

• Chloroplasts

Answer explanation

Answer : Mitochondria
Explanation: Mitochondria increase in number to meet higher energy demands as they produce ATP through cellular respiration. Cells with high energy requirements, such as muscle cells, often contain many mitochondria.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS1-7

How do chloroplasts and mitochondria differ in their roles within a cell?

• Both produce energy, but chloroplasts use sunlight

• Mitochondria store energy, chloroplasts produce it

• Chloroplasts are in animal cells; mitochondria are in plants

• Both produce ATP, but chloroplasts function in respiration

Answer explanation

Answer: Both produce energy, but chloroplasts use sunlight
Explanation: Chloroplasts and mitochondria both produce ATP, but chloroplasts do so using sunlight through photosynthesis (in plants), while mitochondria produce ATP from glucose through cellular respiration (in all eukaryotic cells).

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS1-7

NGSS.HS-LS2-5

In comparing prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, which of the following statements is true?

• Prokaryotic cells have a membrane-bound nucleus

• Eukaryotic cells are generally smaller than prokaryotic cells

• Prokaryotic cells lack membrane-bound organelles

• Both cell types contain mitochondria

Answer explanation

Answer: Prokaryotic cells lack membrane-bound organelles
Explanation: Prokaryotic cells lack membrane-bound organelles, such as the nucleus and mitochondria, which are present in eukaryotic cells. This difference is fundamental to the classification of cell types.

The primary function of the nucleolus is to:

• Store genetic material

• Synthesize ribosomes

• Produce ATP

• Transport proteins

Answer explanation

Answer: Synthesize ribosomes
Explanation: The nucleolus is the site of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) synthesis and ribosome assembly. While it resides within the nucleus, its primary function is related to ribosome production, not genetic storage or ATP production.

Which structure forms the boundary of a cell and regulates the passage of materials?

• Cytoplasm

• Plasma membrane

• Cell wall

• Nucleus

Answer explanation

Answer: Plasma membrane
Explanation: The plasma membrane, a phospholipid bilayer, forms the boundary of the cell and is selectively permeable, controlling the movement of substances in and out of the cell.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-2