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Microscopy and Cell Biology Quiz

Total questions: 30

Worksheet time: 15mins

Name
Class
Date
1.

Which scientist created his own microscopes and observed 'animalcules'?

a)

Anton van Leeuwenhoek

b)

Robert Hook

c)

Charles Darwin

d)

Gregor Mendel

2.

What type of microscope uses visible light passed through a specimen and can achieve up to ~1,000x life-size magnification?

a)

Light microscope (LM)

b)

Electron microscope

c)

Scanning probe microscope

d)

Confocal microscope

3.

Why are most subcellular structures, including organelles, too small to be resolved by light microscopy?

a)

Their size is below the resolution limit of light microscopes

b)

They are too bright

c)

They move too quickly

d)

They are only visible at night

4.

What is a basic feature found in all cells?

a)

Nucleus

b)

Plasma membrane

c)

Mitochondria

d)

Cell wall

5.

Which of the following statements best describes the plasma membrane?

a)

It is a rigid structure made of cellulose.

b)

It is a selective barrier that allows passage of oxygen, nutrients, and waste.

c)

It is only found in prokaryotic cells.

d)

It is a single layer of proteins.

6.

Why is the ratio of surface area to volume critical for cells?

a)

It determines the number of chromosomes.

b)

It affects the cell's ability to exchange materials with its environment.

c)

It controls the number of ribosomes.

d)

It determines the type of organism.

7.

Which of the following is true about prokaryotic cells compared to eukaryotic cells?

a)

Prokaryotic cells contain membrane-bound organelles.

b)

Prokaryotic cells are usually larger than eukaryotic cells.

c)

Prokaryotic cells have no nucleus.

d)

Prokaryotic cells have DNA in the nucleus.

8.

Which of the following best explains why small cells have a greater surface area to volume ratio?

a)

They have more organelles.

b)

Their surface area increases faster than their volume as they get smaller.

c)

They contain more DNA.

d)

Their volume increases faster than their surface area as they get smaller.

9.

What is the main function of ribosomes in a eukaryotic cell?

a)

Storing genetic information

b)

Synthesizing proteins

c)

Regulating entry and exit of molecules

d)

Producing energy

10.

Which structure encloses the nucleus and separates DNA from the cytoplasm?

a)

Plasma membrane

b)

Nuclear envelope

c)

Golgi apparatus

d)

Lysosome

11.

What are the two locations where ribosomes carry out protein synthesis?

a)

Mitochondria and cytosol

b)

Cytosol and on the outside of the endoplasmic reticulum/nuclear envelope

c)

Nucleus and lysosome

d)

Golgi apparatus and vacuole

12.

Which of the following is NOT part of the endomembrane system?

a)

Nuclear envelope

b)

Plasma membrane

c)

Mitochondria

d)

Golgi apparatus

13.

Why is the nucleolus important for the cell?

a)

It is the site of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) synthesis.

b)

It regulates the entry and exit of molecules.

c)

It stores genetic information.

d)

It produces energy for the cell.

14.

Which structure is described as the "Shipping & Receiving Center" of the cell?

a)

Lysosome

b)

Golgi Apparatus

c)

Smooth ER

d)

Rough ER

15.

The rough endoplasmic reticulum (Rough ER) is distinguished from the smooth ER by which feature?

a)

Contains hydrolytic enzymes

b)

Lacks ribosomes

c)

Surface is studded with ribosomes

d)

Stores calcium ions

16.

Which of the following best explains how the Golgi apparatus contributes to protein processing in the cell? (DoK Level 2)

a)

It synthesizes proteins from amino acids.

b)

It modifies, sorts, and packages proteins received from the ER into transport vesicles.

c)

It digests proteins using hydrolytic enzymes.

d)

It stores proteins for later use.

17.

A scientist observes a cell that is unable to detoxify alcohol and barbiturates efficiently. Which organelle is most likely malfunctioning, and why? (DoK Level 3)

a)

Lysosome, because it digests macromolecules.

b)

Smooth ER, because it detoxifies drugs and poisons.

c)

Golgi apparatus, because it sorts proteins.

d)

Rough ER, because it secretes glycoproteins.

18.

Which process involves enzymes within lysosomes recycling the cell’s own organelles and macromolecules?

a)

Autophagy

b)

Phagocytosis

c)

Photosynthesis

d)

Cellular respiration

19.

What is the main function of contractile vacuoles in cells?

a)

Pump excess water out of cells

b)

Store water and ions

c)

Digest molecules

d)

Generate ATP

20.

Where are central vacuoles typically found?

a)

In many plant cells

b)

In animal cells only

c)

In bacteria

d)

In mitochondria

21.

Which of the following is evidence supporting the endosymbiont theory for mitochondria and chloroplasts?

a)

They contain a single membrane

b)

They lack ribosomes

c)

They contain their own DNA

d)

They cannot reproduce independently in cells

22.

What is the function of the mitochondrial matrix?

a)

It is the site of photosynthesis

b)

It is the site where some metabolic steps of cellular respiration occur

c)

It stores chlorophyll

d)

It is the protective barrier of the mitochondria

23.

What is the main function of peroxisomes in eukaryotic cells?

a)

Capture light energy

b)

Detoxify various molecules

c)

Store genetic information

d)

Produce ATP through glycolysis

24.

A scientist observes an organelle with a double membrane, its own DNA, and ribosomes. Which organelle could this be, and what does this observation support?

a)

Peroxisome; supports the theory of spontaneous generation

b)

Chloroplast; supports the endosymbiont theory

c)

Nucleus; supports the cell theory

d)

Lysosome; supports the endosymbiont theory

25.

Explain how the structure of the inner mitochondrial membrane contributes to its function in energy conversion.

a)

The smooth surface allows for rapid diffusion of molecules

b)

The folding into cristae increases surface area for metabolic reactions

c)

The presence of chlorophyll enables photosynthesis

d)

The single membrane prevents entry of all molecules

26.

Which of the following is NOT a role of the cytoskeleton in the cell?

a)

Organizes cell's structures and activities

b)

Provides mechanical support and maintains cell shape

c)

Produces energy for cellular respiration

d)

Provides anchorage for many organelles and molecules

27.

Microfilaments are primarily involved in which of the following cellular processes?

a)

Separating chromosomes during cell division

b)

Composing the core of microvilli of intestinal cells

c)

Forming the nuclear envelope

d)

Synthesizing proteins

28.

Which component of the extracellular matrix (ECM) is responsible for binding to cell-surface receptor proteins in animal cells?

a)

ECM proteins

b)

Cellulose microfibrils

c)

Chlorophyll

d)

Phospholipids

29.

Which type of cell junction is primarily found in muscle cells and overlying skin, providing mechanical stability?

a)

Desmosomes

b)

Gap junctions

c)

Tight junctions

d)

Plasmodesmata

30.

Explain why the presence of channels between membrane protein pores is particularly important in heart cells. Use your understanding of cell communication and function to support your answer.

a)

They allow rapid communication and coordination between heart cells, which is essential for synchronized contraction.

b)

They help heart cells store more nutrients.

c)

They increase the number of mitochondria in heart cells.

d)

They prevent the passage of ions between heart cells.