The Ultimate Biology Test: Cell Biology Quiz
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What do all cells contain?
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Endoplasmic reticulum
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Plasma membrane
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Nucleus
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Mitochondria
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About This Quiz
Are you ready to test your knowledge of the microscopic world? This cell biology quiz will challenge you on the fundamental building blocks of life, from organelles and their functions to the intricate processes that keep cells alive. If you're a student or just curious about the fascinating world of cells, this quiz will sharpen your understanding.
Want to See moretake your learning to the next level? Our cell biology practice test provides a hands-on approach to mastering key concepts, reinforcing what you already know while filling in any gaps. Prepare to explore mitosis, cellular respiration, and much more in this exciting, knowledge-packed challenge. Take the quiz now!
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- 2.
What is known as the control center or “brain” of the cell?
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Nucleus
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Mitochondrion
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Cell membrane
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Endoplasmic reticulum
Correct Answer
A. NucleusExplanation
The nucleus is considered the control center or brain of the cell because it contains the cell's genetic material, DNA. DNA carries the instructions for the cell's activities, including growth, metabolism, and reproduction. The nucleus also regulates the cell's functions by controlling the synthesis of proteins and other molecules. Additionally, the nucleus plays a crucial role in cell division, as it directs the replication and distribution of DNA during mitosis and meiosis. Therefore, the nucleus is essential for maintaining the cell's overall structure and function.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Which item is not present in plant cells?
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Cell wall
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Nucleus
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Chloroplast
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Centrioles
Correct Answer
A. CentriolesExplanation
Centrioles are not present in plant cells. Centrioles are small, cylindrical structures that are typically found in animal cells and are involved in cell division. They play a crucial role in organizing the microtubules during cell division, but they are absent in plant cells. Plant cells have a rigid cell wall, a nucleus that contains genetic material, and chloroplasts that are responsible for photosynthesis.Rate this question:
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- 4.
What makes the rough endoplasmic reticulum (ER) "rough"?
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Nucleolus
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Golgi apparatus
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Ribosomes
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Chromosomes
Correct Answer
A. RibosomesExplanation
The rough endoplasmic reticulum (ER) gets its "rough" appearance due to the ribosomes that are specifically attached to its cytoplasmic surface. These ribosomes are involved in protein synthesis, but not all ribosomes in the cell are attached to the rough ER. Free ribosomes, which are not attached to the ER, float freely in the cytoplasm and synthesize proteins that function within the cytoplasm. The ribosomes attached to the rough ER primarily produce proteins that are either secreted from the cell, incorporated into the cell's membrane, or sent to an organelle called the lysosome. This distinction gives the rough ER its characteristic "rough" texture under the microscope.Rate this question:
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- 5.
What is the thin, flexible barrier around a cell called?
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Plasma membrane
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Cell wall
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Nuclear envelope
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Cytoplasm
Correct Answer
A. Plasma membraneExplanation
The thin, flexible barrier around a cell is called the plasma membrane. This membrane is composed of a phospholipid bilayer that separates the interior of the cell from its external environment. It regulates the movement of substances in and out of the cell, allowing for selective permeability. The plasma membrane also plays a crucial role in maintaining the cell's shape and providing support. Unlike the cell wall, which is rigid and found only in plant cells, the plasma membrane is flexible and present in all types of cells. The nuclear envelope, on the other hand, surrounds the nucleus, while the cytoplasm refers to the fluid-filled region inside the cell.Rate this question:
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- 6.
What is the main function of the cell wall?
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Support and protect the cell
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Store DNA
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Help the cell move
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Direct the activities of the cell
Correct Answer
A. Support and protect the cellExplanation
The cell wall is a rigid structure that surrounds the cell membrane in plant cells and some prokaryotic cells. Its main function is to provide support and protection to the cell, as it helps maintain the shape of the cell and prevents it from bursting under osmotic pressure. The cell wall also acts as a barrier against external factors, such as pathogens and physical damage, thus protecting the cell from harm.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Which of the following is the function of the cytoskeleton?
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Helps a cell keep its shape
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Contains DNA
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Surrounds the cell
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Helps make proteins
Correct Answer
A. Helps a cell keep its shapeExplanation
The cytoskeleton is a network of protein filaments inside a cell that provides structural support and helps maintain the cell's shape. It also plays a role in cell movement, cell division, and the transport of organelles within the cell. Therefore, the function of the cytoskeleton is to help a cell keep its shape.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Are prokaryotic cells generally much larger than eukaryotic cells?
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True
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False
Correct Answer
A. FalseExplanation
Prokaryotic cells are significantly smaller than eukaryotic cells. The absence of a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles allows prokaryotes to have a simpler structure and a smaller size. This smaller size provides prokaryotes with a larger surface area-to-volume ratio, which facilitates the rapid exchange of nutrients and waste products with their environment. This is crucial for their survival and efficient metabolic processes.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Which organelle cannot be found in animal cells?
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Smooth ER
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Chloroplast
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Mitochondria
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Ribosome
Correct Answer
A. ChloroplastExplanation
Chloroplasts are the organelles responsible for photosynthesis in plant cells. They contain chlorophyll, which captures sunlight and converts it into energy. Since animals do not undergo photosynthesis, they do not require chloroplasts and therefore do not have them. This is why chloroplasts cannot be found in animal cells.Rate this question:
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- 10.
What is diffusion?
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Movement of particles from an area of equilibrium to an area of high concentration.
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Movement of particles from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.
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Movement of particles from an area of low concentration to an area of high concentration.
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All of the above
Correct Answer
A. Movement of particles from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.Explanation
Diffusion is the process by which particles move from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration. This occurs because particles tend to move randomly and will naturally spread out to areas where their concentration is lower. Therefore, the correct answer is an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.Rate this question:
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- 11.
What do eukaryotic cells contain?
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Only ribosomes
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Membrane bound organelles
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DNA floating in the cytoplasm
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Just cytoplasm
Correct Answer
A. Membrane bound organellesExplanation
A eukaryotic cell contains membrane-bound organelles. This means that the cell has specialized compartments within its cytoplasm that are surrounded by membranes. These organelles, such as the nucleus, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and Golgi apparatus, perform specific functions necessary for the cell's survival and functioning. The presence of membrane-bound organelles is a characteristic feature of eukaryotic cells, distinguishing them from prokaryotic cells, which lack these structures.Rate this question:
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- 12.
What is the process of diffusion of water called?
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Facilitated diffusion
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Active transport
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Osmosis
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Exocytosis
Correct Answer
A. OsmosisExplanation
Osmosis is the correct answer because it is the process by which water molecules move from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration through a selectively permeable membrane. This movement of water occurs passively, without the need for energy expenditure, making it different from active transport and exocytosis. Facilitated diffusion, on the other hand, refers to the passive movement of molecules across a membrane with the help of transport proteins, but it does not specifically pertain to water molecules.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Which organelle is the "packing center" for the cell?
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Endoplasmic reticulum
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Nucleus
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Lysosome
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Golgi apparatus
Correct Answer
A. Golgi apparatusExplanation
The Golgi apparatus is known as the "packing center" for the cell because it is responsible for modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins and lipids into vesicles for transport to their final destinations within the cell or for secretion outside the cell. It receives newly synthesized proteins and lipids from the endoplasmic reticulum and processes them by adding specific modifications, such as carbohydrates, to form functional molecules. The Golgi apparatus then packages these molecules into vesicles, which can either be transported to other parts of the cell or released outside the cell.Rate this question:
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- 14.
What is a sac-like structure that stores water?
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Golgi apparatus
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Nucleus
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Vacuole
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Endoplasmic reticulum
Correct Answer
A. VacuoleExplanation
A vacuole is a saclike organelle found in plant and fungal cells. Its primary function is to store various substances, including water, nutrients, and waste products. In plant cells, the central vacuole helps maintain turgor pressure, contributing to cell structure and stability, as well as regulating osmotic balance.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Which of the following is the "powerhouse" of the cell that breaks down food into energy that the cell needs?
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Mitochondria
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Vacuole
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Endoplasmic reticulum
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Chloroplast
Correct Answer
A. MitochondriaExplanation
Mitochondria are known as the "powerhouse" of the cell because they are responsible for breaking down food molecules and converting them into energy in the form of ATP. This process, called cellular respiration, occurs in the mitochondria's inner membrane. The energy produced by mitochondria is essential for the cell to carry out its various functions and activities.Rate this question:
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- 16.
Who discovered "cells" and named them?
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Anton Van Leeuwenhoek
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Robert Hooke
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Lynn Margulis
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Rudolph
Correct Answer
A. Robert HookeExplanation
Robert Hooke is credited with discovering "cells" and naming them. In 1665, he published his observations of cork under a microscope and described the small compartments he saw as "cells" due to their resemblance to the cells of a monastery. This discovery laid the foundation for the cell theory, which states that cells are the basic unit of life. Hooke's work was a significant contribution to the field of biology and has had a lasting impact on our understanding of living organisms.Rate this question:
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- 17.
Which of the following is not found in all cells?
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Genetic material
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Cell membrane
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Vacuoles
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Cytoplasm
Correct Answer
A. VacuolesExplanation
Vacuoles are not found in all cells. While genetic material, cell membrane, and cytoplasm are present in all cells, vacuoles are not a universal feature. Vacuoles are membrane-bound sacs found in plant cells and some animal cells, but not in all types of cells. They function in various processes such as storage of nutrients, waste disposal, and maintaining cell turgidity. However, their presence or absence can vary depending on the cell type and organism.Rate this question:
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- 18.
Which of the following is the site for protein synthesis?
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Cell membrane
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Nucleus
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Ribosomes
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Lysosomes
Correct Answer
A. RibosomesExplanation
Ribosomes are the site for protein synthesis in a cell. They are small organelles found in the cytoplasm and on the rough endoplasmic reticulum. Ribosomes are responsible for translating the genetic information stored in mRNA into proteins. They do this by linking amino acids together in the correct order according to the instructions provided by the mRNA. Therefore, ribosomes play a crucial role in the production of proteins, which are essential for various cellular functions and processes.Rate this question:
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- 19.
Which of the following is not part of the cell theory?
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All living things are made of cells.
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Cells come from existing cells.
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Cells are the basic units of structure and function in all living things.
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All cells contain the same organelles.
Correct Answer
A. All cells contain the same organelles.Explanation
The cell theory states that all living things are made of cells, cells come from existing cells, and cells are the basic units of structure and function in all living things. However, it does not state that all cells contain the same organelles. Organelles are specialized structures within cells that perform specific functions, and the types and number of organelles can vary between different types of cells. Therefore, the statement that all cells contain the same organelles is not part of the cell theory.Rate this question:
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- 20.
Who proposed that some cell organelles were once a type of bacteria that were free-living?
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Schwann
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Leeuwenhoek
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Schleiden
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Margulis
Correct Answer
A. MargulisExplanation
Margulis proposed the endosymbiotic theory, which suggests that some cell organelles, such as mitochondria and chloroplasts, were once free-living bacteria that were engulfed by other cells and formed a symbiotic relationship. This theory explains the similarities between these organelles and bacteria, such as their own DNA and ability to reproduce independently.Rate this question:
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- 21.
What is the small dark structure in the nucleus that produces ribosomes?
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Rough ER
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Nucleolus
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Smooth ER
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Chromatin
Correct Answer
A. NucleolusExplanation
The nucleolus is the small dark structure in the nucleus that produces ribosomes. It is responsible for the assembly of ribosomal subunits, which are essential for protein synthesis. The nucleolus contains specialized regions where ribosomal RNA (rRNA) is transcribed and processed, along with proteins that combine with rRNA to form ribosomes. These ribosomes are then exported to the cytoplasm, where they participate in protein synthesis.Rate this question:
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- 22.
What is the name of the jelly-like substance found in all cells?
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Centrioles
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Cytoskeleton
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Chromosomes
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Cytoplasm
Correct Answer
A. CytoplasmExplanation
Cytoplasm is the jelly-like substance found in all cells. It is a semi-fluid substance that fills the cell and is enclosed by the cell membrane. It contains various organelles, such as the mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum, as well as other components necessary for cellular processes. The cytoplasm provides support and shape to the cell, and it is where many metabolic reactions occur. It also serves as a medium for the movement of molecules and organelles within the cell.Rate this question:
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- 23.
What are the folds found inside the mitochondria that give more surface area for energy-releasing processes to take place called?
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Chromosomes
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Cilia
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Cristae
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Cytoskeleton
Correct Answer
A. CristaeExplanation
The folds found inside the mitochondria are called cristae. These cristae provide more surface area for energy-releasing processes to take place. This increased surface area allows for more efficient production of ATP, the main energy currency of the cell. The other options mentioned, such as chromosomes, cilia, and cytoskeleton, are not related to the folds inside the mitochondria.Rate this question:
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- 24.
What is the name of the sac-like structure that contains digestive enzymes that digest waste materials or even dead cells?
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ER
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Lysosome
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Vacuole
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Vesicle
Correct Answer
A. LysosomeExplanation
A lysosome is a sac-like structure that contains digestive enzymes. These enzymes are responsible for breaking down waste materials and even dead cells. Lysosomes play a crucial role in the process of cellular digestion and waste removal. They are able to break down various substances, including proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates, through the action of their enzymes. This allows the cell to recycle nutrients and eliminate waste products effectively. Overall, lysosomes are essential for maintaining the cell's overall health and functionality.Rate this question:
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- 25.
What is the name of a series of sac-like tunnels that have ribosomes attached and whose main function of this organelle is to make and process proteins?
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Nucleus
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Rough ER
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Smooth ER
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Golgi apparatus
Correct Answer
A. Rough ERExplanation
The correct answer is rough ER. The rough ER is a network of sac-like tunnels that have ribosomes attached to their surface. This organelle is involved in protein synthesis and processing. The ribosomes on the rough ER synthesize proteins, which are then modified and processed within the sac-like tunnels. Therefore, the rough ER plays a crucial role in the production and processing of proteins in the cell.Rate this question:
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- 26.
What is considered to be the opposite of diffusion because it moves molecules from an area of low concentration to high concentration?
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Diffusion
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Osmosis
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Active transport
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Facilitated diffusion
Correct Answer
A. Active transportExplanation
Active transport is the process in which molecules are moved from an area of low concentration to high concentration, which is opposite to diffusion. Unlike diffusion and osmosis, active transport requires the cell to use energy in order to transport molecules against their concentration gradient. This process is essential for maintaining proper concentrations of molecules inside and outside the cell, and it allows the cell to accumulate substances that are needed for various cellular processes. Facilitated diffusion, on the other hand, is a passive process that does not require energy and involves the movement of molecules across a membrane with the help of transport proteins.Rate this question:
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- 27.
What is the name of the active transport process where the plasma membrane forms a pouch to surround something and bring it into the cell?
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Osmosis
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Endocytosis
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Exocytosis
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Facilitated diffusion
Correct Answer
A. EndocytosisExplanation
Endocytosis is the correct answer because it is the active transport process where the plasma membrane forms a pouch to surround something and bring it into the cell. This process allows the cell to take in large molecules or particles that cannot pass through the plasma membrane on their own. It can occur through three different mechanisms: phagocytosis, pinocytosis, and receptor-mediated endocytosis. In phagocytosis, solid particles are engulfed, while in pinocytosis, liquids and solutes are taken in. Receptor-mediated endocytosis involves the binding of specific molecules to receptors on the plasma membrane before they are internalized.Rate this question:
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- 28.
What is the name of the active transport process where a vesicle inside the cell fuses with the plasma membrane to release contents to the outside of the cell?
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Exocytosis
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Pinocytosis
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Phagocytosis
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Endocytosis
Correct Answer
A. ExocytosisExplanation
Exocytosis is the active transport process where a vesicle inside the cell fuses with the plasma membrane to release its contents to the outside of the cell. This process is essential for the secretion of various molecules such as hormones, enzymes, and neurotransmitters. It allows the cell to communicate with its surroundings and regulate its internal environment.Rate this question:
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- 29.
What is the name of the organic compounds that are found floating around in a sea of phospholipids and sometimes form channels or pumps for moving substances in and out of the cell?
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Carbohydrates
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Proteins
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Nucleic acids
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Lipids
Correct Answer
A. ProteinsExplanation
Proteins are organic compounds that are found floating around in a sea of phospholipids. They have the ability to form channels or pumps, which are essential for transporting substances in and out of the cell. This is because proteins have a diverse range of functions and can act as transporters, allowing specific molecules to pass through the cell membrane. They play a crucial role in maintaining the cell's internal environment and regulating the movement of substances across the cell membrane.Rate this question:
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- 30.
Which of the following is not supporting evidence of the endosymbiont theory?
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Mitochondria and chloroplasts have their own DNA.
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Mitochondria and chloroplasts are only found in eukaryotic cells.
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Mitochondria and chloroplasts may reproduce.
Correct Answer
A. Mitochondria and chloroplasts are only found in eukaryotic cells.Explanation
The fact that mitochondria and chloroplasts have their own DNA and can reproduce supports the endosymbiont theory, which proposes that these organelles were once free-living bacteria that were engulfed by larger cells. This theory suggests that mitochondria and chloroplasts became symbiotic organelles within eukaryotic cells. The statement that mitochondria and chloroplasts are only found in eukaryotic cells contradicts this theory, as it implies that these organelles are not independent entities that were acquired by cells through endosymbiosis.Rate this question:
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- 31.
Which of the following is not true of the fluid mosaic model?
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Proteins float among the phospholipids.
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Carbohydrate chains may extend off of the plasma membrane.
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Cholesterol damages the plasma membrane.
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Phospholipids may move around.
Correct Answer
A. Cholesterol damages the plasma membrane.Explanation
The fluid mosaic model describes the structure of the plasma membrane, stating that proteins are embedded within the phospholipid bilayer and can move freely. Carbohydrate chains can also extend off the membrane. However, the statement that cholesterol damages the plasma membrane is not true. Cholesterol helps to stabilize the membrane and regulate its fluidity. Therefore, it does not cause damage to the plasma membrane.Rate this question:
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- 32.
Which of the following describes a cell that has an equal amount of solute as its environment?
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Hypotonic
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Hypertonic
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Isotonic
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Osmotic
Correct Answer
A. IsotonicExplanation
An isotonic cell has an equal concentration of solute as its environment. This means that there is no net movement of water across the cell membrane, as the concentration of solute is balanced on both sides. The cell remains in a stable state, with no change in size or shape.Rate this question:
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- 33.
Which of the following is not found in all cells?
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DNA
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Plasma membrane
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Cytoplasm
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Lysosome
Correct Answer
A. LysosomeExplanation
Lysosomes are not found in all cells. Lysosomes are membrane-bound organelles that contain enzymes responsible for breaking down waste materials and cellular debris. While lysosomes are present in most animal cells, they are not found in all cell types. For example, red blood cells do not contain lysosomes. Therefore, lysosomes are not a universal component of all cells.Rate this question:
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- 34.
Which of the following is the site of photosynthesis?
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Smooth ER
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Chloroplast
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Mitochondria
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Cytoplasm
Correct Answer
A. ChloroplastExplanation
The correct answer is chloroplast because it is the organelle in plant cells where photosynthesis takes place. Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into glucose (sugar) and oxygen. Chloroplasts contain a pigment called chlorophyll, which absorbs sunlight and uses its energy to carry out the chemical reactions of photosynthesis. This process is essential for plants to produce food and release oxygen into the atmosphere.Rate this question:
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- 35.
Which of the following scientists discovered that all animals have cells?
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Leeuwenhoek
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Virchow
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Schwann
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Schleiden
Correct Answer
A. SchwannExplanation
Schwann is the correct answer because he discovered that all animals have cells. Schwann, along with Matthias Schleiden, developed the cell theory, which states that all living organisms are composed of cells. This groundbreaking discovery revolutionized the field of biology and laid the foundation for our understanding of the structure and function of living organisms. Schwann's work specifically focused on animal cells, while Schleiden's work focused on plant cells. Together, their contributions to the cell theory have had a profound impact on our understanding of life on Earth.Rate this question:
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- 36.
Which of the following is instrumental in helping a cell maintain homeostasis?
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Cytoskeleton
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Cell wall
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Nucleus
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Plasma membrane
Correct Answer
A. Plasma membraneExplanation
The plasma membrane is instrumental in helping a cell maintain homeostasis because it acts as a selectively permeable barrier, controlling the movement of substances in and out of the cell. It regulates the entry and exit of ions, nutrients, and waste products, maintaining the balance necessary for the cell's proper functioning. Additionally, the plasma membrane contains transport proteins that facilitate the movement of specific molecules across the membrane. Overall, the plasma membrane plays a crucial role in regulating the internal environment of the cell and ensuring its stability.Rate this question:
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- 37.
Which of the following contains instructions for making a protein?
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Golgi apparatus
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Rough ER
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Nucleus
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Ribosome
Correct Answer
A. RibosomeExplanation
Ribosomes are cellular structures responsible for protein synthesis. They translate the genetic code carried by messenger RNA (mRNA) into a specific sequence of amino acids. This process involves the ribosome reading the mRNA codons and recruiting the corresponding amino acids, which are then linked together to form a polypeptide chain. The polypeptide chain folds into a functional protein, carrying out various functions in the cell.Rate this question:
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- 38.
Which of the following is located on the very outside of a plant cell?
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Centrioles
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Cell wall
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Plasma membrane
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Vacuole
Correct Answer
A. Cell wallExplanation
The cell wall is located on the very most outside of a plant cell. It is a rigid layer that provides support and protection to the cell. It is made up of cellulose and other complex carbohydrates. The cell wall helps maintain the shape of the cell and prevents it from bursting when water enters the cell. It also acts as a barrier, controlling the movement of substances in and out of the cell.Rate this question:
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- 39.
Which of the following is not found in an animal cell?
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Nucleus
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Cell wall
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Mitochondria
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Cytoplasm
Correct Answer
A. Cell wallExplanation
The correct answer is cell wall. Animal cells do not have a cell wall, unlike plant cells. Animal cells have a nucleus, mitochondria, and cytoplasm, which are all essential organelles for their functioning. The cell wall is a rigid structure found in plant cells that provides support and protection.Rate this question:
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- 40.
Which of the following was not visible under the microscopes when viewing cells?
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Chloroplasts
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Nucleus
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Cytoplasm
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DNA strands
Correct Answer
A. DNA strandsExplanation
DNA strands were not visible under the microscopes when viewing cells. The other options, chloroplasts, nucleus, and cytoplasm, are all visible under microscopes and can be observed in cells. DNA strands are much smaller and require more advanced techniques, such as fluorescence microscopy or DNA staining, to be visualized.Rate this question:
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