MCAT Biology Most Recent Exam Newest 2026
Questions and Correct Detailed Answers Already
Graded A+
Cell Theory - CORRECT ANSWER-Four Tenets:
1. All living things are composed of cells
2. The cell is the basic functional unit of life
3. Cells arise only from preexisting cells
4. Cells carry genetic information in the form of DNA
Golgi Apparatus - CORRECT ANSWER-Stacked membrane-bound sacs that are
transferred from the ER via vesicles. The Golgi modifies the products via addition
of various groups. It modifies cellular products thought the introduction of signal
sequences, which help direct the delivery of product to a specific cellular location.
Can also send to lysosomes for degredation
Exocytosis - CORRECT ANSWER-Used in secretion, when the secretory vesicle
merges with the cell membrane and its contents.
,Peroxisomes - CORRECT ANSWER-Contain hydrogen peroxide. It breaks down
long chain fatty acids via beta oxidation. They help in the synthesis of
phospholipids.
Cytoskeleton - CORRECT ANSWER-Provides structure to the cell and helps it to
maintain its shape. It also provides a conduit for transport of material around the
cell.
Microfilaments - CORRECT ANSWER-Solid polymerized rods of actin organized
into bundles and networks that are resistant to compression and fracture. They
assist in cytokinesis and cleavage furrow. Present in muscle
Eukaryotic Cells - CORRECT ANSWER-Contain a true nucleus enclosed in a
membrane.
Prokaryotic Cells - CORRECT ANSWER-Do not contain a nucleus.
Organelles - CORRECT ANSWER-Suspended in semifluid cytosol. In eukaryotic
cells they are membrane bound, allowing for compartmentalization of functions.
The membranes are made of a phospholipid bilayer, surfaces are hydrophilic, they
interact with the environment.
,Cytosol - CORRECT ANSWER-Allows for diffusion of molecules throughout the
cell.
Nucleus - CORRECT ANSWER-Genetic material is encoded in DNA, organized in
chromosomes. This DNA provides all the genetic material needed for replication
of the cell. It is surrounded by the nuclear membrane or envelope, which forms a
double membrane. Nuclear pores allow for selective exchange of material
between cytoplasm and the nucleus.
Genetic Material of the Nucleus - CORRECT ANSWER-DNA contains coding
regions called genes. Linear DNA is wound around organizing proteins known as
histones, and further wound into chromosomes.
Nuclear Membrane - CORRECT ANSWER-Contains nuclear pores that allow for
selective 2-way exchange of material between the cytoplasm and the nucleolus
Nucleolus - CORRECT ANSWER--Subsection of the nucleus
-Where ribosomal RNA is synthesized
-The darker spot that is 25% of the nucleus
, Mitochondria - CORRECT ANSWER-Power plant of the cell. Two layers, inner
and outer membrane. The outer membrane is a barrier between the cytosol and
the inner environment of the mitochondria. The inner membrane, made up of
infoldings called cristae, contains the molecules and enzymes necessary for the
electron transport chain. The intermembrane space separates them, creating a
matrix between them.
The pumping of protons from the matrix to the intermembrane space creates a
proton-motive force that generates ATP via protons flowing through and turning
ATP synthase (oxidative phosphorylation). The mitochondria is semiautonomous,
meaning they replicate independently of the the nucleus via binary fission.
They can kill the cell via release of enzymes that aid in apoptosis.
Lysosomes - CORRECT ANSWER-Membrane-bound structures containing
hydrolytic enzymes that are capable of breaking down many different substrates,
including those ingested by endocytosis and cellular waste products.
The enzymes are sequestered to protect the cell, releasing these enzymes causes
autolysis, resulting in apoptosis...in this case, the released enzymes directly lead
to cell degradation.
Questions and Correct Detailed Answers Already
Graded A+
Cell Theory - CORRECT ANSWER-Four Tenets:
1. All living things are composed of cells
2. The cell is the basic functional unit of life
3. Cells arise only from preexisting cells
4. Cells carry genetic information in the form of DNA
Golgi Apparatus - CORRECT ANSWER-Stacked membrane-bound sacs that are
transferred from the ER via vesicles. The Golgi modifies the products via addition
of various groups. It modifies cellular products thought the introduction of signal
sequences, which help direct the delivery of product to a specific cellular location.
Can also send to lysosomes for degredation
Exocytosis - CORRECT ANSWER-Used in secretion, when the secretory vesicle
merges with the cell membrane and its contents.
,Peroxisomes - CORRECT ANSWER-Contain hydrogen peroxide. It breaks down
long chain fatty acids via beta oxidation. They help in the synthesis of
phospholipids.
Cytoskeleton - CORRECT ANSWER-Provides structure to the cell and helps it to
maintain its shape. It also provides a conduit for transport of material around the
cell.
Microfilaments - CORRECT ANSWER-Solid polymerized rods of actin organized
into bundles and networks that are resistant to compression and fracture. They
assist in cytokinesis and cleavage furrow. Present in muscle
Eukaryotic Cells - CORRECT ANSWER-Contain a true nucleus enclosed in a
membrane.
Prokaryotic Cells - CORRECT ANSWER-Do not contain a nucleus.
Organelles - CORRECT ANSWER-Suspended in semifluid cytosol. In eukaryotic
cells they are membrane bound, allowing for compartmentalization of functions.
The membranes are made of a phospholipid bilayer, surfaces are hydrophilic, they
interact with the environment.
,Cytosol - CORRECT ANSWER-Allows for diffusion of molecules throughout the
cell.
Nucleus - CORRECT ANSWER-Genetic material is encoded in DNA, organized in
chromosomes. This DNA provides all the genetic material needed for replication
of the cell. It is surrounded by the nuclear membrane or envelope, which forms a
double membrane. Nuclear pores allow for selective exchange of material
between cytoplasm and the nucleus.
Genetic Material of the Nucleus - CORRECT ANSWER-DNA contains coding
regions called genes. Linear DNA is wound around organizing proteins known as
histones, and further wound into chromosomes.
Nuclear Membrane - CORRECT ANSWER-Contains nuclear pores that allow for
selective 2-way exchange of material between the cytoplasm and the nucleolus
Nucleolus - CORRECT ANSWER--Subsection of the nucleus
-Where ribosomal RNA is synthesized
-The darker spot that is 25% of the nucleus
, Mitochondria - CORRECT ANSWER-Power plant of the cell. Two layers, inner
and outer membrane. The outer membrane is a barrier between the cytosol and
the inner environment of the mitochondria. The inner membrane, made up of
infoldings called cristae, contains the molecules and enzymes necessary for the
electron transport chain. The intermembrane space separates them, creating a
matrix between them.
The pumping of protons from the matrix to the intermembrane space creates a
proton-motive force that generates ATP via protons flowing through and turning
ATP synthase (oxidative phosphorylation). The mitochondria is semiautonomous,
meaning they replicate independently of the the nucleus via binary fission.
They can kill the cell via release of enzymes that aid in apoptosis.
Lysosomes - CORRECT ANSWER-Membrane-bound structures containing
hydrolytic enzymes that are capable of breaking down many different substrates,
including those ingested by endocytosis and cellular waste products.
The enzymes are sequestered to protect the cell, releasing these enzymes causes
autolysis, resulting in apoptosis...in this case, the released enzymes directly lead
to cell degradation.
