Chapter 01: Cellular Biology
Test Bank
TRUE/FALSE
1. Eukaryotic cells are characterized by a lack of a distinct nucleus, whereas prokaryotic
cells have intracellular compartments bordered by membranes and a well-defined
nucleus.
ANS: F
Eukaryotic cells have a characteristic set of membrane-bound intracellular compartments
called organelles that includes a well-defined nucleus. Prokaryotes contain no organelles,
and their nuclear material is not encased by a nuclear membrane. Prokaryotic cells are
characterized by lack of a distinct nucleus.
REF: p. 2
2. The primary functions of the cell nucleus are cell division and control of genetic
information.
ANS: T
The primary functions of the nucleus are cell division and control of genetic information.
REF: p. 2
,3. The chief function of ribosomes is to provide sites for lipid synthesis.
ANS: F
Their chief function is to provide sites for cellular protein synthesis.
REF: p. 5
4. Lysosomes remain fully active by maintaining an acid pH created by pumping hydrogen
ions into their interiors.
ANS: T
Lysosomes remain fully active by maintaining a low internal pH. They do this by pumping
hydrogen ions into their interiors.
REF: p. 5
5. Lipids and proteins are the major components of the plasma membrane.
ANS: T
The major chemical components of all membranes are lipids and proteins, but the
percentage of each varies among different membranes.
REF: p. 11
6. If cells are deprived of communication from extracellular chemical messengers, most
cells experience apoptosis.
ANS: T
If deprived of appropriate signals, most cells undergo a form of cell suicide known as
programmed cell death, or apoptosis.
REF: p. 19
,7. The function of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is to store energy in molecules of
carbohydrates, proteins and lipids, but not to transfer energy from one molecule to
another.
ANS: F
The function of ATP is not only to store energy but also to transfer it from one molecule to
another.
REF: p. 23
8. Diffusion is an example of active transport.
ANS: F
This process, called passive transport, occurs naturally through any semipermeable
barrier. It is driven by osmosis, hydrostatic pressure, and diffusion, all of which depend on
the laws of physics and do not require life.
REF: p. 25
9. Phagocytosis is an example of exocytosis.
ANS: F
Two types of endocytosis are designated based on the size of the vesicle formed.
Pinocytosis (cell drinking) involves the ingestion of fluids and solute molecules through
formation of small vesicles, and phagocytosis (cell eating) involves the ingestion of large
particles, such as bacteria, through formation of large vesicles (also called vacuoles).
REF: p. 31
10. All body cells are electrically polarized, with the inside of the cell being more negatively
charged than the outside.
, ANS: T
All body cells are electrically polarized, with the inside of the cell more negatively charged
than the outside.
REF: p. 32
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. Which of the following best describes the cellular function of metabolic absorption?
a. Cells can produce proteins.
b. Cells can secrete digestive enzymes.
c. Cells can take in and use nutrients.
d. Cells can synthesize fats.
ANS: C
In metabolic absorption all cells take in and use nutrients and other substances from their
surroundings.
REF: p. 2
2. Most of a cell’s genetic information, including RNA and DNA, is contained in the:
a. mitochondria.
b. ribosome.
c. nucleolus.
d. lysosome
ANS: C