PCB3023C Exam 1: Cell Biology 2026 – FGCU
1. Which of the following is a key difference between prokaryotic and
eukaryotic cells?
A. Prokaryotes have a nucleoid region, while eukaryotes have a membrane-bound nucleus.
B. Eukaryotes lack a plasma membrane.
C. Prokaryotes contain mitochondria for energy production.
D. Eukaryotes are always unicellular.
Answer: A
Rationale: The defining characteristic of eukaryotes is the presence of a membrane-bound
nucleus, whereas prokaryotes store their DNA in a non-enclosed nucleoid region.
2. The concept that all living organisms are composed of cells and that cells
come from pre-existing cells is known as:
A. The Endosymbiotic Theory
B. The Cell Theory
C. The Central Dogma
D. The Laws of Thermodynamics
Answer: B
Rationale: Cell Theory states that the cell is the basic unit of life and all cells arise from
pre-existing cells.
,3. Which organelle is responsible for the synthesis of lipids and the
detoxification of drugs?
A. Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum
B. Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum
C. Golgi Apparatus
D. Lysosome
Answer: A
Rationale: The Smooth ER is primarily involved in lipid synthesis, carbohydrate
metabolism, and detoxification.
4. In protein structure, alpha-helices and beta-pleated sheets are examples of:
A. Primary structure
B. Tertiary structure
C. Secondary structure
D. Quaternary structure
Answer: C
Rationale: Secondary structure refers to local folding patterns like alpha-helices and beta-
sheets held by hydrogen bonds.
5. Which molecule acts as the primary energy currency of the cell?
A. ATP
B. NADH
C. Glucose
D. DNA
Answer: A
Rationale: Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) provides the energy necessary for most cellular
processes.
, 6. The ‘fluid mosaic model’ describes the structure of:
A. The Nucleus
B. The Plasma Membrane
C. The Cytoskeleton
D. The Cell Wall
Answer: B
Rationale: The plasma membrane is described as a fluid mosaic of phospholipids, proteins,
and carbohydrates.
7. Which of the following transport mechanisms requires the expenditure of
energy (ATP)?
A. Facilitated Diffusion
B. Active Transport
C. Simple Diffusion
D. Osmosis
Answer: B
Rationale: Active transport moves substances against their concentration gradient,
requiring energy input.
8. Lysosomes are known for containing which type of enzymes?
A. Hydrolytic enzymes
B. Kinases
C. Polymerases
D. Oxidoreductases
Answer: A
Rationale: Lysosomes contain acid hydrolases that break down macromolecules, damaged
organelles, and foreign substances.
1. Which of the following is a key difference between prokaryotic and
eukaryotic cells?
A. Prokaryotes have a nucleoid region, while eukaryotes have a membrane-bound nucleus.
B. Eukaryotes lack a plasma membrane.
C. Prokaryotes contain mitochondria for energy production.
D. Eukaryotes are always unicellular.
Answer: A
Rationale: The defining characteristic of eukaryotes is the presence of a membrane-bound
nucleus, whereas prokaryotes store their DNA in a non-enclosed nucleoid region.
2. The concept that all living organisms are composed of cells and that cells
come from pre-existing cells is known as:
A. The Endosymbiotic Theory
B. The Cell Theory
C. The Central Dogma
D. The Laws of Thermodynamics
Answer: B
Rationale: Cell Theory states that the cell is the basic unit of life and all cells arise from
pre-existing cells.
,3. Which organelle is responsible for the synthesis of lipids and the
detoxification of drugs?
A. Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum
B. Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum
C. Golgi Apparatus
D. Lysosome
Answer: A
Rationale: The Smooth ER is primarily involved in lipid synthesis, carbohydrate
metabolism, and detoxification.
4. In protein structure, alpha-helices and beta-pleated sheets are examples of:
A. Primary structure
B. Tertiary structure
C. Secondary structure
D. Quaternary structure
Answer: C
Rationale: Secondary structure refers to local folding patterns like alpha-helices and beta-
sheets held by hydrogen bonds.
5. Which molecule acts as the primary energy currency of the cell?
A. ATP
B. NADH
C. Glucose
D. DNA
Answer: A
Rationale: Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) provides the energy necessary for most cellular
processes.
, 6. The ‘fluid mosaic model’ describes the structure of:
A. The Nucleus
B. The Plasma Membrane
C. The Cytoskeleton
D. The Cell Wall
Answer: B
Rationale: The plasma membrane is described as a fluid mosaic of phospholipids, proteins,
and carbohydrates.
7. Which of the following transport mechanisms requires the expenditure of
energy (ATP)?
A. Facilitated Diffusion
B. Active Transport
C. Simple Diffusion
D. Osmosis
Answer: B
Rationale: Active transport moves substances against their concentration gradient,
requiring energy input.
8. Lysosomes are known for containing which type of enzymes?
A. Hydrolytic enzymes
B. Kinases
C. Polymerases
D. Oxidoreductases
Answer: A
Rationale: Lysosomes contain acid hydrolases that break down macromolecules, damaged
organelles, and foreign substances.
