(Hardin, 2022) Chapter 1-26 | All Chapters
Questions cover key cell biology concepts such as cell structure, function,
biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, and microscopy.
Answers are bolded, and rationales are in italicized text as you requested.
1. Which of the following best describes the main function of ribosomes?
A) DNA replication
B) Lipid synthesis
C) Protein synthesis
D) Energy storage
Rationale: Ribosomes are the sites of protein synthesis, translating mRNA
into polypeptide chains.
2. Which organelle is responsible for modifying, sorting, and packaging
proteins?
A) Golgi apparatus
B) Lysosome
C) Nucleus
D) Endoplasmic reticulum
Rationale: The Golgi apparatus modifies and packages proteins received
from the ER for secretion or delivery to other organelles.
,3. Which of the following macromolecules is not considered a polymer?
A) Proteins
B) Nucleic acids
C) Polysaccharides
D) Lipids
Rationale: Lipids are not true polymers because they are not made from
repeating monomers in a chain-like fashion.
4. The fluid mosaic model describes the:
A) Structure of the nucleus
B) Structure of the plasma membrane
C) Arrangement of the cytoskeleton
D) Function of lysosomes
Rationale: The fluid mosaic model explains the dynamic and flexible
arrangement of lipids and proteins in the plasma membrane.
5. Which of these structures is found in prokaryotic cells?
A) Mitochondria
B) Golgi bodies
C) Ribosomes
D) Nucleus
Rationale: Prokaryotic cells lack membrane-bound organelles but do have
ribosomes for protein synthesis.
6. Which cytoskeletal element is primarily involved in cell movement?
A) Intermediate filaments
B) Microfilaments
, C) Microtubules
D) Centrioles
Rationale: Microfilaments, made of actin, are key in cell movement and
muscle contraction.
7. The main energy currency of the cell is:
A) NADH
B) FADH₂
C) ATP
D) Glucose
Rationale: ATP stores and transfers energy for nearly all cellular
processes.
8. Which type of transport does NOT require energy?
A) Endocytosis
B) Exocytosis
C) Facilitated diffusion
D) Active transport
Rationale: Facilitated diffusion is passive transport down a concentration
gradient.
9. Where does glycolysis occur in the cell?
A) Mitochondrial matrix
B) Inner mitochondrial membrane
C) Cytoplasm
D) Nucleus
Rationale: Glycolysis is the breakdown of glucose in the cytoplasm.
, 10.Which organelle contains digestive enzymes for breaking down waste?
A) Peroxisome
B) Lysosome
C) Ribosome
D) Rough ER
Rationale: Lysosomes contain hydrolytic enzymes that digest cellular
debris.
11.The nucleolus is primarily involved in:
A) DNA replication
B) Ribosomal RNA synthesis
C) Lipid metabolism
D) Protein degradation
Rationale: The nucleolus synthesizes rRNA and assembles ribosomal
subunits.
12.Which type of cell junction prevents leakage between cells?
A) Desmosomes
B) Gap junctions
C) Tight junctions
D) Plasmodesmata
Rationale: Tight junctions create a watertight seal between adjacent cells.
13.DNA wraps around which proteins to form nucleosomes?
A) Histones
B) Actin
C) Myosin