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Quizzes > Science > Biology

A Tour of the Cell Quiz: Think You Can Ace the Cell Exam?

Ready for Chapter 6 a Tour of the Cell? Dive in and explore microfilaments, organelles, and more!

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration showing stylized cell components and microfilaments on teal background for a free cell theory quiz

Use this Cell Exam Challenge: Tour of the Cell Chapter 6 quiz to practice cell theory, organelle functions, and how microfilaments support cell movement. Check gaps before the exam and build confidence with quick practice. For extra study, review cell theory basics or try an organelles quiz .

What is the basic unit of life?
Molecule
Cell
Tissue
Organelle
The cell is recognized as the smallest structural and functional unit of all living organisms. Tissues and organs are composed of cells, and organelles are subunits within cells. Molecules alone do not exhibit all characteristics of living systems.
Which part of a prokaryotic cell contains the genetic material?
Mitochondrion
Ribosome
Nucleoid
Nucleus
Prokaryotes lack a membrane-bound nucleus; their circular DNA is localized in a region called the nucleoid. Ribosomes are sites of protein synthesis, and mitochondria are absent in prokaryotes. The nucleoid contains the cell's genetic blueprint.
What structure protects the cell and maintains its shape in animal cells?
Cell wall
Capsule
Cytoskeleton
Plasma membrane
The plasma membrane surrounds all cells, controlling the movement of materials and maintaining cell integrity. Animal cells lack a rigid cell wall, and capsules are found in some bacteria. While the cytoskeleton provides internal support, the plasma membrane is the outer boundary.
Which organelle is the site of protein synthesis?
Lysosome
Smooth ER
Ribosome
Golgi apparatus
Ribosomes translate mRNA into polypeptides, making them the primary site of protein synthesis. The Golgi apparatus processes and sorts proteins, while lysosomes degrade cellular waste. Smooth ER is involved in lipid synthesis and detoxification.
Which structure is found in plant cells but not animal cells?
Lysosome
Centrosome
Cilia
Central vacuole
Plant cells often contain a large central vacuole for storage and turgor pressure. Animal cells may have small vacuoles but not the prominent central vacuole. Lysosomes, centrosomes, and cilia are present in many animal cells.
What is the main component of the cell membrane?
Carbohydrates
Nucleic acids
Phospholipids
Proteins
Phospholipids form a bilayer that provides the barrier and fluid matrix of the membrane. Proteins and carbohydrates are embedded and associated but constitute a smaller fraction. Nucleic acids are not structural components of membranes.
Which of these is not a principle of the cell theory?
All living things are composed of cells.
Cells are the basic unit of structure and function.
New cells come from existing cells.
Cells can arise spontaneously.
Modern cell theory states that cells arise only from preexisting cells, excluding spontaneous generation. All living things consist of cells, and cells are the structural and functional unit of life. Spontaneous formation of cells was disproved by Pasteur's experiments.
Which cytoskeletal fiber is the thinnest?
Collagen fibers
Intermediate filaments
Microtubules
Microfilaments
Microfilaments, composed mainly of actin, are about 7 nm in diameter, making them the thinnest cytoskeletal elements. Intermediate filaments measure about 10 nm, and microtubules about 25 nm. Collagen fibers are extracellular and larger.
What is the function of ribosomes?
DNA replication
Detoxification
Protein synthesis
Lipid synthesis
Ribosomes read mRNA sequences to polymerize amino acids into polypeptides, carrying out protein synthesis. Lipid synthesis occurs in the smooth ER, and detoxification also involves the smooth ER. DNA replication occurs in the nucleus.
Which organelle modifies, sorts, and packages proteins for secretion?
Nucleus
Golgi apparatus
Mitochondria
Endoplasmic reticulum
The Golgi apparatus receives proteins from the rough ER, then modifies and sorts them into transport vesicles. The ER synthesizes and folds proteins, but packaging for export is a Golgi function. Mitochondria produce ATP, and the nucleus houses DNA.
Which of the following is part of the endomembrane system?
Mitochondrion
Golgi apparatus
Peroxisome
Ribosome
The endomembrane system includes the nuclear envelope, ER, Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, and vesicles. Mitochondria and peroxisomes are separate organelles, and ribosomes are not membrane-bound. The Golgi processes and transports proteins and lipids.
The fluid mosaic model describes the cell membrane structure. What does "mosaic" refer to?
Fluidity of the membrane
Movement of lipids between layers
Arrangement of carbohydrate chains
Distribution of proteins within the lipid bilayer
In the fluid mosaic model, the term 'mosaic' highlights that proteins are interspersed within the phospholipid bilayer. These proteins can move laterally, creating a patchwork appearance. Fluidity refers to lipid and protein movement, not the mosaic itself. Carbohydrates also exist but form a smaller component.
Which filament is primarily composed of tubulin?
Microfilaments
Actin filaments
Intermediate filaments
Microtubules
Microtubules are hollow rods made of ?- and ?-tubulin dimers and measure about 25 nm in diameter. Actin filaments (microfilaments) are composed of actin, and intermediate filaments consist of various fibrous proteins. Tubulin is exclusive to microtubules.
Which organelle contains hydrolytic enzymes for intracellular digestion?
Vesicle
Ribosome
Lysosome
Chloroplast
Lysosomes are membrane-bound organelles containing acid hydrolases that break down macromolecules and cellular debris. Ribosomes synthesize proteins, vesicles transport materials, and chloroplasts carry out photosynthesis in plant cells. Lysosomal enzymes work best at acidic pH.
What is the primary function of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum?
Protein synthesis
Storage of DNA
Lipid synthesis
Photosynthesis
The smooth ER lacks ribosomes and synthesizes lipids such as phospholipids and steroids. It also detoxifies drugs and stores calcium ions. Protein synthesis occurs on the rough ER, and photosynthesis is carried out in chloroplasts. DNA is housed in the nucleus.
In which form do chromosomes exist during interphase?
Condensed chromatids
Metaphase chromosomes
Chromatin
Spindle fibers
During interphase, DNA is in a less condensed state called chromatin, allowing transcription and replication. Condensed chromatids are visible during mitosis, and spindle fibers form during cell division. Metaphase chromosomes are fully condensed for separation.
Which of the following is not found in bacterial cells?
Nucleoid
Plasma membrane
Ribosome
Mitochondria
Bacteria possess a plasma membrane, ribosomes, and a nucleoid region but lack membrane-bound organelles such as mitochondria. They produce ATP across their plasma membrane instead. Mitochondria are characteristic of eukaryotic cells.
Which side of the Golgi apparatus receives vesicles from the endoplasmic reticulum?
Medial face
Cis face
Trans face
Lumen
The cis face of the Golgi apparatus is oriented toward the ER and receives newly synthesized proteins in transport vesicles. The trans face ships processed proteins to their destinations. The medial face is the central region of the Golgi stack.
Motor proteins walk along microtubules carrying vesicles. Which motor protein moves toward the plus end?
Actin
Myosin
Dynein
Kinesin
Kinesin moves cargo toward the plus end of microtubules, typically toward the cell periphery. Dynein moves toward the minus end, usually toward the cell center. Myosin and actin interact in the actin filament system, not microtubules.
Which organelle is known as the powerhouse of the cell?
Golgi apparatus
Lysosome
Mitochondrion
Chloroplast
Mitochondria generate ATP through oxidative phosphorylation and the Krebs cycle, providing energy for cellular functions. Chloroplasts perform photosynthesis in plants, lysosomes digest macromolecules, and the Golgi processes proteins. Mitochondria are critical for energy metabolism.
Which statement is true about prokaryotic flagella?
They contain a 9+2 microtubule arrangement.
They are anchored to actin filaments.
They rotate for movement.
They are powered by dynein walking.
Prokaryotic flagella rotate like a propeller, powered by a proton gradient across the cell membrane. Eukaryotic flagella and cilia have a 9+2 microtubule arrangement and dynein-based movement. Prokaryotic flagella are anchored in the cell wall and membrane.
How do microfilaments contribute to cytokinesis?
They form the mitotic spindle.
They drive chromosome movement.
They form the contractile ring that creates a cleavage furrow.
They anchor the nucleus.
During cytokinesis, actin microfilaments assemble into a contractile ring under the plasma membrane. Contraction of this ring pinches the cell into two daughter cells, forming the cleavage furrow. Microtubules form the mitotic spindle, not microfilaments.
Which organelle is involved in photophosphorylation?
Chloroplast
Golgi apparatus
Endoplasmic reticulum
Mitochondrion
Photophosphorylation occurs in the thylakoid membranes of chloroplasts during the light reactions of photosynthesis. Mitochondria perform oxidative phosphorylation, not photophosphorylation. The ER and Golgi are not involved in this process.
What is the role of the nuclear lamina?
Site of ribosome assembly
Transports mRNA
Modifies proteins
Supports the nuclear envelope and organizes chromatin
The nuclear lamina is a network of intermediate filaments (lamins) that underlies the inner nuclear membrane, providing structural support. It also anchors chromatin and nuclear pore complexes. It does not assemble ribosomes, modify proteins, or directly transport mRNA.
Which structure synthesizes lipids and detoxifies drugs?
Golgi apparatus
Lysosome
Smooth ER
Rough ER
The smooth endoplasmic reticulum is specialized for lipid and steroid synthesis, as well as detoxification of drugs and poisons by adding hydroxyl groups. Rough ER has ribosomes and synthesizes proteins. The Golgi modifies and sorts proteins, and lysosomes degrade cellular waste.
Intermediate filaments are primarily composed of which protein type in epithelial cells?
Actin
Tubulin
Myosin
Keratin
In epithelial cells, intermediate filaments are composed of keratin proteins, which provide mechanical strength. Actin forms microfilaments, tubulin forms microtubules, and myosin is a motor protein associated with actin. Keratin networks are crucial for tissue integrity.
Which of these organelles is not part of the endomembrane system?
Mitochondrion
Lysosome
Golgi apparatus
Endoplasmic reticulum
The endomembrane system includes the ER, Golgi, lysosomes, and vesicles, but not mitochondria. Mitochondria have their own membranes and are derived from an endosymbiotic event. They function independently of the ER-Golgi pathway.
How does the sodium-potassium pump function?
As a passive channel allowing both ions to move down gradients
By facilitated diffusion of Na+ and K+
As an antiport using ATP to move Na+ out and K+ in
As a symport cotransporter
The Na+/K+ pump is an ATP-driven antiporter that exports three Na+ ions and imports two K+ ions against their concentration gradients. This active transport maintains membrane potential and cell volume. It is neither a passive channel nor a symporter.
What is the function of the nuclear pore complex?
Site of ribosome assembly
Replication of DNA
Protein degradation
Transport of molecules between nucleus and cytoplasm
Nuclear pore complexes regulate the bidirectional transport of RNA, proteins, and small molecules between the nucleus and cytoplasm. Ribosome assembly occurs in the nucleolus, DNA replication inside the nucleus, and protein degradation in proteasomes. NPCs are gatekeepers of nuclear traffic.
Which cell junction allows direct cytoplasmic communication between adjacent animal cells?
Gap junction
Desmosome
Tight junction
Basal lamina
Gap junctions are channels formed by connexin proteins that directly connect the cytoplasm of adjacent cells for rapid communication. Tight junctions seal cells together, desmosomes provide mechanical strength, and the basal lamina is an extracellular matrix.
Which protein is critical for microtubule nucleation at the centrosome?
Gamma-tubulin
Dynein
Beta-tubulin
Alpha-tubulin
Gamma-tubulin forms a ring complex (?-TuRC) at the centrosome, serving as a template for microtubule nucleation and providing a minus-end cap. Alpha- and beta-tubulin assemble into the microtubule wall. Dynein is a motor protein, not a nucleation factor.
How does taxol stabilize microtubules during chemotherapy?
By preventing tubulin polymerization
By binding actin filaments
By inhibiting kinesin motor activity
By preventing microtubule depolymerization
Taxol binds along microtubules and stabilizes them by preventing depolymerization, arresting cells in mitosis. This disruption of dynamic instability blocks cell division. It does not inhibit polymerization or target actin or motor proteins directly.
The Arp2/3 complex initiates branching in which cytoskeletal structure?
Microtubules
Intermediate filaments
Actin filaments
Collagen fibers
The Arp2/3 complex nucleates new actin filaments at a 70° angle from existing filaments, creating a branched network essential for cell motility. It does not interact with microtubules or intermediate filaments. Collagen fibers are extracellular and unrelated.
During receptor-mediated endocytosis, vesicles are coated by which protein?
Clathrin
COPI
COPII
Caveolin
Clathrin coats vesicles during receptor-mediated endocytosis at the plasma membrane and at the trans-Golgi network. COPI and COPII coat vesicles in Golgi-ER transport pathways. Caveolin is involved in caveolae-mediated endocytosis, a different mechanism.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Define Cell Theory Principles -

    Understand the foundational principles of cell theory, compare historical models, and recognize their significance in modern biology.

  2. Describe Organelle Functions -

    Identify key organelles such as mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and Golgi apparatus, and explain how each contributes to cellular processes.

  3. Explain Microfilament Roles -

    Explain microfilaments function in cell motility including pseudopodia extension and muscle contraction within eukaryotic cells.

  4. Analyze Structures in a Tour of Cell -

    Analyze and differentiate major cellular structures on a tour of cell organization in chapter 6 a tour of the cell, highlighting their specialized roles.

  5. Utilize the Answer Key for Self-Assessment -

    Use the a tour inside the cell answer key to evaluate quiz responses, identify misconceptions, and reinforce your understanding of complex concepts.

  6. Prepare for the Cell Exam -

    Apply comprehensive strategies to integrate cell theory, organelle function, and microfilament dynamics, ensuring readiness for the cell exam.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Fundamentals of Cell Theory -

    Cells are the basic unit of life, all organisms consist of one or more cells, and new cells arise only from pre-existing cells; remember the mnemonic "ABC" (All living things, Basic units, Cells from cells) to lock it in. These tenets form the backbone of chapter 6 a tour of the cell and are often tested on every cell exam. Refer to a tour inside the cell answer key to see how this principle plays out across prokaryotes and eukaryotes.

  2. Surface Area to Volume Ratio -

    As a cell grows, its volume (V = 4/3πr³) increases faster than its surface area (SA = 4πr²), so efficient exchange of nutrients and wastes demands a high SA/V ratio. Remember the quick trick: small cells have a big "skin" relative to their insides, which keeps processes running smoothly on the cell exam. This formula appears frequently in questions about limitations on cell size.

  3. Mitochondria and the Endosymbiotic Theory -

    Mitochondria, the "powerhouses" of the cell, have their own circular DNA and double membranes - clues to their bacterial origins explained by endosymbiosis. This concept is a highlight of "a tour of cell" content and shows up in quizzes when linking structure to function in energy conversion. Think "double D" for DNA and division by binary fission to cement the idea.

  4. Protein Trafficking: ER to Golgi to Plasma Membrane -

    Proteins synthesized on the rough ER carry signal peptides that direct them to the Golgi, where they're modified and packaged into vesicles for secretion or membrane insertion. A handy analogy is "assembly line pizza": raw dough in ER, toppings in Golgi, boxed and delivered at the plasma membrane. This pathway is a staple topic in any cell exam quiz.

  5. Microfilaments in Cell Motility -

    Actin microfilaments drive processes like amoeboid movement and muscle contraction by polymerizing at the "leading edge" of cells - a mechanism you'll see under the prompt microfilaments function in cell motility including __________. Remember ACTIN = "A Cell's Treadmilling INterplay," where ATP-actin adds at one end and drops off at the other. This dynamic behavior is central to cell crawling and cytokinesis questions in your study materials.

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