Cell Structure & Function Questions
Q.
Which scientist first observed cells in 1665 using a microscope?
Anton van Leeuwenhoek
Robert Brown
Robert Hooke
Matthias Schleiden
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Explanation:
Robert Hooke observed cork cells in 1665, coining the term 'cell'.
Q.
The cell theory was proposed by:
Watson and Crick
Schleiden and Schwann
Hooke and Leeuwenhoek
Pasteur and Koch
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Explanation:
Schleiden and Schwann (1838–39) formulated cell theory; Virchow later added 'omnis cellula e cellula'.
Q.
Which of the following is a key feature distinguishing prokaryotes from eukaryotes?
Prokaryotes are always multicellular
Prokaryotes lack a membrane-bound nucleus
Prokaryotes have mitochondria
Prokaryotes have a nuclear envelope
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Explanation:
Prokaryotes lack a membrane-bound nucleus; eukaryotes have one.
Q.
Which organelle is known as the 'powerhouse of the cell'?
Nucleus
Ribosome
Mitochondria
Golgi apparatus
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Explanation:
Mitochondria generate ATP through oxidative phosphorylation.
Q.
The site of protein synthesis in a cell is the:
Ribosome
Nucleus
Golgi apparatus
Lysosome
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Explanation:
Ribosomes synthesize proteins from amino acids using mRNA as template.
Q.
The nucleus contains which genetic material?
Proteins only
DNA
Lipids
Only RNA
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Explanation:
The nucleus houses the cell's DNA, which contains the genetic code.
Q.
Which organelle is responsible for packaging and modifying proteins?
Golgi apparatus
Lysosome
Ribosome
Mitochondria
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Explanation:
The Golgi apparatus modifies, sorts, and packages proteins from the ER.
Q.
Lysosomes are known as:
Protein factories
Powerhouses
Lipid factories
Suicide bags
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Explanation:
Lysosomes contain digestive enzymes and are the cell's 'suicide bags' or garbage disposal system.
Q.
The rough endoplasmic reticulum differs from smooth ER by:
Producing ATP
Having ribosomes attached
Having no membrane
Being found only in prokaryotes
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Explanation:
Rough ER has ribosomes attached for protein synthesis; smooth ER lacks ribosomes and is involved in lipid synthesis.
Q.
Chloroplasts are found in:
Bacterial cells only
Animal cells only
Fungal cells only
Plant cells and some algae
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Explanation:
Chloroplasts occur in plant cells and some algae — not in animal cells.
Q.
Chloroplasts are the site of:
Cellular respiration
Protein synthesis
Lipid breakdown
Photosynthesis
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Explanation:
Chloroplasts perform photosynthesis, converting light energy into chemical energy.
Q.
Which organelle is absent in animal cells?
Chloroplasts
Golgi apparatus
Mitochondria
Ribosomes
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Explanation:
Chloroplasts are absent in animal cells; mitochondria are present in both.
Q.
The cell wall of plant cells is primarily made of:
Peptidoglycan
Chitin
Cellulose
Phospholipid
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Explanation:
Plant cell walls are composed mainly of cellulose.
Q.
The cell wall of bacteria is primarily made of:
Peptidoglycan
Chitin
Cellulose
Lignin
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Explanation:
Bacterial cell walls are made of peptidoglycan (murein).
Q.
Fungal cell walls are mainly composed of:
Lignin
Cellulose
Chitin
Peptidoglycan
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Explanation:
Fungal cell walls contain chitin, distinguishing them from plants.
Q.
The cytoskeleton is made up of which three main components?
Ribosomes, lysosomes, and vacuoles
Nucleic acids, lipids, and proteins
Microfilaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules
Cellulose, chitin, and peptidoglycan
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Explanation:
The cytoskeleton consists of microfilaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules.
Q.
Which of the following is NOT membrane-bound?
Nucleus
Golgi apparatus
Ribosome
Mitochondria
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Explanation:
Ribosomes are non-membrane-bound organelles found free or attached to ER.
Q.
The nucleolus is the site of:
DNA replication
Lipid synthesis
ATP production
rRNA synthesis and ribosome assembly
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Explanation:
The nucleolus is where ribosomal RNA (rRNA) is synthesized and ribosome assembly begins.
Q.
Peroxisomes function primarily to:
Break down fatty acids and detoxify
Produce ATP
Synthesize proteins
Store water
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Explanation:
Peroxisomes break down fatty acids and detoxify hydrogen peroxide.
Q.
The central vacuole is found predominantly in:
Animal cells
Plant cells
Fungal cells only
Bacterial cells
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Explanation:
Plant cells have large central vacuoles for storage, turgor, and waste management.
Q.
Which organelle modifies proteins with carbohydrate chains?
Golgi apparatus
Mitochondria
Nucleus
Ribosome
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Explanation:
The Golgi apparatus performs glycosylation — adding carbohydrate chains to proteins.
Q.
The fluid mosaic model describes:
The structure of the cell membrane
The structure of DNA
The structure of chloroplasts
The structure of ribosomes
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Explanation:
The fluid mosaic model (Singer & Nicolson, 1972) describes the cell membrane as a fluid phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins.
Q.
Protein synthesis begins in the cytoplasm when:
DNA enters the cytoplasm
The cell divides
mRNA is translated on ribosomes
Ribosomes enter the nucleus
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Explanation:
Translation begins on free ribosomes; proteins destined for secretion move to the ER.
Q.
Which cellular component is responsible for maintaining cell shape?
Golgi apparatus
Lysosome
Cytoskeleton
Nucleus
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Explanation:
The cytoskeleton provides structural support and maintains cell shape.
Q.
The endosymbiotic theory explains the origin of:
Nucleus and ribosomes
Cell wall and membrane
Mitochondria and chloroplasts
Golgi and ER
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Explanation:
The endosymbiotic theory proposes that mitochondria and chloroplasts evolved from engulfed prokaryotes.