Cell Structure & Function Questions
Q.
Which scientist first observed cells in 1665 using a microscope?
Matthias Schleiden
Robert Brown
Robert Hooke
Anton van Leeuwenhoek
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Explanation:
Robert Hooke observed cork cells in 1665, coining the term 'cell'.
Q.
The cell theory was proposed by:
Schleiden and Schwann
Hooke and Leeuwenhoek
Watson and Crick
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 a nuclear envelope
Prokaryotes have mitochondria
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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'?
Ribosome
Nucleus
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:
Nucleus
Ribosome
Lysosome
Golgi apparatus
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Explanation:
Ribosomes synthesize proteins from amino acids using mRNA as template.
Q.
The nucleus contains which genetic material?
Only RNA
Lipids
Proteins only
DNA
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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?
Mitochondria
Golgi apparatus
Lysosome
Ribosome
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Explanation:
The Golgi apparatus modifies, sorts, and packages proteins from the ER.
Q.
Lysosomes are known as:
Lipid factories
Protein factories
Powerhouses
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
Being found only in prokaryotes
Having no membrane
Having ribosomes attached
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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:
Fungal cells only
Bacterial cells only
Plant cells and some algae
Animal cells only
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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
Lipid breakdown
Photosynthesis
Protein synthesis
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Explanation:
Chloroplasts perform photosynthesis, converting light energy into chemical energy.
Q.
Which organelle is absent in animal cells?
Mitochondria
Chloroplasts
Golgi apparatus
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:
Cellulose
Peptidoglycan
Phospholipid
Chitin
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Explanation:
Plant cell walls are composed mainly of cellulose.
Q.
The cell wall of bacteria is primarily made of:
Lignin
Chitin
Peptidoglycan
Cellulose
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Explanation:
Bacterial cell walls are made of peptidoglycan (murein).
Q.
Fungal cell walls are mainly composed of:
Peptidoglycan
Lignin
Cellulose
Chitin
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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?
Microfilaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules
Ribosomes, lysosomes, and vacuoles
Cellulose, chitin, and peptidoglycan
Nucleic acids, lipids, and proteins
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Explanation:
The cytoskeleton consists of microfilaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules.
Q.
Which of the following is NOT membrane-bound?
Mitochondria
Ribosome
Nucleus
Golgi apparatus
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Explanation:
Ribosomes are non-membrane-bound organelles found free or attached to ER.
Q.
The nucleolus is the site of:
Lipid synthesis
ATP production
DNA replication
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:
Synthesize proteins
Store water
Produce ATP
Break down fatty acids and detoxify
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Explanation:
Peroxisomes break down fatty acids and detoxify hydrogen peroxide.
Q.
The central vacuole is found predominantly in:
Fungal cells only
Animal cells
Plant cells
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
Nucleus
Mitochondria
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 ribosomes
The structure of chloroplasts
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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
Ribosomes enter the nucleus
The cell divides
mRNA is translated on ribosomes
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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?
Nucleus
Cytoskeleton
Lysosome
Golgi apparatus
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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
Golgi and ER
Mitochondria and chloroplasts
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Explanation:
The endosymbiotic theory proposes that mitochondria and chloroplasts evolved from engulfed prokaryotes.