GED Science : Cells and Life

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GED Science

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Example Questions

Example Question #41 : Cells And Life

Which is not a major function of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)?

Possible Answers:

Detoxification

Transport

Phagocytosis

Synthesis

Storage

Correct answer:

Phagocytosis

Explanation:

The ER has four major functions: Synthesis, storage, transport, and detoxification.

Synthesis - ER membrane contains enzymes that manufacture carbohydrates, steroids, and lipids.

Storage - ER holds synthesized molecules absorbed from the cytosol.

Transport - Substances travel from place to place within the cell inside the ER.

Detoxification - Cellular toxins are absorbed by ER and neutralized by enzymes in ER membrane.

Example Question #42 : Cells And Life

There are tiny structures found inside of every Eukaryotic cell called organelles. Each organelles carries out specific functions.

Which organelle is responsible for converting the chemical energy found in food into ATP (molecules that cells use for energy)?

Possible Answers:

Endoplasmic reticulum

Mitochondria

Nucleus

Ribosomes

Chloroplast

Correct answer:

Mitochondria

Explanation:

The mitochondria is the "powerhouse" of the cell and converts chemical energy (sugars) into ATP during cellular respiration.

Example Question #43 : Cells And Life

Plants and animals are eukaryotes. They have many cell organelles in common, but there are also some differences.

Which of the following statements is true?

Possible Answers:

Animal cells have the following organelles that plant cells do not have: mitochondria, centrioles, and lysosomes.

Plant cells have the following organelles that animal cells do not have: chloroplasts, a cell membrane, a large vacuole.

Plant cells have the following organelles that animal cells do not have: chloroplasts, a cell wall, and large vacuoles. 

Animal cells have the following organelles that plant cells do not have: centrioles, a cell membrane, and small vacuoles.

Plant cells have the following organelles that animal cells do not have: ribosomes, cell walls, and large vacuoles.

Correct answer:

Plant cells have the following organelles that animal cells do not have: chloroplasts, a cell wall, and large vacuoles. 

Explanation:

Plant cells have chloroplasts, which is the organelle where photosynthesis takes place, but animal cells do not. Plant cells contain both a cell membrane and a cell wall, but animal cells only have a cell membrane. Plant cells have a large vacuole and animal cells have small vacuoles. Animal cells have centrioles, but plant cells do not. All other organelles are found in both plant and animal cells.

Example Question #44 : Cells And Life

Organelles are tiny structures found inside cells. Each organelle has a specific function.

Which organelle is responsible for manufacturing proteins?

Possible Answers:

Nucleolus

Cytoplasm

Smooth endoplasmic reticulum

Rough endoplasmic reticulum

Ribosomes

Correct answer:

Ribosomes

Explanation:

Ribosomes manufacture proteins, the smooth endoplasmic reticulum transports materials within the cells, the rough endoplasmic reticulum transports ribosomes which are made in the nucleolus to other parts of the cell, and the cytoplasm is the living material that cushions the cell and allows chemical reactions to occur.

Example Question #45 : Cells And Life

During what portion of the cell cycle does the replication of DNA take place?

Possible Answers:

S phase

G2 phase

G1 phase

M phase

Correct answer:

S phase

Explanation:

There are two fundamental sections of the cell cycle: mitosis and interphase. The M phase denotes mitosis, during which the cell divides. Interphase is composed of several subsections during which the cell grows, organelles replicate, and the cell prepares for division.

Interphase can be divided into the subsections G1, S, and G2. While G1 and G2 are dedicated to the growth of the cell and organelle replication, the S phase is when cellular DNA is replicated.

Example Question #46 : Cells And Life

Which of the following membrane transport mechanisms is not an active processes?

Possible Answers:

Diffusion

Phagocytosis

Active transport

Pinocytosis

Endocytosis

Correct answer:

Diffusion

Explanation:

Passive transport processes move ions or molecules across the plasmalemma without any energy expenditure by the cell whereas active transport processes involve the cell spending energy.

During diffusion a molecule moves from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration. Movement is achieved following the concentration gradient and no energy is spent by cell.

Example Question #47 : Cells And Life

Which of these cell transportation processes is the most selective?

Possible Answers:

Osmosis

Diffusion

Endocytosis

Receptor-mediated endocytosis

Pinocytosis

Correct answer:

Receptor-mediated endocytosis

Explanation:

Receptor-mediated endocytosis is a process that resembles pinocytosis but is far more selective and only allows the entry of specific molecules into the cell. Target substances are bound to receptors on the membrane surface and brought into the cell via coated vesicles.

Example Question #48 : Cells And Life

Which of the following is not one of the three cell theory concepts?

Possible Answers:

Cells are the structural "building blocks" of all plants and animals

Cells are the smallest structural units that perform all vital functions

Cells must have a nucleus

None  of these are concepts of the cell theory

Cells are produced by the division of preexisting cells

Correct answer:

Cells must have a nucleus

Explanation:

A cell does not have to have a nucleus. Prokaryotic cells are characterized by the fact that they don't have a nucleus nor any other membrane-bound organelles. However the rest of the statements are true of all cells and comprise cell theory.

Example Question #49 : Cells And Life

Bacteria are examples of prokaryotic cells.

Which of the following cell structures are found in prokaryotic cells?

Possible Answers:

Chromosomes, lysosomes, cell walls, cilia, and endoplasmic reticulum

Ribosomes, nucleus, cytoplasm, cell membranes, and flagella

Ribosomes, chromosomes, cytoplasm, cell membranes, and cell walls

Nucleus, cytoplasm, ribosomes, cell membranes, and cell walls

Nucleus, mitochondria, chromosomes, vacuoles, and flagella

Correct answer:

Ribosomes, chromosomes, cytoplasm, cell membranes, and cell walls

Explanation:

Bacterial cells have cell membranes, cell walls, chromosomes, cytoplasm, and ribosomes. They may have flagella or cilia as well. They do not contain any membrane-bound organelles, such as the nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum, or mitochondria.

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