NEX Biology: Cell Structure and Function 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the basic structural and functional unit of all living organisms?
- Atom
- Molecule
- Cell (Correct answer)
- Tissue
Correct answer: Cell
The cell is the smallest unit of life capable of carrying out all basic biological functions independently.
Question 2: Which organelle is primarily responsible for producing ATP (energy) in a cell?
- Nucleus
- Ribosome
- Mitochondria (Correct answer)
- Golgi apparatus
Correct answer: Mitochondria
Mitochondria carry out cellular respiration to generate ATP, earning the nickname 'powerhouse of the cell.'
Question 3: What is the primary function of the cell membrane?
- To produce energy for the cell
- To regulate what enters and exits the cell (Correct answer)
- To store genetic information
- To synthesize proteins
Correct answer: To regulate what enters and exits the cell
The cell membrane is a selectively permeable barrier that controls the movement of substances into and out of the cell.
Question 4: Which organelle contains the cell's DNA and serves as the control center of cellular activities?
- Cytoplasm
- Mitochondria
- Ribosome
- Nucleus (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Nucleus
The nucleus houses the cell's genetic material (DNA) and directs cellular functions including protein synthesis.
Question 5: What is the primary function of ribosomes in a cell?
- Energy production
- Protein synthesis (Correct answer)
- Lipid storage
- DNA replication
Correct answer: Protein synthesis
Ribosomes are the sites where messenger RNA is translated into proteins during the process of translation.
Question 6: Which type of cell lacks a membrane-bound nucleus?
- Eukaryotic cell
- Animal cell
- Prokaryotic cell (Correct answer)
- Plant cell
Correct answer: Prokaryotic cell
Prokaryotic cells, such as bacteria, lack a membrane-bound nucleus and other membrane-enclosed organelles.
Question 7: What is osmosis?
- Movement of solutes from low to high concentration
- Movement of water across a semipermeable membrane from high to low water concentration (Correct answer)
- Active transport of molecules requiring ATP
- Movement of large particles through membrane pores
Correct answer: Movement of water across a semipermeable membrane from high to low water concentration
Osmosis is the passive movement of water molecules across a selectively permeable membrane from an area of high water concentration to low water concentration.
NEX Biology: Cell Structure and Function 1
What is the basic structural and functional unit of all living organisms?