Cells Practice Questions
A-Levels · A-Level Biology · 136 free MCQs with instant results and detailed explanations.
136
Total
37
Easy
69
Medium
30
Hard
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Sample Questions from Cells
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Q1
Easy
Which organelle is primarily responsible for producing ATP in eukaryotic cells?
A.
Mitochondria
B.
Ribosomes
C.
Endoplasmic Reticulum
D.
Lysosomes
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Correct Answer: A
Mitochondria are known as the 'powerhouses' of the cell, as they generate ATP through cellular respiration, making them essential for energy production.
Q2
Easy
What is the primary function of the cell membrane?
A.
Energy production
B.
Transport of materials
C.
Protein synthesis
D.
Photosynthesis
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Correct Answer: B
The cell membrane's primary function is to control the transport of materials into and out of the cell, maintaining homeostasis and regulating the internal environment.
Q3
Easy
Which type of cell division results in two genetically identical daughter cells?
A.
Meiosis
B.
Mitosis
C.
Binary Fission
D.
Budding
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Correct Answer: B
Mitosis is the type of cell division that results in two genetically identical daughter cells, ensuring that each new cell has the same genetic material as the parent cell.
Q4
Medium
Which of the following structures is primarily responsible for the synthesis of ATP in eukaryotic cells?
A.
Mitochondria
B.
Ribosomes
C.
Endoplasmic Reticulum
D.
Golgi Apparatus
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: A
Mitochondria are known as the powerhouse of the cell because they produce ATP through cellular respiration. This process occurs in the inner mitochondrial membrane.
Q5
Medium
In what manner do prokaryotic cells differ from eukaryotic cells in terms of genetic material?
A.
Prokaryotic cells have multiple linear chromosomes.
B.
Eukaryotic cells have circular DNA.
C.
Prokaryotic cells possess a membrane-bound nucleus.
D.
Eukaryotic cells contain DNA in a nucleus.
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Correct Answer: D
Eukaryotic cells contain their genetic material inside a membrane-bound nucleus, while prokaryotic cells have their DNA free in the cytoplasm as a single circular chromosome.
Q6
Medium
Which cellular component is specifically involved in modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins for secretion?
A.
Lysosomes
B.
Ribosomes
C.
Golgi Apparatus
D.
Nucleus
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Correct Answer: C
The Golgi apparatus is responsible for modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins that are synthesized in the endoplasmic reticulum for secretion outside the cell.
Q7
Medium
What is the primary function of the plasma membrane in a cell?
A.
Energy production
B.
Selective permeability
C.
Protein synthesis
D.
Photosynthesis
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Correct Answer: B
The primary function of the plasma membrane is to act as a selective barrier that regulates the entry and exit of substances, maintaining the internal environment of the cell.
Q8
Hard
Which of the following statements correctly describes a key difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?
A.
Prokaryotic cells have membrane-bound organelles, while eukaryotic cells do not.
B.
Eukaryotic cells possess a nucleus, whereas prokaryotic cells have nucleoid regions.
C.
Prokaryotic cells are generally larger in size compared to eukaryotic cells.
D.
Eukaryotic cells reproduce asexually, while prokaryotic cells reproduce sexually.
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Correct Answer: B
Eukaryotic cells have a true nucleus that encloses their genetic material, while prokaryotic cells contain their DNA in a region called the nucleoid, which is not membrane-bound.
Q9
Hard
In the context of cell signaling, which of the following best describes the role of second messengers?
A.
They directly bind to DNA to initiate transcription.
B.
They amplify the signal transduced from the receptor to elicit a cellular response.
C.
They are responsible for transporting vesicles within the cytoplasm.
D.
They act as enzymes to catalyze reactions in the cell.
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: B
Second messengers, such as cyclic AMP and calcium ions, amplify the initial signal received by the receptor, leading to a larger and more widespread cellular response.
Q10
Hard
In a plant cell, what is the primary function of the chloroplasts?
A.
Storage of starch
B.
Photosynthesis
C.
Synthesis of proteins
D.
Cellular respiration
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: B
Chloroplasts are specialized organelles in plant cells that contain chlorophyll, allowing them to convert light energy into chemical energy through the process of photosynthesis. This is their primary function, distinguishing them from other organelles.
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Cells — A-Levels A-Level Biology Practice Questions Online
This page contains 136 practice MCQs for the chapter Cells in A-Levels A-Level Biology. The questions are organized by difficulty — 37 easy, 69 medium, 30 hard — so you can choose the right level for your preparation.
Every question includes a detailed explanation to help you understand the concept, not just memorize answers. Take a timed quiz to simulate exam conditions, or practice at your own pace with no time limit.