Cell Structure and Function Practice Questions
AP (Advanced Placement) · AP Biology · 141 free MCQs with instant results and detailed explanations.
141
Total
41
Easy
69
Medium
31
Hard
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Sample Questions from Cell Structure and Function
Here are 10 sample questions. Start a quiz to get randomized questions with scoring.
Q1
Easy
Which of the following structures is involved in the modification and packaging of proteins?
A.
Lysosome
B.
Nucleus
C.
Golgi Apparatus
D.
Plasma Membrane
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: C
The Golgi Apparatus is responsible for modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins for secretion or delivery to other organelles, making it essential for protein processing.
Q2
Easy
What is the primary function of ribosomes in a cell?
A.
DNA replication
B.
Protein synthesis
C.
Cell division
D.
Energy production
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: B
Ribosomes are the cellular machinery responsible for translating mRNA into proteins, which is essential for protein synthesis.
Q3
Easy
Which structure selectively regulates the entry and exit of substances in and out of the cell?
A.
Cell membrane
B.
Nucleus
C.
Cytoplasm
D.
Lysosome
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: A
The cell membrane (plasma membrane) is a phospholipid bilayer that selectively regulates what enters and leaves the cell, maintaining homeostasis.
Q4
Medium
Which organelle 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 'powerhouses' of the cell because they generate ATP through cellular respiration, making them crucial for energy production.
Q5
Medium
What is the function of the rough endoplasmic reticulum?
A.
Lipid synthesis
B.
Protein synthesis and modification
C.
Detoxification of drugs
D.
Energy production
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: B
The rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) is studded with ribosomes, which are essential for synthesizing proteins and facilitating their modification before they are sent to their destinations.
Q6
Medium
Which type of transport requires energy to move substances across a cell membrane?
A.
Facilitated diffusion
B.
Osmosis
C.
Active transport
D.
Simple diffusion
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Correct Answer: C
Active transport involves the movement of molecules against their concentration gradient and requires energy, typically in the form of ATP, to accomplish this.
Q7
Medium
Which structure is selectively permeable, allowing only certain molecules to pass through while blocking others?
A.
Cell wall
B.
Plasma membrane
C.
Ribosome
D.
Nucleus
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: B
The plasma membrane is selectively permeable, regulating the entry and exit of substances, which is essential for maintaining homeostasis within the cell.
Q8
Hard
Which of the following organelles is responsible for the modification and packaging of proteins received from the endoplasmic reticulum?
A.
Golgi apparatus
B.
Lysosome
C.
Ribosome
D.
Mitochondria
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: A
The Golgi apparatus is the organelle that modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for secretion or delivery to other organelles, making it crucial for cellular function.
Q9
Hard
During osmosis, water moves through a selectively permeable membrane. If a cell is placed in a hypertonic solution, what is the expected outcome for the cell?
A.
The cell will swell and potentially burst.
B.
The cell will remain unchanged in size.
C.
The cell will shrink as water exits.
D.
The cell will absorb more water and become turgid.
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: C
In a hypertonic solution, the concentration of solutes is higher outside the cell than inside, causing water to move out of the cell and resulting in cell shrinkage.
Q10
Hard
Which organelle is primarily responsible for the modification, sorting, and packaging of proteins synthesized in the endoplasmic reticulum?
A.
Golgi apparatus
B.
Lysosome
C.
Ribosome
D.
Nucleus
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: A
The Golgi apparatus is specifically designed to modify proteins received from the endoplasmic reticulum, adding carbohydrates or lipids, sorting them for delivery to their final destination, which is essential for proper cellular function.
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Cell Structure and Function — AP (Advanced Placement) AP Biology Practice Questions Online
This page contains 141 practice MCQs for the chapter Cell Structure and Function in AP (Advanced Placement) AP Biology. The questions are organized by difficulty — 41 easy, 69 medium, 31 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.