Cells Practice Questions
IGCSE (Cambridge) · IGCSE Biology · 138 free MCQs with instant results and detailed explanations.
138
Total
36
Easy
71
Medium
31
Hard
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Sample Questions from Cells
Here are 10 sample questions. Start a quiz to get randomized questions with scoring.
Q1
Easy
What is the basic unit of life that makes up all living organisms?
A.
Cell
B.
Tissue
C.
Organ
D.
Organism
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: A
The cell is the fundamental unit of life. All living organisms are composed of one or more cells, making it the basic building block of life.
Q2
Easy
Which structure is responsible for controlling what enters and leaves the cell?
A.
Nucleus
B.
Cell Membrane
C.
Cytoplasm
D.
Ribosome
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: B
The cell membrane functions as a selectively permeable barrier that controls the movement of substances in and out of the cell, maintaining homeostasis.
Q3
Easy
Which organelle is known as the powerhouse of the cell?
A.
Endoplasmic Reticulum
B.
Mitochondria
C.
Golgi Apparatus
D.
Lysosome
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: B
Mitochondria are known as the powerhouse of the cell because they produce ATP, which is the energy currency of the cell through the process of cellular respiration.
Q4
Medium
Which of the following organelles is primarily responsible for energy production in a cell?
A.
Mitochondria
B.
Ribosomes
C.
Lysosomes
D.
Golgi apparatus
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Correct Answer: A
Mitochondria are known as the powerhouse of the cell because they convert nutrients into energy (ATP) through cellular respiration. This makes them essential for energy production.
Q5
Medium
What is the primary function of the cell membrane?
A.
Energy production
B.
Selective permeability
C.
Protein synthesis
D.
DNA replication
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Correct Answer: B
The cell membrane's primary function is selective permeability, which allows it to control what enters and exits the cell, maintaining homeostasis.
Q6
Medium
What structure controls the passage of substances into and out of a plant cell?
A.
Cell wall
B.
Chloroplast
C.
Plasma membrane
D.
Vacuole
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Correct Answer: C
The plasma membrane controls the passage of substances into and out of a plant cell, while the cell wall provides structural support.
Q7
Medium
Which of the following statements about prokaryotic cells is TRUE?
A.
They have a defined nucleus.
B.
They lack membrane-bound organelles.
C.
They are typically larger than eukaryotic cells.
D.
They undergo mitosis for division.
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: B
Prokaryotic cells lack membrane-bound organelles, distinguishing them from eukaryotic cells which have defined nuclei and organelles.
Q8
Hard
Which of the following statements correctly describes the function of ribosomes in a cell?
A.
Ribosomes synthesize proteins by translating mRNA.
B.
Ribosomes are responsible for the synthesis of lipids.
C.
Ribosomes store genetic information in the form of DNA.
D.
Ribosomes regulate the transport of materials across the cell membrane.
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: A
Ribosomes are the cellular structures responsible for protein synthesis. They translate messenger RNA (mRNA) into polypeptide chains, which fold into functional proteins. Therefore, option A is correct.
Q9
Hard
In a hypothetical cell, if the concentration of solute outside the cell is lower than the concentration inside, what process will most likely occur?
A.
Osmosis will occur, causing water to move into the cell.
B.
Active transport will occur, moving solutes out of the cell.
C.
Diffusion will occur, moving solutes into the cell.
D.
Facilitated diffusion will occur, allowing water to exit the cell.
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: A
When the concentration of solute is lower outside than inside the cell, water moves into the cell by osmosis, which is the movement of water across a semi-permeable membrane driven by solute concentration differences. Option A is correct.
Q10
Hard
In the process of cellular respiration, which of the following statements accurately describes the role of mitochondria?
A.
Mitochondria are the site of glycolysis only.
B.
Mitochondria convert glucose into amino acids.
C.
Mitochondria produce ATP through oxidative phosphorylation.
D.
Mitochondria store genetic material for cell division.
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: C
Mitochondria are known as the powerhouse of the cell because they produce ATP, the energy currency of the cell, through a process called oxidative phosphorylation, which takes place across their inner membranes.
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Cells — IGCSE (Cambridge) IGCSE Biology Practice Questions Online
This page contains 138 practice MCQs for the chapter Cells in IGCSE (Cambridge) IGCSE Biology. The questions are organized by difficulty — 36 easy, 71 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.