The Cell Practice Questions
WAEC (West Africa) · WAEC Biology · 133 free MCQs with instant results and detailed explanations.
133
Total
42
Easy
62
Medium
29
Hard
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Sample Questions from The Cell
Here are 10 sample questions. Start a quiz to get randomized questions with scoring.
Q1
Easy
What is the primary function of the cell membrane?
A.
To protect the cell and regulate what enters and leaves it
B.
To provide energy for cellular processes
C.
To store genetic information
D.
To synthesize proteins
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: A
The cell membrane acts as a barrier that protects the cell's internal environment and regulates the movement of substances in and out of the cell, maintaining homeostasis.
Q2
Easy
Which organelle is responsible for energy production in a cell?
A.
Nucleus
B.
Mitochondria
C.
Ribosome
D.
Endoplasmic Reticulum
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: B
Mitochondria are known as the powerhouses of the cell because they convert nutrients into energy through cellular respiration, producing ATP.
Q3
Easy
Which structure is found in plant cells but not in animal cells?
A.
Cell membrane
B.
Cytoplasm
C.
Chloroplast
D.
Nucleus
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: C
Chloroplasts are unique to plant cells and are responsible for photosynthesis, allowing plants to convert sunlight into chemical energy, unlike animal cells which do not have this structure.
Q4
Medium
What is the primary function of the cell membrane?
A.
Protein synthesis
B.
Energy production
C.
Regulation of substances entering and exiting the cell
D.
Photosynthesis
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: C
The cell membrane serves as a selective barrier that regulates the entry and exit of substances, maintaining homeostasis within the cell.
Q5
Medium
Which statement correctly describes prokaryotic cells?
A.
They have a true nucleus.
B.
They lack membrane-bound organelles.
C.
They are typically larger than eukaryotic cells.
D.
They reproduce only sexually.
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: B
Prokaryotic cells are characterized by the absence of membrane-bound organelles, including a true nucleus, which distinguishes them from eukaryotic cells.
Q6
Medium
Which of the following best describes the function of ribosomes in a cell?
A.
To produce energy
B.
To synthesize proteins
C.
To store genetic information
D.
To transport materials within the cell
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: B
Ribosomes are the cellular structures responsible for synthesizing proteins by translating messenger RNA into polypeptide chains.
Q7
Medium
Which organelle is primarily responsible for energy production in a cell?
A.
Nucleus
B.
Mitochondria
C.
Ribosome
D.
Endoplasmic Reticulum
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: B
The mitochondria are known as the powerhouses of the cell because they convert nutrients into energy through cellular respiration. This is why option B is correct.
Q8
Hard
Which of the following organelles is primarily involved in the synthesis of ATP within a cell?
A.
Ribosomes
B.
Mitochondria
C.
Endoplasmic Reticulum
D.
Golgi Apparatus
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: B
Mitochondria are known as the powerhouse of the cell because they produce ATP through cellular respiration. This process involves the conversion of biochemical energy from nutrients into ATP, making them the key organelles for energy production.
Q9
Hard
In a hypothetical situation, if a cell were to lose its nuclear membrane, what immediate effect would this have on the cell's functioning?
A.
Increased protein synthesis
B.
Loss of genetic material
C.
Inability to regulate gene expression
D.
Enhanced cellular respiration
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: C
The nuclear membrane serves as a barrier that regulates the exchange of materials between the nucleus and the cytoplasm. If this membrane is lost, the cell would be unable to properly control gene expression and the transcription of DNA into mRNA, which is essential for protein synthesis.
Q10
Hard
Which of the following structures is primarily responsible for ATP production in eukaryotic cells?
A.
Ribosomes
B.
Mitochondria
C.
Endoplasmic Reticulum
D.
Golgi Apparatus
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: B
Mitochondria are known as the powerhouse of the cell because they produce ATP through aerobic respiration, making option B the correct answer.
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The Cell — WAEC (West Africa) WAEC Biology Practice Questions Online
This page contains 133 practice MCQs for the chapter The Cell in WAEC (West Africa) WAEC Biology. The questions are organized by difficulty — 42 easy, 62 medium, 29 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.