This comprehensive set of MCQs on Cell Structure and Function is designed to cover all essential topics required for success in the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT). Focused on key subjects such as cell types, organelles, cellular processes, and their roles in maintaining life, these MCQs are crafted to help aspiring medical and dental students build a strong foundation in cell biology and its significance in health sciences.
Who should practice Cell Structure and Function MCQs?
- Students preparing for the MDCAT who wish to deepen their understanding of cellular components and their relevance to human health and disease.
- Individuals seeking to enhance their knowledge of cellular anatomy and physiology, which is crucial for various medical and dental disciplines.
- University students targeting high-yield topics like cellular metabolism, respiration, and reproduction.
- Anyone aiming to strengthen their foundational understanding of cell biology and its implications for health and disease.
- Candidates focused on developing critical thinking and analytical skills related to biological systems and their impact on human health.
1. Which of the following structures is found in plant cells but not in animal cells?
A) Nucleus
B) Cell wall
C) Mitochondria
D) Ribosomes
View AnswerB
2. The fluid mosaic model describes the structure of:
A) DNA
B) RNA
C) Cell membranes
D) Cytoplasm
View AnswerC
3. The primary function of the cell wall is to:
A) Store nutrients
B) Provide structural support
C) Control cell division
D) Facilitate cellular respiration
View AnswerB
4. Which of the following is NOT a function of the cytoplasm?
A) Site of metabolic reactions
B) Contains organelles
C) Provides shape to the cell
D) Transmits genetic information
View AnswerD
5. The nucleus is responsible for:
A) Energy production
B) Photosynthesis
C) Storing genetic material
D) Protein synthesis
View AnswerC
6. The structure that surrounds the nucleus is called:
A) Nuclear envelope
B) Cell membrane
C) Cytoplasmic membrane
D) Chromatin
View AnswerA
7. Which organelle is known as the powerhouse of the cell?
A) Ribosome
B) Golgi apparatus
C) Mitochondria
D) Endoplasmic reticulum
View AnswerC
8. The main function of the endoplasmic reticulum is to:
A) Produce energy
B) Synthesize and transport proteins and lipids
C) Store genetic information
D) Degrade waste materials
View AnswerB
9. The rough endoplasmic reticulum is characterized by the presence of:
A) Smooth surface
B) Ribosomes on its surface
C) Mitochondria
D) Golgi bodies
View AnswerB
10. Which of the following is the primary function of the Golgi apparatus?
A) Protein synthesis
B) Energy production
C) Modification and packaging of proteins
D) Photosynthesis
View AnswerC
11. Lysosomes are known as the:
A) Protein factories
B) Digestive system of the cell
C) Energy producers
D) Genetic material
View AnswerB
12. The plastids responsible for photosynthesis are called:
A) Chromoplasts
B) Leucoplasts
C) Chloroplasts
D) Amyloplasts
View AnswerC
13. Which of the following organelles is involved in storage?
A) Ribosomes
B) Vacuoles
C) Nucleus
D) Golgi apparatus
View AnswerB
14. Prokaryotic cells lack:
A) Cell membranes
B) Cytoplasm
C) Nuclei
D) Ribosomes
View AnswerC
15. Eukaryotic cells can be found in:
A) Bacteria
B) Plants and animals
C) Archaea
D) Viruses
View AnswerB
16. The primary difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells is the presence of:
A) Cell membranes
B) Cytoplasm
C) Nucleus
D) Ribosomes
View AnswerC
17. The function of the vacuole in plant cells includes:
A) Energy production
B) Storage of substances
C) Protein synthesis
D) Cellular respiration
View AnswerB
18. The double membrane surrounding mitochondria is referred to as the:
A) Endoplasmic reticulum
B) Golgi apparatus
C) Mitochondrial envelope
D) Nuclear envelope
View AnswerC
19. The primary role of ribosomes is:
A) DNA replication
B) Protein synthesis
C) Lipid synthesis
D) Energy production
View AnswerB
20. Which of the following structures is involved in detoxifying harmful substances in the cell?
A) Golgi apparatus
B) Smooth endoplasmic reticulum
C) Rough endoplasmic reticulum
D) Mitochondria
View AnswerB
21. The main role of chloroplasts is to:
A) Produce energy
B) Synthesize lipids
C) Conduct photosynthesis
D) Store waste products
View AnswerC
22. The gel-like substance inside the cell is called:
A) Cytosol
B) Nucleoplasm
C) Cytoplasm
D) Protoplasm
View AnswerC
23. What are the tiny, hair-like structures on the surface of some prokaryotic cells called?
A) Cilia
B) Flagella
C) Pili
D) Microvilli
View AnswerC
24. The function of the nuclear pores is to:
A) Produce ribosomes
B) Allow the exchange of materials between the nucleus and cytoplasm
C) Protect the DNA
D) Store RNA
View AnswerB
25. Which of the following is the primary component of the cell membrane?
A) Proteins
B) Carbohydrates
C) Lipids
D) Nucleic acids
View AnswerC
26. The region of the cell where ribosomes are assembled is called the:
A) Nucleolus
B) Chromatin
C) Cytoplasm
D) Endoplasmic reticulum
View AnswerA
27. Which organelle is responsible for the synthesis of ATP?
A) Golgi apparatus
B) Chloroplasts
C) Mitochondria
D) Nucleus
View AnswerC
28. The fluid part of the cytoplasm is known as:
A) Cytosol
B) Protoplasm
C) Nucleoplasm
D) Interstitial fluid
View AnswerA
29. What type of cellular junction allows communication between adjacent cells?
A) Tight junctions
B) Gap junctions
C) Desmosomes
D) Adherens junctions
View AnswerB
30. Which of the following is NOT a function of the Golgi apparatus?
A) Protein modification
B) Lipid synthesis
C) Packaging and distribution
D) Glycosylation
View Answer
B
31. Which of the following organelles contains enzymes that break down waste materials?
A) Lysosomes
B) Mitochondria
C) Golgi apparatus
D) Endoplasmic reticulum
View AnswerA
32. In which type of cell are chloroplasts found?
A) Animal cells
B) Fungal cells
C) Plant cells
D) Bacterial cells
View AnswerC
33. The structure that contains the cell’s genetic material is the:
A) Cytoplasm
B) Nucleus
C) Ribosome
D) Golgi apparatus
View AnswerB
34. The main function of the rough endoplasmic reticulum is to:
A) Synthesize lipids
B) Synthesize proteins
C) Produce ATP
D) Store DNA
View AnswerB
35. Which of the following structures is responsible for transporting materials within the cell?
A) Lysosomes
B) Vesicles
C) Golgi apparatus
D) Mitochondria
View AnswerB
36. Which organelle is responsible for lipid synthesis?
A) Smooth endoplasmic reticulum
B) Rough endoplasmic reticulum
C) Golgi apparatus
D) Mitochondria
View AnswerA
37. The central vacuole in plant cells is primarily used for:
A) Storing nutrients and waste products
B) Photosynthesis
C) Protein synthesis
D) Energy production
View AnswerA
38. The double membrane surrounding chloroplasts is called:
A) Thylakoid membrane
B) Outer membrane
C) Inner membrane
D) Cytoplasmic membrane
View AnswerB
39. Prokaryotic cells are generally:
A) Larger than eukaryotic cells
B) More complex than eukaryotic cells
C) Simpler and smaller than eukaryotic cells
D) Multicellular
View AnswerC
40. Which structure is involved in the synthesis and processing of ribosomal RNA?
A) Nucleus
B) Ribosome
C) Golgi apparatus
D) Lysosome
View AnswerA
41. The primary component of the plant cell wall is:
A) Chitin
B) Cellulose
C) Starch
D) Glycogen
View AnswerB
42. The function of the endoplasmic reticulum includes:
A) Protein synthesis and lipid metabolism
B) Photosynthesis
C) DNA replication
D) Cell division
View AnswerA
43. Which of the following is a characteristic of lysosomes?
A) They contain chlorophyll.
B) They are involved in energy production.
C) They digest worn-out organelles.
D) They are involved in protein synthesis.
View AnswerC
44. Which structure plays a key role in the detoxification of harmful substances in the liver?
A) Mitochondria
B) Smooth endoplasmic reticulum
C) Golgi apparatus
D) Lysosomes
View AnswerB
45. Chloroplasts contain a green pigment called:
A) Carotene
B) Anthocyanin
C) Chlorophyll
D) Xanthophyll
View AnswerC
46. The cytoskeleton is involved in:
A) Storage of genetic information
B) Maintaining cell shape and enabling movement
C) Protein synthesis
D) Photosynthesis
View AnswerB
47. Which organelle is primarily involved in the packaging and shipping of proteins?
A) Ribosome
B) Golgi apparatus
C) Nucleus
D) Endoplasmic reticulum
View AnswerB
48. Which structure regulates the entry and exit of substances in and out of the cell?
A) Cell wall
B) Cytoplasm
C) Cell membrane
D) Nucleus
View AnswerC
49. What is the primary role of the nucleolus?
A) Synthesizing DNA
B) Synthesizing ribosomal RNA
C) Storing genetic information
D) Modifying proteins
View AnswerB
50. The primary function of ribosomes is to:
A) Store DNA
B) Synthesize proteins
C) Produce energy
D) Transport materials
View AnswerB
51. Which of the following organelles is responsible for cellular respiration?
A) Golgi apparatus
B) Chloroplast
C) Mitochondria
D) Lysosomes
View AnswerC
52. The term “endocytosis” refers to:
A) The process of vesicles fusing with the membrane
B) The uptake of materials into the cell
C) The secretion of substances out of the cell
D) The breakdown of substances
View AnswerB
53. Which structure is responsible for the synthesis of lipids?
A) Rough endoplasmic reticulum
B) Golgi apparatus
C) Smooth endoplasmic reticulum
D) Mitochondria
View AnswerC
54. Which of the following organelles is involved in the degradation of fatty acids?
A) Peroxisomes
B) Lysosomes
C) Golgi apparatus
D) Mitochondria
View AnswerA
55. Which type of cell contains a large central vacuole?
A) Animal cell
B) Plant cell
C) Prokaryotic cell
D) Fungal cell
View AnswerB
56. Which of the following statements is true about eukaryotic cells?
A) They have no membrane-bound organelles.
B) They contain a nucleus.
C) They are typically smaller than prokaryotic cells.
D) They have a simple structure.
View AnswerB
57. The organelle that modifies, sorts, and packages proteins is:
A) Ribosome
B) Golgi apparatus
C) Nucleus
D) Mitochondria
View AnswerB
58. The primary structure that provides strength to the plant cell wall is:
A) Chitin
B) Peptidoglycan
C) Cellulose
D) Glycogen
View AnswerC
59. The primary role of the cytoskeleton is to:
A) Store energy
B) Provide structure and shape to the cell
C) Synthesize proteins
D) Regulate cell division
View AnswerB
60. Which structure is involved in cellular transport?
A) Nucleus
B) Mitochondria
C) Golgi apparatus
D) Vesicles
View AnswerD
61. Which of the following is a function of the plasma membrane?
A) Energy production
B) Control of the cell cycle
C) Transport of materials
D) Protein synthesis
View AnswerC
62. The cytoplasm consists of:
A) Nucleus and ribosomes
B) Organelles and cytosol
C) Cell membrane and cell wall
D) Mitochondria and lysosomes
View AnswerB
63. Which organelle is responsible for the synthesis of ATP?
A) Chloroplast
B) Golgi apparatus
C) Ribosome
D) Mitochondria
View AnswerD
64. What is the function of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum?
A) Protein synthesis
B) Lipid synthesis
C) Energy production
D) Digestion
View AnswerB
65. Which of the following organelles is involved in the detoxification of drugs and poisons?
A) Rough endoplasmic reticulum
B) Smooth endoplasmic reticulum
C) Golgi apparatus
D) Mitochondria
View AnswerB
66. The organelle that is responsible for modifying proteins and lipids is the:
A) Ribosome
B) Lysosome
C) Golgi apparatus
D) Mitochondria
View AnswerC
67. The cytoskeleton is primarily composed of:
A) Nucleotides
B) Proteins
C) Carbohydrates
D) Lipids
View AnswerB
68. Which of the following is a function of the lysosome?
A) Energy production
B) Protein synthesis
C) Breakdown of waste materials
D) Photosynthesis
View AnswerC
69. The structure that controls the movement of substances in and out of the cell is:
A) Cell wall
B) Nucleus
C) Cell membrane
D) Cytoplasm
View AnswerC
70. Which type of cell is characterized by the presence of a cell wall and chloroplasts?
A) Animal cell
B) Plant cell
C) Fungal cell
D) Bacterial cell
View AnswerB
71. The primary function of the nucleolus is to:
A) Store DNA
B) Synthesize ribosomal RNA
C) Modify proteins
D) Produce ATP
View AnswerB
72. Which of the following is NOT found in prokaryotic cells?
A) DNA
B) Cell membrane
C) Nucleus
D) Ribosomes
View AnswerC
73. The primary role of mitochondria is to:
A) Store genetic information
B) Produce energy
C) Synthesize proteins
D) Conduct photosynthesis
View AnswerB
74. Which of the following organelles contains enzymes for digestion?
A) Golgi apparatus
B) Mitochondria
C) Lysosomes
D) Chloroplasts
View AnswerC
75. The function of chloroplasts is to:
A) Produce ATP
B) Conduct photosynthesis
C) Store carbohydrates
D) Synthesize proteins
View AnswerB
76. Which of the following structures is involved in the synthesis of proteins?
A) Golgi apparatus
B) Mitochondria
C) Ribosomes
D) Lysosomes
View AnswerC
77. The primary function of the plasma membrane is:
A) Energy production
B) Control of the cell cycle
C) Regulation of substance entry and exit
D) Protein synthesis
View AnswerC
78. Which of the following is true about the Golgi apparatus?
A) It synthesizes proteins.
B) It modifies, sorts, and packages proteins.
C) It is involved in ATP production.
D) It contains chlorophyll.
View AnswerB
79. The organelle responsible for the production of ribosomal RNA is:
A) Nucleus
B) Ribosome
C) Golgi apparatus
D) Lysosome
View AnswerA
80. Which of the following structures is responsible for cellular respiration?
A) Chloroplast
B) Golgi apparatus
C) Mitochondria
D) Ribosome
View AnswerC
81. Which of the following organelles is involved in the synthesis of lipids?
A) Rough endoplasmic reticulum
B) Smooth endoplasmic reticulum
C) Golgi apparatus
D) Ribosome
View AnswerB
82. Which of the following structures is NOT found in plant cells?
A) Chloroplasts
B) Cell wall
C) Mitochondria
D) Centrioles
View AnswerD
83. The gel-like substance inside the cell, excluding the organelles, is called:
A) Cytosol
B) Protoplasm
C) Nucleoplasm
D) Cytoplasm
View AnswerA
84. The main role of the endoplasmic reticulum is to:
A) Produce ATP
B) Synthesize and transport proteins and lipids
C) Store waste products
D) Conduct photosynthesis
View AnswerB
85. The primary role of vacuoles in plant cells is:
A) Protein synthesis
B) Photosynthesis
C) Storage of substances
D) Energy production
View AnswerC
86. Which of the following is true about prokaryotic cells?
A) They contain a nucleus.
B) They lack membrane-bound organelles.
C) They are typically larger than eukaryotic cells.
D) They have a complex structure.
View AnswerB
87. The main function of the lysosome is to:
A) Store energy
B) Break down waste materials
C) Produce proteins
D) Conduct photosynthesis
View AnswerB
88. Which organelle is involved in the modification and sorting of proteins?
A) Nucleus
B) Golgi apparatus
C) Ribosome
D) Mitochondria
View AnswerB
89. The cytoskeleton is composed of:
A) Nucleotides
B) Amino acids
C) Microtubules and filaments
D) Carbohydrates
View AnswerC
90. The primary function of the nucleus is:
A) Energy production
B) Protein synthesis
C) Storage of genetic material
D) Detoxification
View AnswerC
91. Which of the following organelles is responsible for the production of ATP?
A) Chloroplast
B) Golgi apparatus
C) Ribosome
D) Mitochondria
View AnswerD
92. The organelle responsible for packaging proteins for export is:
A) Ribosome
B) Endoplasmic reticulum
C) Golgi apparatus
D) Lysosome
View AnswerC
93. The component of the cell membrane that helps maintain its fluidity is:
A) Phospholipids
B) Proteins
C) Cholesterol
D) Carbohydrates
View AnswerC
94. The primary role of chlorophyll in chloroplasts is to:
A) Store energy
B) Conduct photosynthesis
C) Produce ATP
D) Synthesize proteins
View AnswerB
95. Which of the following is NOT a function of the Golgi apparatus?
A) Modifying proteins
B) Synthesizing DNA
C) Packaging proteins
D) Glycosylation of proteins
View AnswerB
96. The main function of the ribosome is:
A) Protein synthesis
B) Lipid synthesis
C) Energy production
D) Storage of genetic material
View AnswerA
97. The central vacuole in plant cells serves to:
A) Produce energy
B) Store nutrients and waste products
C) Conduct photosynthesis
D) Synthesize proteins
View AnswerB
98. Which of the following is a feature of the fluid mosaic model?
A) It describes a rigid structure of the membrane.
B) It includes only phospholipids.
C) It accounts for the movement of proteins within the membrane.
D) It does not involve carbohydrates.
View AnswerC
99. The role of the mitochondria in cellular respiration is to:
A) Convert glucose into ATP
B) Produce chlorophyll
C) Store genetic material
D) Synthesize ribosomal RNA
View AnswerA
100. Which of the following statements is true about lysosomes?
A) They are involved in photosynthesis.
B) They digest macromolecules.
C) They synthesize proteins.
D) They produce ATP.
View AnswerB