Regents Prep: Living Environment
Multiple-Choice Questions
Regents Prep Living Environment: Topical Multiple-Choice Question Archive
Use of Topical Archive Multiple-Choice Questions
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Cell Structure: Question 1 of 8
The diagram below represents a freshwater protist. Which letter indicates a structure that prevents the accumulation of excess water in the protist?
 

  1. A
  2. B
  3. C
  4. D

Correct Answer Number: 2

Explanation: This is the contractile vacuole which pumps excess water out of the protist. Since there is more pure water outside of the protist, water tends to move in by osmosis. Therefore, the protist must spend energy getting rid of the excess water.


Cell Structure: Question 2 of 8
Which diagram represents an organelle that contains the enzymes needed to synthesize ATP in the presence of oxygen?
 

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4

Correct Answer Number: 1

Explanation: Picture 1 is a mitochondria, the powerhouse of the cell, where respiration occurs. The second picture is the Golgi body to package proteins, the third is the endoplasmic reticulum for transport of materials, and the fourth picture is showing the nucleus of a cell that controls all cell activities and contains the DNA.


Cell Structure: Question 3 of 8
Which structure includes all of the others?
  1. nucleolus
  2. nucleus
  3. chromosomes
  4. genes

Correct Answer Number: 2

Explanation: The nucleus is the large dark spot in cells. Inside are the chromosomes (pieces of DNA) which contain genes (pieces of chromosomes which correspond to our traits), as well as nucleoli ( which are the sites of ribosome synthesis).


Cell Structure: Question 4 of 8
Most cell membranes are composed principally of
  1. DNA and ATP
  2. proteins and lipids
  3. chitin and starch
  4. nucleotides and amino acids

Correct Answer Number: 2

Explanation: Singer proposed the fluid mosaic model of the cell membrane in which the cell membrane consists of a double lipid layer with proteins embedded in it to act as name tags or to aid in movement of larger molecules across the membrane. DNA is the hereditary information stored in the nucleus and ATP is the energy capturing molecule found throughout the cell. Chitin and starch are large carbohydrates and nucleotides make up DNA while amino acids are the tiniest proteins.


Cell Structure: Question 5 of 8
Which statement best describes a difference between cell division in plant and animal cells?
  1. In animal cells, cytoplasmic division is accomplished by a
  2. In plant cells, cytoplasmic division is accomplished by a
  3. In plant cells, centrosomes have a distinct role in spindle formation, while in animal cells centrosomes do not function during cell division.
  4. In animal cells, replication of chromosomes occurs during the nondividing phase, while in plant cells replication occurs when the nuclear membrane disintegrates.

Correct Answer Number: 1

Explanation: Since plant cells have a rigid cell wall, they can not pinch in. Therefore, a cell plate forms between the two newly forming cells. A centriole is an animal organelle that directs the movement of chromosomes during mitosis and is involved in spindle formation.


Cell Structure: Question 6 of 8
Which structure is usually present only in animal cells?
  1. vacuole
  2. cell wall
  3. nucleus
  4. centriole

Correct Answer Number: 4

Explanation: Animal cells contain centrioles, cylindrical organelles that direct the movement of the chromosomes during mitosis. Plant cells tend to have bigger vacuoles and they also have rigid cell walls. Both have nuclei to control the cell.


Cell Structure: Question 7 of 8
Normally, in the process of osmosis, the net flow of water molecules into or out of the cell depends upon differences in the
  1. concentration of water molecules inside and outside the cell
  2. concentration of enzymes on either side of the cell membrane
  3. rate of molecular motion on either side of the cell membrane
  4. rate of movement of insoluble molecules inside the cell

Correct Answer Number: 1

Explanation: Osmosis is the diffusion of water across a membrane and is a passive process. Therefore, movement occurs due to a concentration gradient set up on either side of the membrane. If there is more water inside the cell than outside, water tends to move out.


Cell Structure: Question 8 of 8
Sodium ions are "pumped" from a region of lower concentration to a region of higher concentration in the nerve cells of humans. This process is an example of
  1. diffusion
  2. passive transport
  3. osmosis
  4. active transport

Correct Answer Number: 4

Explanation: Diffusion, passive transport and osmosis are examples of movement that does not require cellular energy. Since sodium ions are pumped against the concentration gradient, it requires work and is called active transport.
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