CLEP - Biology Cell Organelle Structure/Function Questions and Answers

Question 1

A cell actively engaged in breaking down and recycling damaged organelles and foreign particles would be expected to have a high concentration of which organelle?

Accepted Answer

Lysosomes

Answer

Lysosomes are membrane-bound organelles that contain hydrolytic enzymes. Their primary function is to break down waste materials, foreign particles, and cellular debris, a process known as phagocytosis. Therefore, a cell with high metabolic activity involving degradation would be rich in lysosomes.

Question 2

A scientist is studying a plant cell and observes an organelle with a double membrane, containing stacks of flattened sacs called grana. What is the primary function of this organelle?

Accepted Answer

Converting light energy into chemical energy

Answer

The described organelle is a chloroplast. Chloroplasts are the site of photosynthesis in plant cells. They contain thylakoids arranged in stacks called grana, which house the chlorophyll pigments necessary for capturing light energy and converting it into chemical energy in the form of glucose.

Question 3

Which of the following correctly outlines the path of a protein destined for secretion from a eukaryotic cell?

Accepted Answer

Ribosome → Rough ER → Golgi apparatus → Plasma membrane

Answer

The synthesis of proteins for export begins on ribosomes attached to the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER). The protein then moves into the RER for folding, travels to the Golgi apparatus for further modification and packaging into vesicles, and is finally transported to the plasma membrane for secretion (exocytosis).

Question 4

Liver cells are heavily involved in detoxifying harmful substances like alcohol and drugs. Which organelle would you expect to be particularly abundant in these cells to perform this function?

Accepted Answer

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum

Answer

The smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) has several functions, including lipid synthesis and, notably, the detoxification of drugs and poisons. Liver cells have an extensive SER to break down toxic substances into less harmful, water-soluble molecules that can be excreted from the body.

Question 5

The inner membrane of a mitochondrion is highly folded into structures called cristae. This structural feature is critical because it:

Accepted Answer

increases the surface area for the reactions of the electron transport chain.

Answer

The electron transport chain and ATP synthase, key components of aerobic cellular respiration, are embedded in the inner mitochondrial membrane. The folding of this membrane into cristae dramatically increases the available surface area, allowing for a greater number of these components and thus maximizing ATP production.

CLEP Practice Test

CLEP Practice Test

CLEP - Biology Cell Organelle Structure/Function Questions and Answers