MDCAT Biology: Cell Structure and Function MCQs

Practice MDCAT Biology Cell Structure and Function MCQs with explanations — PMC, ETEA, NUMS entry test preparation.

MDCAT Biology: Cell Structure and Function MCQs

  1. Question 1

    Q1. During the cytokinesis of a plant cell, a student identifies the first layer to be deposited between the two newly formed daughter cells.

    • A) Primary wall
    • B) Middle lamella
    • C) Secondary wall
    • D) Plasma membrane

    Answer: Middle lamella

    Explanation: Middle lamella is the first layer formed during cytokinesis; the primary wall is tempting but it develops after the middle lamella.

  2. Question 2

    Q2. A researcher analyzing the plasma membrane identifies a conjugate molecule consisting of a carbohydrate covalently bonded to a lipid.

    • A) Phospholipids
    • B) Cholesterol
    • C) Glycoproteins
    • D) Glycolipids

    Answer: Glycolipids

    Explanation: Glycolipids are carbohydrate-lipid conjugates; glycoproteins are tempting but involve proteins rather than lipids as the base molecule.

  3. Question 3

    Q3. While observing a staining pattern in a eukaryotic nucleus, a technician notices a non-membranous, dense body responsible for rRNA synthesis.

    • A) Nucleolus
    • B) Chromatin
    • C) Nuclear envelope
    • D) Nucleoplasm

    Answer: Nucleolus

    Explanation: The nucleolus is the site of ribosomal RNA synthesis; the chromatin is tempting but it contains the genetic blueprints instead.

  4. Question 4

    Q4. A biochemist isolates ribosomes from a human liver cell and determines the sedimentation coefficients of their two distinct subunits.

    • A) 30S and 50S
    • B) 40S and 50S
    • C) 40S and 60S
    • D) 50S and 60S

    Answer: 40S and 60S

    Explanation: Eukaryotic ribosomes consist of 40S and 60S subunits; 30S and 50S are tempting but are specific to prokaryotic cells.

  5. Question 5

    Q5. In a patient suffering from drug overdose, which organelle in the liver cells would be most active in detoxifying the harmful chemicals?

    • A) Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum
    • B) Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum
    • C) Golgi Apparatus
    • D) Lysosomes

    Answer: Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum

    Explanation: SER is primarily responsible for detoxification in the liver; RER is tempting but focuses on protein synthesis instead.

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