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3.2.1 Cell structure: eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells

AQA A-level Biology 3.2.1 practice on Cell structure: eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells, with free MCQs, clues and worked explanations drawn from the Cells section of specification 7402.

Specification route
3.2.1
Question bank
20 questions
Course stage
AS / Year 12

Sample questions

QUESTION 1 · 3.2.1.1 · LEVEL 1

Which organelle in eukaryotic cells is membrane-bound and specifically functions to release hydrolytic enzymes?

  • Lysosomes
  • Mitochondria
  • Golgi apparatus
  • Smooth endoplasmic reticulum
Show clue

These organelles act as the cell's waste disposal system.

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Answer: Lysosomes

Lysosomes are a membrane-bound organelle that releases hydrolytic enzymes.

QUESTION 2 · 3.2.1.2 · LEVEL 1

What is the primary structural component of a prokaryotic cell wall?

  • Murein
  • Cellulose
  • Chitin
  • Glycogen
Show clue

This substance is a type of glycoprotein unique to bacteria.

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Answer: Murein

Prokaryotic cells have a cell wall that contains murein, a glycoprotein.

QUESTION 3 · 3.2.1.1 · LEVEL 2

In which groups of organisms do eukaryotic cells possess a cell wall?

  • Plants, algae, and fungi
  • Plants, animals, and fungi
  • Plants and algae only
  • Plants, fungi, and viruses
Show clue

Animal cells lack this structure entirely.

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Answer: Plants, algae, and fungi

The structure of eukaryotic cells includes a cell wall in plants, algae and fungi.

QUESTION 4 · 3.2.1.2 · LEVEL 3

How does the genetic material in a prokaryotic cell differ structurally from that in a eukaryotic cell's nucleus?

  • It is a single circular DNA molecule that is free in the cytoplasm and not associated with proteins.
  • It consists of protein-bound, linear DNA contained within plasmids.
  • It is made of RNA rather than DNA and lacks histone proteins.
  • It is housed within a simple, single-membrane nucleus.
Show clue

Prokaryotic DNA does not coil around histones.

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Answer: It is a single circular DNA molecule that is free in the cytoplasm and not associated with proteins.

Prokaryotic cells have no nucleus; instead they have a single circular DNA molecule that is free in the cytoplasm and is not associated with proteins.

QUESTION 5 · 3.2.1.2 · LEVEL 2

What are the structural components of a typical virus particle?

  • Genetic material, a capsid, and attachment proteins.
  • A nucleus, smaller ribosomes, and a protein coat.
  • A single circular DNA molecule, plasmids, and a capsule.
  • Linear DNA, a cell-surface membrane, and flagella.
Show clue

Viruses are acellular and lack organelles.

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Answer: Genetic material, a capsid, and attachment proteins.

The structure of virus particles includes genetic material, a capsid and attachment proteins.

QUESTION 6 · 3.2.1.3 · LEVEL 1

Which formula correctly calculates the magnification of an object viewed under a microscope?

  • Magnification = size of image / size of real object
  • Magnification = size of real object / size of image
  • Magnification = resolution / size of image
  • Magnification = size of image $\times$ size of real object
Show clue

You are dividing what you see by what actually exists.

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Answer: Magnification = size of image / size of real object

Use of the formula: magnification = size of image / size of real object.

QUESTION 7 · 3.2.1.3 · LEVEL 2

When comparing microscopy techniques, what does 'resolution' specifically refer to?

  • The ability to distinguish between two points that are close together.
  • The number of times larger an image is compared to the real object.
  • The use of an electron beam instead of light to view a specimen.
  • The process of using a graticule to measure the size of an object.
Show clue

It determines how much fine detail can be seen.

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Answer: The ability to distinguish between two points that are close together.

The difference between magnification and resolution. Resolution is the minimum distance apart that two objects can be in order for them to appear as separate items.

QUESTION 8 · 3.2.1.2 · LEVEL 1

How does the cytoplasm of a prokaryotic cell differ from that of a eukaryotic cell?

  • It lacks membrane-bound organelles.
  • It contains linear DNA associated with histones.
  • It lacks ribosomes entirely.
  • It is enclosed by a capsid rather than a cell-surface membrane.
Show clue

Prokaryotes are much simpler in internal structure.

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Answer: It lacks membrane-bound organelles.

Prokaryotic cells... differ from eukaryotic cells in having: cytoplasm that lacks membrane-bound organelles.

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