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Most Repeated MDCAT Biology: Cell Structure and Function MCQs

The most repeated Cell Structure and Function questions in MDCAT Biology, measured from 377 real past papers. Cell Structure and Function contributed 704 questions across those papers, and 12 distinct questions recurred with the same verified answer across 2 or more different exam years — listed below (ranked by how many years each recurs in), with the answer, an explanation, and the exact years.

Measured from 377 real past papers · updated July 2026

  1. 1
    Repeated in 3 yearsCell Structure and Function

    The function of nucleolus is to make:

    • ArDNA
    • BRNA
    • CRibosomes
    • DChromosomes

    Explanation

    The function of the nucleolus is to make ribosomes. The nucleolus is a distinct subcompartment within the cell nucleus, and it plays a vital role in ribosome biogenesis, which is the process of producing ribosomes, the cellular machinery responsible for protein synthesis. The nucleolus is responsible for making ribosomes by transcribing, processing, and assembling the components of ribosomes before exporting them to the cytoplasm, where they perform their crucial role in protein synthesis. Ribosomes are essential cellular structures involved in protein synthesis.

    Appeared in the past papers of: 2007, 2013, 2025

  2. 2
    Repeated in 2 yearsCell Structure and Function

    The finger like infoldings, which are formed by inner membrane of mitochondria, are called:

    • ARibosomes
    • BMatrix
    • CPorin
    • DCristae

    Explanation

    The correct answer is Cristae, which are the finger-like infoldings of the inner membrane of mitochondria. These structures are critical for the mitochondria's function, as they increase the surface area available for the electron transport chain, thereby enhancing ATP production.In contrast, Ribosomes are involved in protein synthesis and do not relate to mitochondrial structure. The Matrix refers to the space within the mitochondria, but it does not describe any infoldings. Porin is a type of protein that allows for the transport of substances across membranes and is not an infolding structure.

    Appeared in the past papers of: 2018, 2019

  3. 3
    Repeated in 2 yearsCell Structure and Function

    The chemical compound has the same percentage in the bacterial as well as the mammalian cell:

    • ACarbohydrates
    • BProtein
    • CLipid
    • DWater

    Explanation

    The percentage of water in both bacterial and mammalian cell is 70%.Hence, this option is correct.

    Appeared in the past papers of: 2023, 2024

  4. 4
    Repeated in 2 yearsCell Structure and Function

    Which one is the powerhouse of the cell?

    • ARibosomes
    • BGolgi Apparatus
    • CMitochondria
    • DChloroplasts

    Explanation

    On the cristae of mitochondria are located enzymes and coenzymes by means of which carbohydrates (starch), fatty acids (lipids), and amino acids (lipids) are metabolized to CO₂ and H₂O. Energy in the form of ATP is released in this process, which is stored within mitochondria. ATP is an energy-rich compound, and it provides energy for various cellular activities. Hence, "mitochondria" is known as the "powerhouse" of the cell. Hence, this option is correct.

    Appeared in the past papers of: 2023, 2024

  5. 5
    Repeated in 2 yearsCell Structure and Function

    Which of the following best describes the plasma membrane?

    • AAdhesible
    • BPermeable
    • CImpermeable
    • DSemipermeable

    Explanation

    The plasma membrane performs several functions but the main and the most important functions are protection of cell cytoplasm to regulate the flow of solutions and material in an out of the cell with certain limitation. These limitations or checkin lowacross the membrane is called differential or selective permeability. Therefore, plasma membrane is called semipermeable membrane.

    Appeared in the past papers of: 2023, 2024

  6. 6
    Repeated in 2 yearsCell Structure and Function

    Protein layers are embedded in lipid bilayers; this was explained by

    • ALock and key Model
    • BInduced fit model
    • CFluid mosaic model
    • DSandwich model

    Explanation

    Fluid mosaic model: According to the fluid mosaic model, the lipid bilayer is retained as the core of the membrane. The structure and arrangement of membrane proteins in the fluid-mosaic model are like icebergs in the sea. The proteins occur as a 'mosaic' of discontinuous particles that penetrate deeply into and even completely through the lipid sheet. Hence, this option is correct.

    Appeared in the past papers of: 2023, 2024

  7. 7
    Repeated in 2 yearsCell Structure and Function

    Just given function is associated with lysosomes:

    • AProtein synthesis
    • BProcessing & packaging
    • CIntracellular digestion
    • DLipid synthesis

    Explanation

    Lysosomes contain enzymes that break down cellular waste, damaged organelles, and macromolecules. This makes them the main organelles responsible for intracellular digestion.

    Appeared in the past papers of: 2023, 2024

  8. 8
    Repeated in 2 yearsCell Structure and Function

    In which type of cells, cell wall is not present?

    • APlant cells
    • BFungal cells
    • CBacterial cells
    • DLiver cells

    Explanation

    A cell wall is a structural layer surrounding some types of cells, just outside the cell membrane. It can be tough, flexible, and sometimes rigid. It provides the cell with both structural support and protection, and also acts as a filtering mechanism. No cells in the human body have a cell wall, hence liver cells will not have one either. Plant cell walls are primarily made of cellulose, which is the most abundant macromolecule on Earth. The cell wall is a characteristic structure of fungi and is composed mainly of glucans, chitin, and glycoproteins.

    Appeared in the past papers of: 2020, 2024

  9. 9
    Repeated in 2 yearsCell Structure and Function

    Chemically, cell wall of fungi is made up of _.

    • ACellulose
    • BLignin
    • CChitin
    • DMurine

    Explanation

    The fungal cell wall is primarily made of chitin, a strong polymer that provides rigidity and protection. It also contains glucans and glycoproteins. Hence, this option is correct.

    Appeared in the past papers of: 2022, 2024

  10. 10
    Repeated in 2 yearsCell Structure and Function

    The unique macromolecule in the bacterial cell wall is:

    • APolysaccharides
    • BProteins
    • CPeptidoglycan
    • DCholesterol

    Explanation

    Bacterial cell walls are primarily composed of peptidoglycan, which is a unique macromolecule consisting of both sugars (polysaccharides) and amino acids. This gives bacterial cell walls their rigidity and shape.

    Appeared in the past papers of: 2022, 2023

  11. 11
    Repeated in 2 yearsCell Structure and Function

    A student is trying to determine the type of membrane transport occurring in a cell. She finds that the molecules to be transported are very large and when transported across the membrane, no ATP is used. Which of the following is the most likely mechanism of transport?

    • AActive transport
    • BSimple diffusion
    • CFacilitated diffusion
    • DExocytosis

    Explanation

    The correct answer is facilitated diffusion. This process involves the passive movement of molecules across the cell membrane via specific transport proteins. It does not require energy, which is consistent with the observation that no ATP was used. Large molecules typically cannot pass through the membrane without assistance, which is why facilitated diffusion is necessary. Active transport is incorrect because it requires ATP to move molecules against their concentration gradient. Simple diffusion is not suitable for large molecules as it involves the movement of small or non-polar molecules directly through the lipid bilayer.

    Appeared in the past papers of: 2013, 2016

  12. 12
    Repeated in 2 yearsCell Structure and Function

    All the following are organelles EXCEPT the:

    • AEndoplasmic reticulum
    • BMitochondria
    • CRibosomes
    • DGolgi complex
    • EUltracentrifuge

    Explanation

    Ultra centrifuge is not an organelle; it is a very fast centrifuge used to precipitate large biological molecules from solution or separate them by their different rates of sedimentation.

    Appeared in the past papers of: 2014, 2015

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