ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery)General Science (GS)Hard

A biologist is studying a cell and observes that it contains mitochondria, ribosomes, and a cell membrane, but lacks a cell wall and chloroplasts. This cell is most likely from a(n):

  1. ABacterium
  2. BFungus
  3. CAnimal
  4. DPlant
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C. Animal

Animal cells are eukaryotic, possessing mitochondria, ribosomes, and a cell membrane. Unlike plant and fungal cells, animal cells lack a cell wall, and unlike plant cells, they lack chloroplasts.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A. Bacterial cells (prokaryotes) lack mitochondria and a true nucleus, and also have a cell wall.
  • B. Fungal cells have a cell wall (chitin) but lack chloroplasts.
  • D. Plant cells have chloroplasts and a cell wall.

Eukaryotic Cell Organelles

Specialized structures within eukaryotic cells that perform specific functions.

  • Mitochondria: Powerhouse, cellular respiration.
  • Ribosomes: Protein synthesis.
  • Cell Membrane: Regulates passage of substances.
  • Cell Wall: Structural support (plants, fungi, some protists).
  • Chloroplasts: Photosynthesis (plants, algae).

Memory trick: No wall, no green, just animal scene.

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