GED Science Extra Prep: Cell Theory

To prepare for questions on the GED Science test that deal with cell theory, you should understand the basic tenets of cell theory, and also be able to identify the different parts of a cell.

Practice Questions

1. Which organelle is found only in plant cells and helps the plant to produce its own food via photosynthesis?

   A. cell wall B. vacuoles C. mitochondria D. chloroplasts

2. Which of the following statements describes the role of DNA in a cell?

   A. DNA is the material that the cell wall is constructed from. B. DNA provides the energy that fuels the cell's activities. C. DNA provides information to make proteins for the cell. D. DNA is the building block for proteins in the cell.

Answers and Explanations

1. The correct answer is D.

   Plant cells contain organelles called chloroplasts that contain the chlorophyll needed for photosynthesis. This is how plants produce their own food. Cell walls [Choice (A)] and vacuoles [Choice (B)] help support the plant but aren't involved in photosynthesis. Also, both plant and animal cells contain mitochondria, so Choice (C) is incorrect.

2. The correct answer is C.

   DNA provides information to make proteins that the cell needs, so Choice (C) is correct. Cell walls are made from cellulose, not DNA, so Choice (A) is incorrect. DNA doesn't provide the energy for the cell's activities (ATP does), so Choice (B) is wrong. DNA isn't the building block for proteins in the cell (amino acids are), so Choice (D) is wrong.