Question

Identify the characteristics of a cell.
Check all that apply.

measures 3-500 micrometers

infects all forms of living cells

grows and reproduces

responds to stimuli

contains DNA or RNA, not both

contains a cell membrane

Answer 1

Check the following as characteristics of a cell:

- grows and reproduces — Yes. Cells grow and divide (mitosis/meiosis or binary fission).
- responds to stimuli — Yes. Cells react to environmental signals (chemical, physical).
- contains a cell membrane — Yes. All cells have a plasma (cell) membrane.

Do not check:

- measures 3–500 micrometers — No. Cell sizes vary widely (bacteria can be <1 µm; many eukaryotic cells are 10–100 µm; some cells are larger), so that specific range is not a general cell characteristic.
- infects all forms of living cells — No. That describes pathogens (e.g., viruses), not cells themselves.
- contains DNA or RNA, not both — No. Cells contain DNA as their genetic material (and many RNAs), whereas "DNA or RNA but not both" is a virus trait.