Question 1

Which of the following best describes the function of the plasma membrane in human cells?

Accepted Answer

It forms a selective boundary, regulates transport, and facilitates communication with other cells.

Question 2

What is the primary structural component of the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

Phospholipid bilayer

Question 3

Which organelle is responsible for synthesizing ATP in the cell?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondria

Question 4

A cell is placed in a solution with a higher concentration of solutes than its cytoplasm. Which process will most likely occur?

Accepted Answer

Osmosis of water out of the cell

Question 5

Which of the following is TRUE about the sodium-potassium pump?

Accepted Answer

It requires energy in the form of ATP to function.

Question 6

Which cell structure is primarily responsible for reading genetic messages and assembling amino acids into proteins?

Accepted Answer

Ribosome

Question 7

What is the main function of the glycocalyx on the cell surface?

Accepted Answer

To cushion and protect the plasma membrane, facilitate cell recognition, and determine blood types

Question 8

Which of the following best explains why human cell size is limited?

Accepted Answer

Surface area to volume ratio limits efficient exchange of materials.

Question 9

Which process involves the cell engulfing large particles or microorganisms using pseudopods?

Accepted Answer

Phagocytosis

Question 10

A patient’s liver cells are actively detoxifying alcohol. Which organelle is most involved in this process?

Accepted Answer

Smooth endoplasmic reticulum

Question 11

Which of the following equations correctly represents the movement of water during osmosis?

Accepted Answer

$$Water: Low \rightarrow High$$ solute concentration

Question 12

Which type of cell junction allows the passage of ions and small molecules directly between adjacent cells?

Accepted Answer

Gap junctions

Question 13

Which of the following is a function of membrane proteins?

Accepted Answer

They act as identity markers for the immune system.

Question 14

A cell is actively transporting glucose against its concentration gradient. Which equation best represents the energy requirement for this process?

Accepted Answer

$$ATP \rightarrow ADP + P_i$$

Question 15

Which organelle is responsible for packaging and modifying proteins for secretion?

Accepted Answer

Golgi apparatus

Question 16

Which of the following best describes facilitated diffusion?

Accepted Answer

Movement of solutes from high to low concentration via carrier proteins without energy expenditure

Question 17

Which equation best represents the function of the sodium-potassium pump?

Accepted Answer

$$3 Na^+_{in} + 2 K^+_{out} + ATP \rightarrow 3 Na^+_{out} + 2 K^+_{in} + ADP + P_i$$

Question 18

Which process is used by cells to release neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft?

Accepted Answer

Exocytosis

Question 19

Which of the following is a function of peroxisomes in liver cells?

Accepted Answer

Detoxification of alcohol and neutralization of free radicals

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the role of cholesterol in the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

It regulates membrane fluidity and stability.

Cell Structure and Function: An Overview for Anatomy & Physiology

Study Guide - Practice Questions