Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

It acts as a selectively permeable barrier, regulating the movement of substances in and out of the cell.

Question 2

A patient is given an intravenous solution that is hypotonic compared to their blood plasma. What is the most likely effect on their red blood cells?

Accepted Answer

The cells will swell and may burst due to water influx.

Question 3

Which organelle is primarily responsible for ATP production in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondrion

Question 4

A mutation disrupts the function of tight junctions in epithelial cells. Which of the following is the most likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

Increased leakage of substances between cells.

Question 5

Which process requires energy input from ATP to move substances against their concentration gradient?

Accepted Answer

Primary active transport

Question 6

During protein synthesis, what is the role of transfer RNA (tRNA)?

Accepted Answer

tRNA carries amino acids to the ribosome and matches them to the mRNA codon via its anticodon.

Question 7

Which of the following equations correctly represents the calculation of osmolarity ($Osm$) for a solution containing $n$ solute particles per liter?

Accepted Answer

$Osm = \frac{n}{L}$

Question 8

A cell is placed in a solution with a higher concentration of non-penetrating solutes than the cytoplasm. What type of solution is this, and what will happen to the cell?

Accepted Answer

Hypertonic; the cell will shrink.

Question 9

Which cellular structure is responsible for packaging and sorting proteins for secretion or delivery to other organelles?

Accepted Answer

Golgi apparatus

Question 10

Which of the following best explains why the plasma membrane is described as a 'fluid mosaic'?

Accepted Answer

It consists of a double layer of phospholipids with embedded proteins that can move laterally.

Question 11

A researcher observes that a cell is actively engulfing bacteria. Which process is being observed?

Accepted Answer

Phagocytosis

Question 12

Which of the following is TRUE regarding facilitated diffusion?

Accepted Answer

It uses membrane proteins to move molecules down their concentration gradient.

Question 13

Which equation best represents the Nernst equation for calculating the equilibrium potential ($E$) of an ion across a membrane?

Accepted Answer

$E = \frac{RT}{zF} \ln \left( \frac{[ion]_{out}}{[ion]_{in}} \right)$

Question 14

Which of the following cell junctions allows for direct communication between adjacent cells by permitting the passage of ions and small molecules?

Accepted Answer

Gap junctions

Question 15

A cell is observed to have an extensive network of rough endoplasmic reticulum. What is the most likely function of this cell?

Accepted Answer

Protein synthesis for export

Question 16

Which process is responsible for the programmed cell death that occurs during embryonic development and tissue remodeling?

Accepted Answer

Apoptosis

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the role of the sodium-potassium pump in maintaining the resting membrane potential?

Accepted Answer

It actively transports 3 sodium ions out and 2 potassium ions in, creating an electrochemical gradient.

Question 18

Which of the following is a function of cell adhesion molecules (CAMs)?

Accepted Answer

They facilitate cell migration during development and wound healing.

Question 19

During transcription, which molecule is synthesized from a DNA template?

Accepted Answer

mRNA

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the function of lysosomes in a cell?

Accepted Answer

They contain digestive enzymes that break down waste and cellular debris.

Cell Structure and Function: Anatomy & Physiology Study Notes

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