Question 1

Which of the following best describes the function of the mitochondria in a eukaryotic cell?

Accepted Answer

It converts energy from food into a usable form through the process of cellular respiration.

Question 2

A patient with primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is more likely to experience which of the following symptoms, and why?

Accepted Answer

Chronic respiratory infections because cilia cannot effectively move mucus and pathogens out of the airways.

Question 3

Which of the following best explains why cells are limited in size by their surface area-to-volume ratio?

Accepted Answer

As cells get larger, their volume increases faster than their surface area, making it harder to efficiently exchange substances with the environment.

Question 4

A cell is placed in a hypertonic solution. What will happen to the cell, and why?

Accepted Answer

Water will leave the cell, causing it to shrink, because the solution has a higher solute concentration than the cell.

Question 5

Which organelle is most analogous to a post office in a city, and why?

Accepted Answer

Golgi apparatus, because it packages and delivers proteins and other molecules produced by the cell.

Question 6

A mutation in the gene coding for the CFTR protein affects which cellular structure and leads to which clinical symptoms?

Accepted Answer

It affects the plasma membrane, leading to thick mucus and recurrent respiratory infections.

Question 7

Which of the following best describes facilitated diffusion?

Accepted Answer

Movement of molecules from high to low concentration through a protein channel, without using energy.

Question 8

Which equation correctly represents the surface area to volume ratio for a cube-shaped cell with side length $$l$$?

Accepted Answer

$$\frac{6l^2$}{l^3$}$$

Question 9

Which of the following is a function of membrane proteins in the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

They act as enzymes, receptors, channels, and identity markers.

Question 10

A cell is observed to have abundant rough endoplasmic reticulum. Which function is this cell most likely specialized for?

Accepted Answer

Protein synthesis for export out of the cell

Question 11

Which of the following best explains why a hypotonic IV solution should not be administered to a patient?

Accepted Answer

It would cause water to enter the cells, potentially leading to cell swelling and lysis.

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the process of active transport?

Accepted Answer

Movement of molecules from low to high concentration using ATP.

Question 13

A patient is diagnosed with Tay-Sachs disease, a lysosomal storage disorder. Which cellular process is most directly impaired?

Accepted Answer

Breakdown of cellular waste and macromolecules

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the function of the sodium-potassium pump ($$\mathrm{Na^+/K^+}-$$ATPase) in the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

It pumps sodium out of the cell and potassium into the cell, both against their concentration gradients, using ATP.

Question 15

Which of the following is NOT a function of the cytoskeleton?

Accepted Answer

Synthesizing proteins for export

Question 16

Which of the following best explains why the lining of the small intestine has microvilli?

Accepted Answer

To increase the surface area for absorption of nutrients

Question 17

A cell is observed to have a large number of lysosomes. Which function is this cell most likely specialized for?

Accepted Answer

Breakdown of ingested materials and cellular debris

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the role of stem cells in the body?

Accepted Answer

They are undifferentiated cells capable of giving rise to various specialized cell types.

Question 19

Which of the following best explains the relationship between the structure and function of the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

The lipid bilayer with embedded proteins allows selective permeability, enabling the cell to regulate what enters and leaves.

Question 20

A cell is observed to have a prominent nucleolus. Which function is this cell most likely specialized for?

Accepted Answer

Synthesis of ribosomal RNA and assembly of ribosomes

Cell Structure and Function: Foundations of Anatomy & Physiology

Study Guide - Practice Questions