Question 1

Which of the following best describes the function of the sodium-potassium pump ($$\mathrm{Na^+/K^+}$$ ATPase) in maintaining the resting membrane potential of a typical human cell?

Accepted Answer

It actively pumps $$3\ \mathrm{Na^+}$$ ions out of the cell and $$2\ \mathrm{K^+}$$ ions into the cell, using ATP, resulting in a net negative charge inside the cell.

Question 2

A red blood cell is placed in a solution and begins to swell and eventually bursts. Which of the following best describes the tonicity of the solution relative to the cell?

Accepted Answer

The solution is hypotonic to the cell.

Question 3

Which of the following is a function of the glycocalyx on the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

It serves as a biological marker for cell recognition and helps the immune system distinguish self from non-self.

Question 4

A patient is given an intravenous solution with an osmolarity of $$400\ \mathrm{mOsm/L} ($$normal cell osmolarity is $$300\ \mathrm{mOsm/L}). $$What is the most likely effect on the patient's red blood cells?

Accepted Answer

Cells will shrink due to water efflux.

Question 5

Which of the following best explains why facilitated diffusion is necessary for glucose transport across the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

Glucose is a large, polar molecule that requires a carrier protein to cross the hydrophobic core of the membrane.

Question 6

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates secondary active transport?

Accepted Answer

Glucose is transported into the cell along with $$\mathrm{Na^+}$$, using the energy from the $$\mathrm{Na^+}$$ gradient established by the sodium-potassium pump.

Question 7

A cell is observed to have abundant rough endoplasmic reticulum and a prominent Golgi apparatus. Which of the following is the most likely function of this cell?

Accepted Answer

Synthesis and secretion of large amounts of protein.

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the process of receptor-mediated endocytosis?

Accepted Answer

The cell uses specific membrane receptors to internalize particular molecules along with the receptors.

Question 9

During osmosis, water moves across a selectively permeable membrane. Which of the following best describes the direction of water movement?

Accepted Answer

From areas of low solute concentration (high water) to areas of high solute concentration (low water).

Question 10

A mutation causes a cell to lack functional lysosomes. Which of the following would most likely result from this mutation?

Accepted Answer

The cell would accumulate damaged organelles and waste products.

Question 11

Which of the following best explains why mitochondria are often called the 'powerhouse' of the cell?

Accepted Answer

They generate most of the cell's ATP through aerobic respiration.

Question 12

Which of the following is true regarding the structure of the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

Integral proteins can function as channels, carriers, or receptors.

Question 13

A cell is exposed to a toxin that blocks all ATP production. Which of the following transport processes would be most immediately affected?

Accepted Answer

Active transport of $$\mathrm{Na^+}$$ and $$\mathrm{K^+}$$ ions.

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the role of microtubules in the cell?

Accepted Answer

They determine overall cell shape and serve as tracks for organelle movement.

Question 15

Which of the following best explains the redundancy of the genetic code?

Accepted Answer

There are more codons ($$64) $$than amino acids ($$20$$), so some amino acids are specified by multiple codons.

Question 16

A scientist observes a cell with a defective nuclear lamina, resulting in an unstable nucleus. Which disease is most likely associated with this defect?

Accepted Answer

Progeria

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the process of apoptosis?

Accepted Answer

Programmed cell death involving activation of caspases and phagocytosis of cell remnants.

Question 18

Which of the following is a correct sequence of events for protein synthesis and secretion in a cell?

Accepted Answer

Transcription in the nucleus → translation on ribosomes → modification in the Golgi apparatus → exocytosis

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why cells with damaged peroxisomes would accumulate toxic substances?

Accepted Answer

Peroxisomes contain enzymes that neutralize free radicals and detoxify harmful substances.

Question 20

A cell is observed to have a large number of microvilli on its surface. Which of the following is the most likely function of this cell?

Accepted Answer

Absorption of nutrients due to increased surface area.

Cell Structure and Function: Foundations of Anatomy & Physiology

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