Question 1

Which of the following best describes the plasma membrane's structure and its primary function?

Accepted Answer

A double layer of phospholipids with embedded proteins, acting as a selectively permeable barrier.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

It will shrink because water moves out of the cell toward the higher solute concentration.

Question 3

Which equation correctly represents the Nernst equation for calculating the equilibrium potential of potassium ($K^+$) across the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

$E_K = \frac{RT}{zF} \ln \left( \frac{[K^+]_{out}}{[K^+]_{in}} \right)$

Question 4

Which of the following is NOT a function of the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER)?

Accepted Answer

Synthesizing lipids and glycogen.

Question 5

A patient is diagnosed with a genetic disorder affecting cell adhesion molecules (CAMs). Which of the following symptoms is most likely to occur?

Accepted Answer

Impaired ability of cells to interact with their extracellular environment.

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

Primary active transport

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

Golgi apparatus

Question 8

Which of the following best explains why the plasma membrane is described as 'selectively permeable'?

Accepted Answer

It regulates the passage of certain molecules while restricting others based on size, charge, and solubility.

Question 9

Which of the following statements about mitochondria is correct?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondria generate the majority of ATP in the cell by breaking down food molecules.

Question 10

Which type of membrane junction prevents molecules from passing through the extracellular space between adjacent cells?

Accepted Answer

Tight junctions

Question 11

A cell is placed in a solution and water moves into the cell, causing it to swell. What type of solution is this?

Accepted Answer

Hypotonic

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the role of vesicular transport in cells?

Accepted Answer

It transports large particles, macromolecules, and fluids across the plasma membrane using membrane-bound vesicles.

Question 13

Which cytoskeletal element is primarily responsible for maintaining cell shape and enabling intracellular transport?

Accepted Answer

Microtubules

Question 14

Which of the following is a function of lysosomes?

Accepted Answer

Digesting and recycling cellular waste and foreign substances.

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the function of microvilli?

Accepted Answer

They increase the surface area of the plasma membrane for absorption.

Question 16

Which of the following is true regarding secondary active transport?

Accepted Answer

It uses energy stored in ionic gradients created by primary active transport.

Question 17

Which of the following best explains the difference between facilitated diffusion and simple diffusion?

Accepted Answer

Facilitated diffusion uses membrane proteins to transport substances, while simple diffusion does not.

Question 18

Which of the following is a correct statement about gap junctions?

Accepted Answer

They allow ions and small molecules to pass directly from one cell to another.

Question 19

Which of the following organelles is most directly involved in detoxifying drugs and synthesizing lipids?

Accepted Answer

Smooth endoplasmic reticulum

Question 20

A cell is observed to have numerous cilia on its surface. What is the most likely function of these cilia?

Accepted Answer

Moving substances across the cell's surface.

Cell Structure and Function: Study Notes for Anatomy & Physiology

Study Guide - Practice Questions