Question 1

Which of the following best describes the structure of the plasma membrane according to the fluid mosaic model?

Accepted Answer

A double layer of phospholipids with embedded proteins that can move laterally within the layer.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

The cell will swell and possibly burst because water will move into the cell by osmosis.

Question 3

Which of the following best explains why the tails of phospholipids face inward in the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

The tails are hydrophobic and avoid water, orienting toward each other.

Question 4

Which of the following is NOT a function of the Golgi apparatus?

Accepted Answer

Synthesizing ATP from glucose.

Question 5

A patient is diagnosed with a genetic disorder that affects the function of lysosomal enzymes. Which of the following is a likely consequence at the cellular level?

Accepted Answer

Accumulation of undigested materials within the cell.

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the process of facilitated diffusion?

Accepted Answer

Movement of molecules down their concentration gradient with the help of membrane proteins, without using ATP.

Question 7

Which equation correctly represents the Nernst equation for calculating the equilibrium potential ($E_{ion}$) for a particular ion across a membrane?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 8

Which of the following best distinguishes primary active transport from secondary active transport?

Accepted Answer

Primary active transport uses ATP directly, while secondary active transport uses the energy stored in ion gradients.

Question 9

A cell is observed to engulf a large bacterium by surrounding it with its plasma membrane and forming a vesicle. Which process is being described?

Accepted Answer

Phagocytosis

Question 10

Which of the following cell junctions prevents molecules from passing between adjacent epithelial cells?

Accepted Answer

Tight junctions

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the function of mitochondria?

Accepted Answer

Producing most of the cell's ATP by breaking down food molecules.

Question 12

A scientist is studying a cell with abundant rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER). Which function is most likely enhanced in this cell?

Accepted Answer

Synthesis of proteins for export or insertion into membranes.

Question 13

Which of the following statements about cilia and microvilli is correct?

Accepted Answer

Cilia are motile extensions that move substances across the cell surface, while microvilli increase surface area.

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the role of cell adhesion molecules (CAMs)?

Accepted Answer

CAMs are glycoproteins that attach cells to extracellular matrix and to each other.

Question 15

Which of the following is a function of gap junctions?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 16

A cell is placed in a solution and begins to shrink. Which of the following best describes the tonicity of the solution relative to the cell?

Accepted Answer

The solution is hypertonic.

Question 17

Which of the following best explains why the resting membrane potential is negative in most cells?

Accepted Answer

Potassium ions diffuse out of the cell more easily than sodium ions diffuse in, leaving the inside more negative.

Question 18

Which of the following organelles is primarily responsible for detoxifying drugs and synthesizing lipids?

Accepted Answer

Smooth endoplasmic reticulum

Question 19

Which of the following best describes exocytosis?

Accepted Answer

The process by which cells expel materials in vesicles that fuse with the plasma membrane.

Cell Structure and Function: Study Notes for Anatomy & Physiology

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