Question 1

Which of the following best describes the function of cholesterol in the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

It stiffens the plasma membrane, making it less fluid and less permeable.

Question 2

A patient is diagnosed with a genetic disorder that affects the structure of their microtubules. Which of the following cellular processes is most likely to be impaired?

Accepted Answer

Movement of chromosomes during cell division

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Providing lubrication and protection to the cell surface

Question 4

A scientist observes a cell with abundant smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER). Which of the following is the most likely function of this cell?

Accepted Answer

Synthesis of steroid hormones

Question 5

Which of the following best explains why red blood cells cannot repair themselves after damage?

Accepted Answer

They lack a nucleus and cannot direct protein synthesis.

Question 6

During an infection, certain white blood cells engulf bacteria and destroy them using enzymes. Which organelle is primarily responsible for this function?

Accepted Answer

Lysosomes

Question 7

A mutation causes a cell to produce defective carrier proteins in its plasma membrane. Which of the following is a likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

The cell will have difficulty transporting specific solutes across the membrane.

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the difference between integral and peripheral membrane proteins?

Accepted Answer

Integral proteins are embedded within the membrane, while peripheral proteins are bound to the inner or outer surface.

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

Increased absorption of nutrients

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the role of the nucleolus within the nucleus?

Accepted Answer

It is the site of ribosomal RNA synthesis and ribosome assembly.

Question 11

A cell is exposed to a toxin that inhibits the function of peroxisomes. Which of the following is the most likely result?

Accepted Answer

Build-up of toxic hydrogen peroxide within the cell

Question 12

Which of the following statements about the genetic code is correct?

Accepted Answer

A triplet of DNA bases codes for one amino acid.

Question 13

A researcher is studying a cell that has lost its ability to form spindle apparatus during mitosis. Which organelle is most likely defective?

Accepted Answer

Centrioles

Question 14

Which of the following best explains why skeletal muscle cells can produce large amounts of protein?

Accepted Answer

They have multiple nuclei and prominent nucleoli.

Question 15

A cell is observed to have a large number of fixed ribosomes attached to its endoplasmic reticulum. Which of the following is the most likely function of this cell?

Accepted Answer

Synthesis of proteins for secretion

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the process of autolysis?

Accepted Answer

Lysosomes release enzymes that destroy the cell.

Question 17

A cell is unable to anchor itself to adjacent cells or the extracellular matrix. Which type of membrane protein is most likely defective?

Accepted Answer

Anchoring proteins

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the difference between chromatin and chromosomes?

Accepted Answer

Chromatin is loosely coiled DNA seen in non-dividing cells, while chromosomes are tightly coiled DNA seen during cell division.

Question 19

A cell is observed to have a high concentration of potassium ions and proteins, but low levels of sodium ions, carbohydrates, and lipids. Which part of the cell is being described?

Accepted Answer

Cytosol

Question 20

A patient has a genetic mutation that prevents the formation of the glycocalyx. Which of the following is a likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

The immune system may not recognize the cell as 'self'.

Cell Structure and Function: Study Notes for Anatomy & Physiology

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