Question 1

Which of the following best describes the structure of the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

A double layer of phospholipids with embedded proteins

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 3

Which of the following transport processes requires direct use of ATP?

Accepted Answer

Primary active transport

Question 4

A cell is actively transporting sodium ions ($\mathrm{Na^+}$) out and potassium ions ($\mathrm{K^+}$) in against their concentration gradients. Which equation best represents the energy requirement for this process?

Accepted Answer

$\Delta G > 0$

Question 5

Which organelle is primarily responsible for ATP production in the cell?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondrion

Question 6

During which phase of the cell cycle does DNA replication occur?

Accepted Answer

S phase

Question 7

A mutation prevents the formation of tight junctions in epithelial cells. Which of the following is a likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

Substances may leak between cells, compromising tissue barriers

Question 8

Which of the following best explains why facilitated diffusion is considered passive transport?

Accepted Answer

It moves substances down their concentration gradient without using cellular energy

Question 9

Which cellular extension increases surface area for absorption in intestinal epithelial cells?

Accepted Answer

Microvilli

Question 10

A cell is exposed to a toxin that inhibits ribosome function. Which process will be directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Protein synthesis

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the role of messenger RNA (mRNA) in protein synthesis?

Accepted Answer

It carries instructions from DNA to the ribosome for building proteins

Question 12

Which of the following is a function of lysosomes?

Accepted Answer

Digesting worn-out organelles and cellular debris

Question 13

A patient has a genetic defect in the SNARE proteins involved in vesicular transport. Which process is most likely to be impaired?

Accepted Answer

Exocytosis of neurotransmitters

Question 14

Which of the following statements about the resting membrane potential is correct?

Accepted Answer

It is maintained by the sodium-potassium pump, which moves $3 \ \mathrm{Na^+}$ out and $2 \ \mathrm{K^+}$ in per ATP hydrolyzed

Question 15

Which of the following best describes apoptosis?

Accepted Answer

Programmed cell death to remove unneeded or damaged cells

Question 16

A scientist observes a cell with a large number of peroxisomes. Which function is this cell likely specialized for?

Accepted Answer

Detoxification of harmful substances

Question 17

Which of the following is a correct sequence of events during mitosis?

Accepted Answer

Prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase

Question 18

Which of the following best explains the principle of complementarity of structure and function?

Accepted Answer

The biochemical activity of cells is determined by their structure

Question 19

A cell is unable to synthesize enough proteins for export. Which organelle is most likely malfunctioning?

Accepted Answer

Rough endoplasmic reticulum

Question 20

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

Accepted Answer

They allow cells to interact and stick to each other and to the extracellular matrix

Cell Structure and Function: Study Notes for Anatomy & Physiology

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