Question 1

Which of the following best describes the function of the plasma membrane in human cells?

Accepted Answer

It serves as a flexible boundary that controls what enters and leaves the cell.

Question 2

A patient receives an intravenous solution that causes their red blood cells to swell and burst. Which type of solution was most likely administered?

Accepted Answer

Hypotonic solution

Question 3

Which component of the plasma membrane is primarily responsible for its fluidity and flexibility?

Accepted Answer

Phospholipid bilayer

Question 4

A cell is placed in a solution with a higher concentration of solute than its cytoplasm. What will happen to the cell?

Accepted Answer

It will shrink as water leaves the cell.

Question 5

Which of the following is TRUE regarding facilitated diffusion?

Accepted Answer

It uses carrier or channel proteins to move substances down their concentration gradient.

Question 6

What is the primary role of the glycocalyx on the cell surface?

Accepted Answer

To serve as a specific biological marker for cell-to-cell recognition.

Question 7

Which equation best represents the movement of water by osmosis across a membrane?

Accepted Answer

$Water\ moves\ from\ areas\ of\ low\ solute\ concentration\ (high\ water)\ to\ areas\ of\ high\ solute\ concentration\ (low\ water)$

Question 8

Which type of membrane protein is most likely to function as a channel for ions to pass through the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

Integral protein

Question 9

A researcher observes that a cell is able to move glucose into its cytoplasm without expending energy, but only when glucose is present in higher concentrations outside the cell. Which process is responsible?

Accepted Answer

Facilitated diffusion

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the function of desmosomes in cell junctions?

Accepted Answer

They anchor cells together, reducing the possibility of tearing under tension.

Question 11

Which of the following statements about the lipid bilayer of the plasma membrane is correct?

Accepted Answer

Fatty acid tails are hydrophobic and face each other inside the membrane.

Question 12

Which equation correctly describes the concept of concentration gradient as it applies to diffusion?

Accepted Answer

$Concentration\ gradient = [solute]_{high} - [solute]_{low}$

Question 13

Which of the following is a function of tight junctions between cells?

Accepted Answer

They fuse adjacent cell membranes to form an impermeable barrier.

Question 14

A cell is placed in an isotonic solution. What will happen to the cell’s volume?

Accepted Answer

It will remain unchanged.

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why plasma membranes are described as 'selectively permeable'?

Accepted Answer

They allow some substances to pass while restricting others.

Question 16

Which process is responsible for the movement of oxygen and carbon dioxide across the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

Simple diffusion

Question 17

Which of the following is TRUE about carrier-mediated facilitated diffusion?

Accepted Answer

Carriers transport specific polar molecules, such as sugars and amino acids.

Question 18

A patient with severe burns is losing large amounts of fluids and proteins from damaged cells. Which clinical concept explains this phenomenon?

Accepted Answer

Homeostatic imbalance of the plasma membrane

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the role of gap junctions in cardiac muscle cells?

Accepted Answer

They allow electrical signals to pass rapidly from one cell to another.

Question 20

Which equation best represents the relationship between osmotic pressure and solute concentration?

Accepted Answer

$Osmotic\ pressure \propto 	ext{solute concentration}$

Cell Structure and Membrane Transport: Study Notes for Anatomy & Physiology

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