$Osmolarity = \frac{\text{total solute particles}}{\text{liter of solution}}$

Question 1

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

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 is isotonic to their blood. What is the expected effect on their red blood cells?

Accepted Answer

Cells will maintain their normal shape and volume.

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 hypertonic solution. What will happen to the cell?

Accepted Answer

It will shrink as water leaves the cell.

Question 5

Which of the following best explains why nonpolar, hydrophobic molecules can easily diffuse through the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

The lipid bilayer is hydrophobic, allowing nonpolar molecules to pass.

Question 6

Which type of membrane protein is most likely to function as an enzyme or motor protein for cell division?

Accepted Answer

Peripheral proteins

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

To act as a specific biological marker for cell-to-cell recognition

Question 8

Which equation correctly represents the concept of osmolarity?

Accepted Answer

$Osmolarity = \frac{	ext{total solute particles}}{	ext{liter of solution}}$

Question 9

Facilitated diffusion differs from simple diffusion in that:

Accepted Answer

Facilitated diffusion uses carrier or channel proteins to transport molecules.

Question 10

Which of the following is TRUE about tight junctions?

Accepted Answer

They fuse adjacent cell membranes to form an impermeable barrier.

Question 11

A mutation causes the glycocalyx of a cancer cell to change rapidly. What is the most likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

The immune system may not recognize the cell as damaged.

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the movement of water by osmosis?

Accepted Answer

Water moves from areas of low solute concentration to areas of high solute concentration.

Question 13

Which type of cell junction allows electrical signals to pass quickly from one cell to another?

Accepted Answer

Gap junctions

Question 14

Which of the following is a correct statement about carrier-mediated facilitated diffusion?

Accepted Answer

Carrier proteins transport specific polar molecules down their concentration gradient.

Question 15

A red blood cell is placed in a hypotonic solution. What is the most likely outcome?

Accepted Answer

The cell will swell and may burst (lyse) due to water influx.

Question 16

Which of the following best explains the concept of a concentration gradient?

Accepted Answer

A difference in the concentration of a substance between two areas.

Question 17

Which of the following is NOT a function of membrane proteins?

Accepted Answer

Storing genetic information

Question 18

Which equation best represents the relationship for simple diffusion rate across a membrane?

Accepted Answer

$J = D \frac{\Delta C}{\Delta x}$

Question 19

Which of the following statements about desmosomes is correct?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 20

Which process is responsible for the movement of small, nonpolar molecules such as oxygen and carbon dioxide across the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

Simple diffusion

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

Study Guide - Practice Questions