Question 1

Which of the following best describes the function of tight junctions in epithelial cells?

Accepted Answer

They prevent the movement of substances between cells, maintaining distinct tissue compartments.

Question 2

A cell is placed in a hypertonic solution. What is the most likely outcome for the cell?

Accepted Answer

The cell will shrink as water moves out to the surrounding solution.

Question 3

Which organelle is primarily responsible for ATP production in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondrion

Question 4

Facilitated diffusion differs from simple diffusion in that:

Accepted Answer

Facilitated diffusion uses membrane proteins to transport substances down their concentration gradient.

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the role of ribosomes in the cell?

Accepted Answer

They are the site of protein synthesis, translating mRNA into polypeptides.

Question 6

A patient is diagnosed with a genetic disorder affecting the function of peroxisomes. Which cellular process is most likely impaired?

Accepted Answer

Lipid breakdown and detoxification of hydrogen peroxide

Question 7

Which equation correctly represents the net movement of water during osmosis?

Accepted Answer

$J_{water} = L_p (\Delta P - \Delta \pi)$

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

It contains a phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins that regulate transport.

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

S phase

Question 10

Which process involves the engulfment of extracellular material by the cell membrane to form a vesicle?

Accepted Answer

Endocytosis

Question 11

Which of the following is a function of the Golgi apparatus?

Accepted Answer

Modification and packaging of proteins for secretion

Question 12

Which statement best describes the difference between primary and secondary active transport?

Accepted Answer

Primary active transport uses ATP directly, while secondary active transport uses the energy from an ion gradient.

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a function of the cytosol?

Accepted Answer

Synthesizes proteins for export from the cell

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the central dogma of molecular biology?

Accepted Answer

DNA is transcribed into RNA, which is then translated into protein.

Question 15

Which of the following cell extensions increases surface area for absorption in the small intestine?

Accepted Answer

Microvilli

Question 16

A mutation in a gene encoding a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) could most directly affect which cellular process?

Accepted Answer

Signal transduction across the plasma membrane

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the function of desmosomes?

Accepted Answer

They anchor adjacent cells together, providing mechanical strength.

Question 18

Which stage of mitosis is characterized by the alignment of chromosomes along the cell's equatorial plane?

Accepted Answer

Metaphase

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the function of lysosomes?

Accepted Answer

Digestion and recycling of cellular waste

Question 20

A cell is observed to have an abnormally high rate of exocytosis. Which of the following is a likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

Increased removal of waste and delivery of membrane proteins to the plasma membrane

Cell Structure, Function, and Processes: Study Notes for Anatomy & Physiology

Study Guide - Practice Questions