Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

It serves as a flexible boundary that selectively regulates the movement of substances between the intracellular fluid (ICF) and extracellular fluid (ECF).

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Integral transmembrane proteins

Question 3

A patient receives an intravenous solution that is hypertonic compared to their blood plasma. What is the most likely effect on their red blood cells?

Accepted Answer

Cells will shrink as water leaves the cells to the higher solute concentration outside.

Question 4

Which equation best represents the movement of water across a selectively permeable membrane during osmosis?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 5

Which of the following is TRUE regarding facilitated diffusion across the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

It uses carrier or channel proteins to transport hydrophilic molecules down their concentration gradient.

Question 6

A cell is placed in a solution and water moves into the cell, causing it to swell. Which type of solution is the cell in?

Accepted Answer

Hypotonic solution

Question 7

Which of the following best describes primary active transport?

Accepted Answer

Movement of molecules against their concentration gradient using energy from ATP.

Question 8

Which cell junction is most important for preventing leakage of fluids between adjacent epithelial cells in the intestines?

Accepted Answer

Tight junctions

Question 9

Which of the following is a function of desmosomes in tissues such as skin?

Accepted Answer

Anchor adjacent cells together to resist mechanical stress.

Question 10

Which process is described by the equation below?
$$Glucose_{(outside)} + Carrier \rightarrow Glucose_{(inside)}$$

Accepted Answer

Facilitated diffusion

Question 11

A cell uses the Na$$^+-K$^+$$ pump to maintain a high concentration of K$$^+$$ inside and Na$$^+$$ outside. What type of transport is this?

Accepted Answer

Primary active transport

Question 12

Which of the following best explains the 'fluid mosaic model' of the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

The membrane is a flexible bilayer of phospholipids with proteins floating within it, allowing constant movement.

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

Storing genetic information for the cell

Question 14

Which process involves the cell membrane surrounding and engulfing a particle to bring it into the cell?

Accepted Answer

Endocytosis

Question 15

Which of the following best describes secondary active transport?

Accepted Answer

Uses energy stored in ion gradients created by primary active transport to move other substances.

Question 16

Which type of channel protein opens in response to a chemical or electrical signal?

Accepted Answer

Gated channel

Question 17

Which of the following molecules can diffuse directly through the phospholipid bilayer without the help of a membrane protein?

Accepted Answer

Oxygen

Question 18

Which equation best represents the relationship between solute concentration and water movement in osmosis?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 19

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

Accepted Answer

They allow ions and small molecules to pass directly between cells, enabling rapid electrical communication.

Question 20

Which process is described by the equation below?
$$Substance_{(inside)} \xrightarrow{Vesicle} Substance_{(outside)}$$

Accepted Answer

Exocytosis

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

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