Question 1

Which organelle is primarily responsible for ATP production in human cells, and why might its abundance vary between muscle cells and skin cells?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondria; because muscle cells have higher energy demands for contraction.

Question 2

During development, all cells (except reproductive cells) have the same DNA. What explains the differences in appearance and function among these cells?

Accepted Answer

Cells selectively express certain genes, resulting in specialized structures and functions.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis.

Question 4

A researcher is studying mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in bone marrow. Which property makes MSCs valuable for tissue repair?

Accepted Answer

Their ability to differentiate into multiple cell types, such as bone and cartilage.

Question 5

Which equation best represents the concept of mass balance in physiology?

Accepted Answer

$$Input - Output = Accumulation$$

Question 6

Le Chatelier’s Principle is used in physiology to predict how systems respond to changes. If a cell increases its uptake of glucose, what is the likely effect on the equilibrium of cellular respiration?

Accepted Answer

The equilibrium will shift to produce more ATP.

Question 7

Which of the following is an ethical issue associated with embryonic stem cell research?

Accepted Answer

Destruction of embryos during cell harvesting.

Question 8

A patient with a blood cancer receives a stem cell transplant. What health equity issue might affect their outcome?

Accepted Answer

Access to compatible donors may be limited for certain racial or ethnic groups.

Question 9

Which type of stem cell is created by reprogramming adult cells to an embryonic-like state?

Accepted Answer

Induced pluripotent stem cell

Question 10

Why does the number of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) decrease with age, and what is the consequence for tissue repair?

Accepted Answer

MSC numbers decrease, reducing the body's ability to repair and grow tissues.

Question 11

Organoids are generated in research using stem cells. What is the primary advantage of organoids in medical research?

Accepted Answer

They allow for the study of organ development and disease in a controlled environment.

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a shared feature of all human cells?

Accepted Answer

Cell wall

Question 13

A scientist uses zebrafish to study craniosynostosis. What is the main reason for using zebrafish in this research?

Accepted Answer

Zebrafish have transparent embryos, allowing observation of skeletal development.

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the process of cellular differentiation during development?

Accepted Answer

Cells selectively express specific genes to acquire specialized functions.

Question 15

Which model is used to predict the movement of substances across cell membranes?

Accepted Answer

Flux model

Question 16

If a cell’s plasma membrane is damaged, which function is most likely to be impaired?

Accepted Answer

Regulation of substance entry and exit

Question 17

Which of the following equations represents the concept of flux in physiology?

Accepted Answer

$$Flux = \frac{\Delta Q}{\Delta t}$$

Question 18

A student claims that all stem cells can differentiate into any cell type. Which statement best corrects this misconception?

Accepted Answer

Only totipotent stem cells can differentiate into any cell type, while adult stem cells have limited potency.

Question 19

Which organelle is responsible for modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins for secretion?

Accepted Answer

Golgi apparatus

Cell Structure, Stem Cells, and Health Equity in Physiology

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards