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, maintaining homeostasis.

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 leaves the cell, a process called crenation.

Question 3

Which organelle is primarily responsible for synthesizing proteins that are exported from the cell?

Accepted Answer

Rough endoplasmic reticulum

Question 4

What is the main role of the Na$$^+-K$^+$$ pump in maintaining cellular function?

Accepted Answer

It maintains the electrochemical gradient by pumping 3 Na$$^+$$ out and 2 K$$^+$$ into the cell per ATP hydrolyzed.

Question 5

Which of the following statements about facilitated diffusion is correct?

Accepted Answer

It uses carrier or channel proteins to move polar molecules down their concentration gradient without energy input.

Question 6

A mutation causes the glycocalyx of a cell to change rapidly. What is a possible consequence of this change?

Accepted Answer

The cell may evade immune detection and replicate uncontrollably, contributing to cancer.

Question 7

Which type of intercellular junction allows for the rapid passage of ions and electrical signals between cardiac muscle cells?

Accepted Answer

Gap junctions

Question 8

During osmosis, water moves across a selectively permeable membrane. What determines the direction of water movement?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 9

Which cytoskeletal element is primarily responsible for resisting pulling forces and is composed of ropelike protein fibers?

Accepted Answer

Intermediate filaments

Question 10

A patient with Tay-Sachs disease has a genetic mutation affecting which organelle, and what is the result?

Accepted Answer

Lysosomes; accumulation of undigested glycolipids in nerve cells

Question 11

Which process describes the movement of large particles into a cell by engulfing them with pseudopods?

Accepted Answer

Phagocytosis

Question 12

What is the primary function of microvilli on intestinal epithelial cells?

Accepted Answer

To increase surface area for absorption

Question 13

Which phase of the cell cycle is characterized by DNA replication?

Accepted Answer

S phase

Question 14

During which stage of mitosis do sister chromatids separate and move toward opposite poles?

Accepted Answer

Anaphase

Question 15

Which of the following best explains the concept of semiconservative DNA replication?

Accepted Answer

Each new DNA molecule consists of one old strand and one new strand.

Question 16

Which of the following is a function of cell adhesion molecules (CAMs)?

Accepted Answer

Anchoring cells to the extracellular matrix and assisting in cell migration

Question 17

What is the role of tRNA during translation?

Accepted Answer

It brings specific amino acids to the ribosome based on codon-anticodon pairing.

Question 18

Which of the following equations correctly expresses osmolarity?

Accepted Answer

$$	ext{Osmolarity} = \frac{	ext{Total number of solute particles}}{	ext{Volume of solution (L)}}$$

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the function of peroxisomes?

Accepted Answer

They neutralize toxins using oxidase and catalase enzymes.

Cells: The Living Unit – Structure and Function (Marieb Human Anatomy & Physiology, Chapter 3)

Study Guide - Practice Questions