Question 1

Which of the following best describes the fluid mosaic model of the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

A flexible bilayer of phospholipids with embedded proteins that move freely, creating a constantly changing pattern.

Question 2

Which of the following is a function of the glycocalyx on the cell surface?

Accepted Answer

Acting as a biological marker for cell-to-cell recognition.

Question 3

A patient receives an intravenous solution that is hypertonic relative to their red blood cells. What is the most likely outcome for the cells?

Accepted Answer

The cells will shrink due to water leaving the cell (crenation).

Question 4

Which type of membrane protein is primarily responsible for catalyzing chemical reactions at the cell surface?

Accepted Answer

Integral proteins acting as enzymes.

Question 5

Which of the following best explains why oxygen and carbon dioxide can easily diffuse across the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

They are nonpolar and lipid-soluble.

Question 6

A solution contains 1 M NaCl. What is its osmolarity?

Accepted Answer

$$2~	ext{osmol/L}$$

Question 7

Which cell junction would be most important in tissues that experience significant mechanical stress, such as cardiac muscle?

Accepted Answer

Desmosomes

Question 8

Which of the following statements about osmosis is correct?

Accepted Answer

Osmosis is the movement of water from an area of low solute concentration to high solute concentration.

Question 9

A cell is placed in a hypotonic solution. What will happen to the cell?

Accepted Answer

It will swell and may burst due to water entering.

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the role of cholesterol in the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

It increases membrane stability.

Question 11

Which of the following is true regarding facilitated diffusion?

Accepted Answer

It uses carrier or channel proteins to move substances down their concentration gradient.

Question 12

Which of the following is a function of peripheral proteins in the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

Acting as enzymes or providing structural support.

Question 13

Which of the following best explains why burn patients are at risk of losing fluids and electrolytes?

Accepted Answer

Their plasma membranes are damaged, allowing substances to diffuse freely.

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

Storing genetic information.

Question 15

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

Accepted Answer

Water moves from an area of low solute concentration to high solute concentration.

Question 16

Which of the following is true about gap junctions?

Accepted Answer

They allow the passage of ions and small molecules between adjacent cells.

Question 17

Which of the following is a correct statement about the relationship between cell structure and function?

Accepted Answer

The shape and subcellular structures of a cell dictate its biochemical functions.

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the effect of a solution with higher osmolarity than the cell cytoplasm?

Accepted Answer

It is hypertonic and causes the cell to shrink.

Question 19

Which of the following is a property of integral membrane proteins?

Accepted Answer

They span the membrane and have both hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions.

Question 20

A cell is placed in a solution and begins to swell. Which of the following best describes the tonicity of the solution relative to the cell?

Accepted Answer

Hypotonic

Cells: The Living Units – Structure and Function of the Plasma Membrane

Study Guide - Practice Questions