Question 1

Which of the following statements best describes the principle of complementarity of structure and function in cells?

Accepted Answer

The biochemical functions of cells are dictated by the shape of the cell and specific subcellular structures.

Question 2

A solution contains 1 M NaCl. What is its osmolarity ($$Osm$$), given that NaCl dissociates completely in water?

Accepted Answer

$$2\ Osm$$

Question 3

Which component of the plasma membrane is primarily responsible for its fluid mosaic nature?

Accepted Answer

Phospholipids

Question 4

A red blood cell is placed in a hypertonic solution. What will happen to the cell?

Accepted Answer

It will shrink (crenate) due to water leaving the cell.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Integral transmembrane protein

Question 6

Which of the following best explains why oxygen ($$O_2) $$can easily diffuse across the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

Oxygen is a small, nonpolar molecule.

Question 7

If a cell is placed in a solution with lower osmolarity than its cytoplasm, what type of solution is this and what is the expected effect on the cell?

Accepted Answer

Hypotonic; cell swells and may burst

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

Synthesizing DNA

Question 9

A patient is given an intravenous solution that is isotonic to their blood cells. What is the osmolarity of this solution relative to the cells?

Accepted Answer

Equal to the cells

Question 10

Which of the following best describes facilitated diffusion?

Accepted Answer

Passive movement of molecules down their concentration gradient via carrier or channel proteins

Question 11

Which cell junction is most important in preventing leakage of extracellular fluid between epithelial cells lining the intestines?

Accepted Answer

Tight junctions

Question 12

What is the main role of cholesterol in the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

Increases membrane stability

Question 13

Which of the following best describes osmosis?

Accepted Answer

Movement of water from areas of low solute concentration to high solute concentration across a selectively permeable membrane

Question 14

A cell is placed in a solution and begins to swell until it bursts. What term describes this process?

Accepted Answer

Lysis

Question 15

Which of the following is a function of the glycocalyx?

Accepted Answer

Serves as a biological marker for cell-to-cell recognition

Question 16

Which type of cell junction allows direct passage of ions and small molecules between adjacent cells, facilitating rapid communication in cardiac muscle?

Accepted Answer

Gap junctions

Question 17

Which of the following would most likely increase the rate of simple diffusion across the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

Increasing the concentration gradient

Question 18

A mutation causes a defect in aquaporin proteins in kidney cells. Which process would be most directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Osmosis of water

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why glucose requires a carrier protein to cross the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

Glucose is a large, polar molecule.

Question 20

If the osmotic pressure inside a cell increases, what is the most likely effect on water movement?

Accepted Answer

Water will move into the cell.

Cells: The Living Units – Structure and Diversity

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