Question 1

Which of the following statements best describes the relationship between cell structure and function?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

The cells will shrink due to water leaving the cell, a process called crenation.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Phospholipid bilayer

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 5

Which type of membrane protein is most likely to function as a receptor for signal transduction?

Accepted Answer

Integral protein

Question 6

What is the main function of tight junctions between cells?

Accepted Answer

Prevent fluids and most molecules from moving between cells

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

They are nonpolar and lipid-soluble.

Question 8

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 the cell.

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

Synthesizing DNA

Question 10

Which pressure is responsible for the tendency of water to enter a cell with higher solute concentration?

Accepted Answer

Osmotic pressure

Question 11

Facilitated diffusion differs from simple diffusion in that:

Accepted Answer

Facilitated diffusion uses carrier or channel proteins to transport polar molecules.

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the role of the glycocalyx?

Accepted Answer

It serves as a specific biological marker for cell-to-cell recognition.

Question 13

If a cell's plasma membrane is severely damaged, what is the most likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

Substances will diffuse freely into and out of the cell, compromising concentration gradients.

Question 14

Which of the following is true regarding osmosis?

Accepted Answer

Osmosis is the movement of water across a selectively permeable membrane.

Question 15

Which type of cell junction allows electrical signals to pass quickly from one cell to the next, as seen in cardiac muscle?

Accepted Answer

Gap junctions

Question 16

Which of the following factors does NOT increase the rate of diffusion across the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

Lowering the temperature

Question 17

Which of the following best explains why plant cells do not burst when placed in hypotonic solutions?

Accepted Answer

Plant cells have strong cell walls that limit hydrostatic pressure.

Question 18

Which of the following is a correct statement about carrier-mediated facilitated diffusion?

Accepted Answer

Carrier proteins are saturated when all are bound to molecules and busy transporting.

Question 19

Which of the following is a consequence of the rapid change in glycocalyx of some cancer cells?

Accepted Answer

The immune system fails to recognize the cell as damaged, allowing it to replicate.

Question 20

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

Accepted Answer

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

Cells: The Living Units – Structure, Diversity, and Function 3A

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