Question 1

Which of the following best describes the function of the sodium-potassium pump in maintaining membrane potential?

Accepted Answer

It moves three sodium ions out of the cell and two potassium ions into the cell using ATP.

Question 2

A red blood cell is placed in a hypotonic solution. What will most likely happen to the cell, and why?

Accepted Answer

The cell will swell and possibly burst because water moves into the cell.

Question 3

Which of the following is a key difference between facilitated diffusion and active transport across the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

Facilitated diffusion moves substances down their concentration gradient without energy, while active transport requires ATP to move substances against their gradient.

Question 4

During which phase of the cell cycle does DNA replication occur, and what is the main enzyme responsible for synthesizing the new DNA strand?

Accepted Answer

S phase; DNA polymerase

Question 5

Which of the following best explains why the plasma membrane is described as a 'fluid mosaic'?

Accepted Answer

It consists of a double layer of phospholipids with proteins and carbohydrates that can move laterally within the layer.

Question 6

A scientist observes a cell that contains multiple nuclei. Which term best describes this cell, and what is a likely example?

Accepted Answer

Multinucleated; skeletal muscle cell

Question 7

Which of the following processes is responsible for the removal of large particles, such as bacteria, from the extracellular fluid by a cell?

Accepted Answer

Phagocytosis

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the role of the nucleolus within the nucleus?

Accepted Answer

It manufactures ribosomes.

Question 9

A cell is placed in a solution and water moves into the cell, causing it to swell. Which equation best describes the osmotic pressure ($$\Pi) $$responsible for this movement, where $$C is $$the solute concentration, $$R is $$the gas constant, and $$T is $$temperature?

Accepted Answer

$$\Pi = CRT$$

Question 10

Which of the following is true regarding the process of transcription?

Accepted Answer

It occurs in the nucleus and produces an mRNA strand from a DNA template.

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the function of tight junctions between cells?

Accepted Answer

They prevent the passage of substances between adjacent cells, creating a barrier.

Question 12

Which of the following statements about the genetic code is correct?

Accepted Answer

A codon is a sequence of three nucleotides on mRNA that corresponds to a specific amino acid.

Question 13

Which of the following best explains why cells undergo apoptosis?

Accepted Answer

To remove damaged or unnecessary cells in a controlled manner.

Question 14

Which of the following is a correct sequence of events during DNA replication?

Accepted Answer

Initiation, Elongation, Termination

Question 15

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

Accepted Answer

They will shrink as water leaves the cells.

Question 16

Which of the following best describes secondary active transport?

Accepted Answer

It uses the energy stored in the gradient of one molecule to drive the transport of another molecule against its gradient.

Question 17

Which of the following organelles is primarily responsible for the synthesis of proteins that are exported from the cell?

Accepted Answer

Rough endoplasmic reticulum

Question 18

Which equation best represents the Nernst equation for calculating the equilibrium potential ($$E) $$for potassium ions ($$K^+$$), where $$R is $$the gas constant, $$T is $$temperature, $$z is $$the charge, $$F is $$Faraday's constant, and $$[K^+]_{out}$$ and $$[K^+]_{in}$$ are the extracellular and intracellular concentrations?

Accepted Answer

$$E = \frac{RT}{zF} \ln \left( \frac{[K^+]_{out}}{[K^+]_{in}} \right)$$

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the process of exocytosis?

Accepted Answer

The cell releases substances to the extracellular space by fusing vesicles with the plasma membrane.

Cells: The Living Units – Structure, Function, and Processes

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