Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

It pumps three sodium ions out of the cell and two potassium ions into the cell for each ATP molecule hydrolyzed, maintaining a negative charge inside the cell.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

The cells will shrink as water leaves the cells, a process called crenation.

Question 3

Which of the following is a function of the glycocalyx on the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 4

Which organelle is responsible for the synthesis of steroid hormones and detoxification of drugs in liver cells?

Accepted Answer

Smooth endoplasmic reticulum

Question 5

A genetic mutation causes lysosomes to lack a specific enzyme needed to break down glycolipids in nerve cells. Which disease is most closely associated with this defect?

Accepted Answer

Tay-Sachs disease

Question 6

Which of the following best explains why oxygen can diffuse directly through the plasma membrane, but glucose cannot?

Accepted Answer

Oxygen is nonpolar and lipid-soluble, allowing it to pass through the hydrophobic core, while glucose is polar and requires a carrier protein.

Question 7

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates secondary active transport?

Accepted Answer

A sodium ion gradient established by the sodium-potassium pump is used to drive the transport of glucose into the cell via a symporter.

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

Forming the glycocalyx for cell recognition

Question 9

A cell is placed in a solution and begins to swell until it bursts. Which of the following best describes the tonicity of the solution and the process occurring?

Accepted Answer

The solution is hypotonic, and the cell is undergoing lysis due to water influx.

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the role of the Golgi apparatus in protein processing?

Accepted Answer

It modifies, sorts, and packages proteins received from the rough ER for secretion or delivery to other organelles.

Question 11

Which type of cell junction would be most important in preventing leakage of digestive enzymes between cells lining the stomach?

Accepted Answer

Tight junctions

Question 12

Which cytoskeletal element is primarily responsible for resisting pulling forces and is especially abundant in cells subject to mechanical stress, such as skin cells?

Accepted Answer

Intermediate filaments

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the process of transcription?

Accepted Answer

The copying of DNA information into a complementary strand of mRNA.

Question 14

A mutation in the gene encoding a cell adhesion molecule (CAM) would most likely affect which of the following processes?

Accepted Answer

Cell-to-cell attachment and migration during tissue repair

Question 15

Which of the following is a correct sequence of events during mitosis?

Accepted Answer

Prophase → Metaphase → Anaphase → Telophase

Question 16

Which of the following best explains why cancer cells can evade immune detection, based on changes in the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

Their glycocalyx changes rapidly, preventing immune recognition.

Question 17

Which of the following is a real-life example of receptor-mediated endocytosis?

Accepted Answer

Absorption of cholesterol by liver cells using LDL receptors

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the function of peroxisomes in a hepatocyte (liver cell) exposed to alcohol?

Accepted Answer

They neutralize toxic substances such as alcohol using oxidase and catalase enzymes.

Question 19

Which of the following is true regarding the genetic code during translation?

Accepted Answer

There are three stop codons that do not code for any amino acid.

Question 20

A scientist observes a cell with an abnormally high number of autophagosomes and lysosomes. Which process is most likely occurring at an increased rate?

Accepted Answer

Autophagy, the disposal of damaged organelles

Cells: The Living Units – Structure, Function, and Membrane Transport

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