Question 1

Which of the following best describes the plasma membrane of a typical animal cell?

Accepted Answer

A double layer of phospholipids with embedded proteins

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Storing genetic information

Question 3

A cell is placed in a solution and water moves into the cell, causing it to swell. Which type of membrane transport is responsible for this movement?

Accepted Answer

Osmosis

Question 4

Which of the following best explains why cells are considered the smallest unit of life?

Accepted Answer

They are the smallest structures that can carry out all vital functions of life

Question 5

Which of the following cell types is specialized for transmitting electrical impulses?

Accepted Answer

Neuron

Question 6

A scientist observes a cell with a prominent nucleolus and chromatin inside a nuclear envelope. Which part of the cell is being described?

Accepted Answer

Nucleus

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the role of ribonucleic acid (RNA) in protein synthesis?

Accepted Answer

RNA carries instructions from DNA to ribosomes for protein assembly

Question 8

Which of the following is an example of active membrane transport?

Accepted Answer

Movement of sodium ions against their concentration gradient using ATP

Question 9

A cell uses $ \mathrm{Na^+/K^+} $ pumps to maintain a high concentration of $ \mathrm{K^+} $ inside and $ \mathrm{Na^+} $ outside. Which equation best represents the energy requirement for this process?

Accepted Answer

$ \Delta G > 0 $ (non-spontaneous, energy required)

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the function of cell adhesion molecules (CAMs)?

Accepted Answer

They help cells stick to each other and to the extracellular matrix

Question 11

A patient has a genetic defect that prevents the formation of lysosomes. Which cellular process would be most directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Digestion of cellular debris and foreign particles

Question 12

Which of the following is a correct sequence of events in the central dogma of molecular biology?

Accepted Answer

DNA $ \rightarrow $ RNA $ \rightarrow $ Protein

Question 13

Which of the following best explains why red blood cells (erythrocytes) lack a nucleus?

Accepted Answer

To increase their surface area for gas exchange

Question 14

A cell is exposed to a toxin that disrupts the structure of its phospholipid bilayer. Which immediate effect is most likely?

Accepted Answer

The cell will lose selective permeability and may die

Question 15

Which of the following is a function of the cytoskeleton in a eukaryotic cell?

Accepted Answer

Providing structural support and facilitating cell movement

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the process of facilitated diffusion?

Accepted Answer

Movement of molecules from high to low concentration through a protein channel without energy input

Question 17

A cell is observed to have many mitochondria. Which function is this cell most likely specialized for?

Accepted Answer

Energy production through aerobic respiration

Question 18

Which of the following best explains why cells must remain small in size?

Accepted Answer

To maximize the surface area-to-volume ratio for efficient exchange of materials

Question 19

Which of the following is a real-life example of the importance of membrane receptors in medicine?

Accepted Answer

Insulin binding to its receptor to allow glucose uptake in diabetes treatment

Question 20

A mutation causes a cell to lose its ability to perform exocytosis. Which process would be most directly impaired?

Accepted Answer

Release of hormones or neurotransmitters

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

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