Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

The shape of a cell determines its biochemical functions.

Question 2

A red blood cell is placed in a hypotonic solution. What is the most likely outcome, and which process is primarily responsible?

Accepted Answer

The cell will swell and may burst due to osmosis.

Question 3

Which equation best represents the movement of water across a selectively permeable membrane during osmosis?

Accepted Answer

$$ J_v = L_p (\Delta P - \sigma \Delta \pi) $$

Question 4

Which organelle is responsible for producing most of the cell’s ATP via aerobic respiration, and what unique feature does it possess?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondrion; contains its own DNA and double membrane

Question 5

A patient is given an intravenous solution that is hypertonic relative to their red blood cells. What will happen to the cells, and why?

Accepted Answer

They will shrink due to water leaving by osmosis.

Question 6

Which of the following best explains why the plasma membrane is described as selectively permeable?

Accepted Answer

It allows some molecules to cross while restricting others based on size, charge, and solubility.

Question 7

Which type of vesicular transport is most prevalent in cells lining the respiratory tract for removing mucus and debris?

Accepted Answer

Exocytosis

Question 8

During which phase of the cell cycle does DNA replication occur, and what is the significance of this process?

Accepted Answer

S phase; ensures each daughter cell receives an identical set of genetic material

Question 9

Which cytoskeletal element is primarily responsible for the movement of cilia and flagella?

Accepted Answer

Microtubules

Question 10

A white blood cell engulfs a bacterium by extending its plasma membrane around the particle. Which process is this, and what is the resulting vesicle called?

Accepted Answer

Phagocytosis; phagosome

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the function of peroxisomes in the cell?

Accepted Answer

They detoxify harmful substances and neutralize free radicals.

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

Providing a rigid, inflexible barrier

Question 13

Which process requires cellular energy (ATP) to move substances across the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

Active transport

Question 14

The sodium-potassium pump is an example of which type of membrane transport, and what is its main function?

Accepted Answer

Active transport; moves $$3 Na$^+$$ out and $$2 K$^+$$ into the cell per ATP hydrolyzed

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the role of ribosomes in the cell?

Accepted Answer

They are the site of protein synthesis.

Question 16

Which of the following is the correct sequence of events for the synthesis and distribution of a secreted protein?

Accepted Answer

Rough ER → Golgi apparatus → secretory vesicle → exocytosis

Question 17

Which of the following best explains why some amino acids are coded for by more than one codon in the genetic code?

Accepted Answer

Redundancy in the genetic code helps protect against transcription errors.

Question 18

Which of the following statements about chromatin is correct?

Accepted Answer

It consists of DNA wrapped around histone proteins, forming nucleosomes.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the main function of DNA in the cell?

Accepted Answer

To dictate protein synthesis by encoding the order of amino acids

Question 20

How many amino acids are specified by a single codon, and what is the significance of this in protein synthesis?

Accepted Answer

One; ensures the correct sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide

Cells: The Living Units – Study Notes for Anatomy & Physiology

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards