Question 1

Which of the following statements best describes why cells cannot grow indefinitely large in size?

Accepted Answer

As a cell increases in diameter, its volume increases faster than its surface area, making it difficult to exchange materials efficiently.

Question 2

A red blood cell is placed in a solution and swells until it bursts. Which type of solution was the cell placed in, and why?

Accepted Answer

Hypotonic; water moved into the cell due to lower solute concentration outside.

Question 3

Which of the following best explains the function of the sodium-potassium pump ($$\mathrm{Na^+/K^+}$$ ATPase) in a typical animal cell?

Accepted Answer

It moves three $$\mathrm{Na^+}$$ ions out and two $$\mathrm{K^+}$$ ions in, using ATP.

Question 4

Which of the following cell surface extensions is best adapted for increasing absorptive surface area in the small intestine?

Accepted Answer

Microvilli

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

The cells will lose water and shrink (crenate).

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the role of G proteins in second messenger systems?

Accepted Answer

They relay signals from membrane receptors to enzymes like adenylate cyclase, which produces cAMP.

Question 7

Which of the following is a function of the glycocalyx on the cell surface?

Accepted Answer

Cell identification and immunity

Question 8

A cell is observed to engulf bacteria by extending its membrane around them and forming an internal vesicle. This process is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Phagocytosis

Question 9

Which of the following organelles is responsible for the synthesis of most ATP in a cell?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondrion

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the difference between facilitated diffusion and primary active transport?

Accepted Answer

Facilitated diffusion moves solutes down their concentration gradient without ATP, while primary active transport moves solutes up their gradient using ATP.

Question 11

Which of the following cell shapes is best described as 'starlike' and is commonly found in nerve cells?

Accepted Answer

Stellate

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

Storing genetic information

Question 13

A solution contains 0.9% NaCl, which is the same concentration as normal human plasma. What is the tonicity of this solution relative to red blood cells?

Accepted Answer

Isotonic

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the function of peroxisomes?

Accepted Answer

Detoxify alcohol and break down fatty acids using oxygen

Question 15

Which of the following is true regarding the cytoskeleton?

Accepted Answer

It provides structural support, organizes cell contents, and aids in cell movement.

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the process of receptor-mediated endocytosis?

Accepted Answer

The cell takes in specific molecules after they bind to receptors on the plasma membrane.

Question 17

Which of the following is a correct statement about the relationship between cell surface area and volume as a cell grows?

Accepted Answer

Surface area increases by the square of the diameter, while volume increases by the cube of the diameter.

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the function of lysosomes?

Accepted Answer

Digest and recycle cellular waste and foreign material

Question 19

Which of the following is a distinguishing feature of the plasma membrane as seen under an electron microscope?

Accepted Answer

It appears as a pair of dark parallel lines.

Cellular Form and Function: Structure, Membrane, and Transport

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