Question 1

Which of the following best explains why cells are typically small in size rather than forming one large cell?

Accepted Answer

Smaller cells have a higher surface area-to-volume ratio, which facilitates efficient exchange of materials with their environment.

Question 2

If the diameter of a spherical cell doubles, by what factor does its surface area increase?

Accepted Answer

$$4$$

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Synthesizing proteins for export

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Water will leave the cells, causing them to shrink (crenate).

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the role of cholesterol in the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

It stabilizes and stiffens the membrane, reducing its fluidity at high temperatures.

Question 6

Which type of membrane protein is responsible for most of the specialized functions of the plasma membrane, such as transport and signal transduction?

Accepted Answer

Transmembrane proteins

Question 7

A cell is placed in a solution and water moves into the cell, causing it to swell. Which term best describes the tonicity of the solution relative to the cell?

Accepted Answer

Hypotonic

Question 8

Which of the following transport processes requires ATP and moves substances against their concentration gradient?

Accepted Answer

Primary active transport

Question 9

The sodium-potassium pump moves sodium and potassium ions across the plasma membrane. For each cycle, how many sodium ions are pumped out and how many potassium ions are pumped in?

Accepted Answer

$$3$$ sodium ions out, $$2$$ potassium ions in

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the function of the glycocalyx?

Accepted Answer

It provides specific identity markers for cell recognition and is essential for immune response.

Question 11

A white blood cell engulfs a bacterium by surrounding it with its plasma membrane and forming a vesicle. This process is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Phagocytosis

Question 12

Which of the following is a correct statement about facilitated diffusion?

Accepted Answer

It requires a membrane protein but does not require ATP.

Question 13

A mutation in a gene results in a change in the sequence of DNA bases. Which of the following is a possible consequence of this mutation?

Accepted Answer

The cell may produce a faulty protein, potentially leading to disease.

Question 14

During which phase of the cell cycle does DNA replication occur?

Accepted Answer

S phase

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the process of transcription?

Accepted Answer

Copying genetic instructions from DNA to mRNA

Question 16

A cell is exposed to a toxin that inhibits the function of ribosomes. Which cellular process will be directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Protein synthesis

Question 17

Which of the following is true regarding the genetic code?

Accepted Answer

A codon is a sequence of three mRNA nucleotides that codes for a specific amino acid.

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the function of lysosomes in a cell?

Accepted Answer

They contain hydrolytic enzymes that digest particles and worn-out organelles.

Question 19

Which of the following is a characteristic of the nuclear envelope?

Accepted Answer

It is selectively permeable and contains nuclear pores for import and export.

Question 20

Which of the following best explains the amplification effect in second messenger systems such as the cAMP pathway?

Accepted Answer

A single extracellular messenger can activate many intracellular molecules, leading to a large cellular response.

Cellular Function: Structure and Function of Cells in Anatomy & Physiology

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