Question 1

Which of the following statements best describes the function of the plasma membrane in human cells?

Accepted Answer

It forms the outer boundary of the cell and allows for selective transport of substances.

Question 2

A scientist observes a cell with a high concentration of potassium ions and proteins inside, and a high concentration of sodium ions outside. Which part of the cell is the scientist most likely examining?

Accepted Answer

The cytosol

Question 3

Which organelle is responsible for synthesizing proteins that are exported out of the cell?

Accepted Answer

Rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER)

Question 4

A red blood cell is placed in a solution and begins to swell until it bursts. Which type of solution was the cell placed in, and what process caused this outcome?

Accepted Answer

Hypotonic solution; osmosis

Question 5

Which of the following best explains why water moves rapidly across cell membranes during osmosis?

Accepted Answer

Water moves through abundant water channels called aquaporins.

Question 6

During which phase of the cell life cycle does DNA replication occur, and which enzyme is primarily responsible for building the new DNA strand?

Accepted Answer

S phase; DNA polymerase

Question 7

A mutation in a gene results in a protein with an altered amino acid sequence. Which process was directly affected by this mutation?

Accepted Answer

Translation

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the sodium-potassium exchange pump?

Accepted Answer

It moves three sodium ions out of the cell and two potassium ions into the cell using ATP.

Question 9

A cell is exposed to a toxin that inhibits the function of lysosomes. Which of the following cellular processes would be most directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Digestion and recycling of damaged organelles

Question 10

Which of the following is a correct sequence of events in aerobic cellular respiration?

Accepted Answer

Glycolysis in the cytosol → citric acid cycle in the mitochondrial matrix → electron transport chain on the cristae

Question 11

A patient is diagnosed with a genetic disorder that affects the structure of microtubules. Which cellular function is most likely to be impaired?

Accepted Answer

Movement of cilia and flagella

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the role of the Golgi apparatus in a typical cell?

Accepted Answer

It modifies, packages, and sorts proteins and lipids for secretion or use within the cell.

Question 13

A cell is placed in a hypertonic solution. Predict what will happen to the cell and explain why, using the concept of osmosis.

Accepted Answer

The cell will shrink because water will leave the cell by osmosis.

Question 14

Which of the following is a characteristic of carrier-mediated transport but NOT simple diffusion?

Accepted Answer

Saturation limits due to a finite number of transport proteins

Question 15

A cell is exposed to a mutagen that causes a permanent change in the DNA sequence of a gene. What is the most likely consequence if this gene encodes an essential enzyme?

Accepted Answer

The enzyme may have an altered structure and function, potentially disrupting cellular processes.

Question 16

Which of the following best explains why stem cells are important for tissues such as skin and the digestive tract?

Accepted Answer

They are unspecialized cells that divide to replenish cells lost due to rapid turnover.

Question 17

Which of the following equations correctly represents the net movement of sodium and potassium ions by the sodium-potassium pump?

Accepted Answer

$$3\ \mathrm{Na}^+_{	ext{(in)}} + 2\ \mathrm{K}^+_{	ext{(out)}} + \mathrm{ATP} ightarrow 3\ \mathrm{Na}^+_{	ext{(out)}} + 2\ \mathrm{K}^+_{	ext{(in)}} + \mathrm{ADP} + \mathrm{P}_i$$

Question 18

A cell is exposed to a growth factor that stimulates cell division. Which of the following is most likely to occur if the cell's repressor genes are mutated and nonfunctional?

Accepted Answer

The cell will divide uncontrollably, increasing the risk of tumor formation.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the difference between primary and secondary lysosomes?

Accepted Answer

Primary lysosomes contain inactive enzymes, and secondary lysosomes are formed when primary lysosomes fuse with damaged organelles or endosomes and their enzymes are activated.

Cellular Level of Organization: Anatomy & Physiology Study Notes

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