Question 1

Which of the following best describes the main difference between membranous and nonmembranous organelles in a eukaryotic cell?

Accepted Answer

Membranous organelles are surrounded by a plasma membrane, isolating them from the cytosol, while nonmembranous organelles are in direct contact with the cytosol.

Question 2

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 is the process called?

Accepted Answer

Hypotonic solution; hemolysis

Question 3

Which of the following organelles is responsible for packaging and modifying proteins for secretion from the cell?

Accepted Answer

Golgi apparatus

Question 4

A cell has a high concentration of potassium ions and a low concentration of sodium ions in its cytosol. Which cellular structure is primarily responsible for maintaining this ionic gradient?

Accepted Answer

Plasma membrane

Question 5

Which of the following best explains why the phospholipid bilayer of the plasma membrane acts as a barrier to ions and water-soluble compounds?

Accepted Answer

The hydrophobic fatty acid tails face inward, preventing passage of polar molecules.

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

Synthesis of proteins

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

They will lose water and shrink (crenation).

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the function of carrier proteins in the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

They transport specific solutes across the membrane.

Question 9

During osmosis, water moves across a selectively permeable membrane. In which direction does water move?

Accepted Answer

Toward the solution with more solutes

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

Lubrication and protection

Question 11

A scientist observes a cell engulfing a large bacterium by surrounding it with extensions of its plasma membrane. Which process is being observed?

Accepted Answer

Phagocytosis

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the resting membrane potential of a typical cell?

Accepted Answer

A potential difference across the plasma membrane, usually between $-10\ \mathrm{mV}$ and $-100\ \mathrm{mV}$

Question 13

Which of the following organelles is directly involved in the breakdown and recycling of damaged or abnormal intracellular proteins?

Accepted Answer

Proteasomes

Question 14

A cell is observed to have an extensive network of microvilli on its surface. What is the most likely function of this cell?

Accepted Answer

Absorption of nutrients

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why water moves into a cell placed in a hypotonic solution?

Accepted Answer

The concentration of solutes is higher inside the cell, so water moves in to balance the concentration.

Question 16

Which of the following is a correct statement about the cytosol?

Accepted Answer

It contains a high concentration of potassium ions and a low concentration of sodium ions.

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the process of exocytosis?

Accepted Answer

Vesicles fuse with the plasma membrane to release contents outside the cell.

Question 18

A cell is placed in a solution and does not change in volume. Which of the following best describes the solution?

Accepted Answer

Isotonic

Question 19

Which of the following is a function of recognition proteins in the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

Labeling cells as normal or abnormal for the immune system

Question 20

A cell is observed to have a large number of mitochondria. Which of the following is the most likely explanation for this observation?

Accepted Answer

The cell has a high energy demand and requires large amounts of ATP.

Cellular Level of Organization: Structure and Function of Organelles and Plasma Membrane

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