Question 1

Which of the following best describes the function of the plasma membrane in a typical animal cell?

Accepted Answer

It regulates the movement of substances into and out of the cell.

Question 2

A cell is placed in a hypertonic solution. What will most likely happen to the cell?

Accepted Answer

Water will move out of the cell, causing it to shrink.

Question 3

Which membrane protein is primarily responsible for maintaining the resting membrane potential?

Accepted Answer

Sodium-potassium pump

Question 4

Facilitated diffusion differs from simple diffusion in that:

Accepted Answer

Facilitated diffusion uses membrane proteins to transport substances.

Question 5

Which organelle is responsible for protein synthesis in the cell?

Accepted Answer

Ribosome

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

S phase

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the process of endocytosis?

Accepted Answer

The cell engulfs external materials by forming vesicles from the plasma membrane.

Question 8

What is the main function of mitochondria in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Energy production through cellular respiration

Question 9

Which of the following equations correctly represents the net movement of water during osmosis?

Accepted Answer

$ J_{water} = L_p (\Delta \pi) $

Question 10

Which of the following statements about the structure of the nuclear envelope is correct?

Accepted Answer

It is continuous with the endoplasmic reticulum.

Question 11

Compare the functions of tight junctions, desmosomes, and gap junctions. Which is primarily responsible for allowing ions and small molecules to pass directly between adjacent cells?

Accepted Answer

Gap junctions

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the role of mRNA in protein synthesis?

Accepted Answer

mRNA provides the template for assembling amino acids into a polypeptide.

Question 13

Which checkpoint in the cell cycle ensures that DNA has been accurately replicated before mitosis begins?

Accepted Answer

G2 checkpoint

Question 14

Which of the following is a function of lysosomes?

Accepted Answer

Digestion of cellular waste and foreign material

Question 15

Which equation best represents the semiconservative replication of DNA?

Accepted Answer

$ DNA_{parent} \rightarrow DNA_{parent} + DNA_{new} $

Question 16

Which organelle is responsible for the modification and packaging of proteins for secretion?

Accepted Answer

Golgi apparatus

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the relationship between a DNA codon and an amino acid?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 18

Which process occurs at the ribosome and involves the decoding of mRNA into a polypeptide chain?

Accepted Answer

Translation

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the function of microvilli in epithelial cells?

Accepted Answer

Increase surface area for absorption

Question 20

Which of the following is NOT a function of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum?

Accepted Answer

Protein synthesis

Chapter 3: Cells – Structure, Function, and Processes

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards