Question 1

Which of the following best describes the function of the glycocalyx on the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

It serves as a 'name tag' for cell recognition.

Question 2

A cell placed in a hypertonic solution will undergo which of the following changes?

Accepted Answer

It will shrink (crenate) as water leaves the cell.

Question 3

Which organelle is primarily responsible for ATP production in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondria

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

S phase

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the $Na^+$-$K^+$ pump in primary active transport?

Accepted Answer

It moves 3 $Na^+$ out of the cell and 2 $K^+$ in, using ATP.

Question 6

A patient is diagnosed with a genetic disorder affecting the structure of desmosomes. Which tissue function is most likely to be compromised?

Accepted Answer

Anchoring cells to resist mechanical stress

Question 7

Which process involves the movement of water across a selectively permeable membrane?

Accepted Answer

Osmosis

Question 8

If a cell needs to import large molecules such as cholesterol, which membrane transport mechanism is most likely used?

Accepted Answer

Receptor-mediated endocytosis

Question 9

Which of the following statements about the fluid mosaic model of the plasma membrane is correct?

Accepted Answer

Integral proteins span the membrane and can act as channels or receptors.

Question 10

Which organelle is responsible for modifying, packaging, and shipping proteins to their final destinations?

Accepted Answer

Golgi apparatus

Question 11

A cell is observed to have an abundance of rough endoplasmic reticulum. What is the most likely function of this cell?

Accepted Answer

Synthesis and modification of proteins for export

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the role of tRNA during translation?

Accepted Answer

It matches its anticodon to the mRNA codon and delivers the correct amino acid.

Question 13

A scientist observes a cell undergoing mitosis. During which stage do chromosomes align at the cell's equator?

Accepted Answer

Metaphase

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

ATP production

Question 15

Which cytoskeletal component is primarily responsible for maintaining cell shape and resisting mechanical stress?

Accepted Answer

Intermediate filaments

Question 16

A cell is exposed to a toxin that inhibits RNA polymerase. Which cellular process will be directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Transcription

Question 17

Which of the following best explains why cells must be small?

Accepted Answer

Smaller cells have a higher surface area-to-volume ratio, facilitating efficient exchange of materials.

Question 18

Which cell junction allows ions and small molecules to pass directly from one cell to another, enabling rapid communication?

Accepted Answer

Gap junctions

Question 19

A cell is placed in a hypotonic solution. What is the most likely outcome?

Accepted Answer

The cell will swell and may burst (lyse) as water enters.

Question 20

Which of the following accurately describes the process of exocytosis?

Accepted Answer

The cell releases substances to the exterior by fusing vesicles with the plasma membrane.

Chapter 3: Cells – The Living Units (Marieb HAP 12e) Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions