Question 1

Which of the following best explains why the plasma membrane is described as a 'fluid mosaic model'?

Accepted Answer

Because the membrane consists of a double layer of phospholipids with embedded proteins that can move laterally within the layer.

Question 2

A patient is given an intravenous solution that is hypotonic to their blood plasma. What will most likely happen to their red blood cells due to osmosis?

Accepted Answer

The red blood cells will swell and may burst as water enters the cells.

Question 3

Which of the following best describes the role of ATP in active membrane transport?

Accepted Answer

ATP is used to directly or indirectly move substances against their concentration gradient.

Question 4

Which equation best represents the process of diffusion across a membrane?

Accepted Answer

$ J = -D \frac{dC}{dx} $

Question 5

A neuron maintains a negative voltage inside the cell relative to the outside. Which process is primarily responsible for this membrane potential?

Accepted Answer

Selective diffusion of potassium ions out of the cell.

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT a function of intercellular junctions?

Accepted Answer

Transporting oxygen in the bloodstream.

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

Synthesis of proteins for export or membrane insertion.

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the difference between cilia and microvilli?

Accepted Answer

Cilia are involved in movement of substances across the cell surface, while microvilli increase surface area for absorption.

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

S phase of interphase

Question 10

A mutation prevents the formation of nuclear pores in the nuclear envelope. Which process would be most directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Transport of mRNA from the nucleus to the cytoplasm.

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the function of messenger RNA (mRNA) in protein synthesis?

Accepted Answer

mRNA carries genetic instructions from DNA to ribosomes for protein assembly.

Question 12

Which process is responsible for the programmed cell death that removes unneeded cells during development?

Accepted Answer

Apoptosis

Question 13

A scientist observes that a cell is rapidly degrading damaged mitochondria. Which process is most likely responsible for this?

Accepted Answer

Autophagy

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the role of proteasomes in the cell?

Accepted Answer

Proteasomes degrade unneeded or damaged proteins into peptides.

Question 15

Which of the following is a real-world example of cell adhesion molecules at work?

Accepted Answer

White blood cells sticking to blood vessel walls during inflammation.

Question 16

A cell is placed in a solution and begins to swell. Which equation can be used to describe the osmotic pressure difference across the membrane?

Accepted Answer

$ \Pi = iMRT $

Question 17

Which of the following organelles is responsible for producing most of the cell's ATP?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondria

Question 18

If a cell's plasma membrane lost all of its embedded proteins, which function would be most directly impaired?

Accepted Answer

Transport of specific molecules across the membrane.

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why cells are considered the smallest unit of life?

Accepted Answer

Cells are the smallest structures that can carry out all the processes necessary for life.

Question 20

A researcher observes that a cell is unable to communicate with its neighbors. Which structure is most likely defective?

Accepted Answer

Intercellular junctions

Chapter 3: Cells – The Living Units (Anatomy & Physiology Study Notes)

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