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 flexible lipid bilayer with proteins and carbohydrates that move and change patterns.

Question 2

A patient receives an intravenous (IV) solution that is hypertonic relative to their blood plasma. What is the most likely effect on their red blood cells?

Accepted Answer

The cells will shrink as water leaves the cells, a process known as crenation.

Question 3

Which of the following best describes the function of the sodium-potassium pump ($$\mathrm{Na^+-K^+}$$ ATPase) in maintaining resting membrane potential?

Accepted Answer

It pumps $$3\ \mathrm{Na^+}$$ out of the cell and $$2\ \mathrm{K^+}$$ into the cell, using ATP, maintaining a negative charge inside the cell.

Question 4

A genetic mutation causes a cell to lack functional lysosomal enzymes. Which disease is most likely to result, and what is the primary cellular consequence?

Accepted Answer

Tay-Sachs disease; accumulation of glycolipids in neurons leading to nervous system dysfunction.

Question 5

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates secondary active transport?

Accepted Answer

Glucose is transported into a cell against its concentration gradient by coupling its movement with $$\mathrm{Na^+}$$ ions moving down their gradient.

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the role of the glycocalyx in cell recognition?

Accepted Answer

It provides a unique 'sugar coating' that serves as a biological marker for cell-to-cell recognition.

Question 7

A scientist observes a cell with abundant rough endoplasmic reticulum and many Golgi apparatus structures. Which function is this cell most likely specialized for?

Accepted Answer

Synthesis and secretion of large amounts of proteins.

Question 8

Which of the following is a correct sequence of events during the cell cycle leading to cell division?

Accepted Answer

G1 phase → S phase → G2 phase → Mitosis → Cytokinesis

Question 9

Which of the following best explains why water moves from an area of low solute concentration to high solute concentration during osmosis?

Accepted Answer

Water moves to dilute the higher concentration of solute, equalizing solute concentrations on both sides of the membrane.

Question 10

A 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 this process called?

Accepted Answer

Hypotonic solution; lysing

Question 11

Which of the following organelles is responsible for producing most of the cell’s ATP via aerobic respiration and contains its own DNA?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondria

Question 12

Which cytoskeletal element is primarily responsible for resisting pulling forces and is composed of tetramer fibrils twisted together?

Accepted Answer

Intermediate filaments

Question 13

During which phase of mitosis do chromosomes align at the cell’s equator, forming the metaphase plate?

Accepted Answer

Metaphase

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the process of translation in protein synthesis?

Accepted Answer

The process where mRNA is decoded to assemble a polypeptide chain at the ribosome.

Question 15

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

Accepted Answer

Absorption of nutrients due to increased surface area.

Question 16

Which of the following is true regarding the movement of $$\mathrm{K^+}$$ and $$\mathrm{Na^+}$$ ions in establishing the resting membrane potential ($$V_m) of a $$typical cell?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{K^+}$$ diffuses out of the cell, making the inside more negative, while $$\mathrm{Na^+}$$ entry slightly offsets this negativity.

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the function of peroxisomes in the cell?

Accepted Answer

They contain enzymes that detoxify harmful substances and neutralize free radicals.

Question 18

Which of the following is a function of cell adhesion molecules (CAMs)?

Accepted Answer

They anchor cells to the extracellular matrix and assist in cell movement.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the difference between simple diffusion and facilitated diffusion across the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

Simple diffusion involves movement of nonpolar, lipid-soluble substances directly through the lipid bilayer, while facilitated diffusion requires membrane proteins for polar or large molecules.

Question 20

Which of the following is a direct result of the process of apoptosis in multicellular organisms?

Accepted Answer

Programmed cell death that removes damaged or unnecessary cells without causing inflammation.

Chapter 3: Cells – The Living Units (Comprehensive Study Notes)

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