Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

It is a flexible, selectively permeable barrier that controls the movement of substances into and out of the cell.

Question 2

A red blood cell is placed in a hypotonic solution. What is the most likely outcome, and which process is responsible?

Accepted Answer

The cell will swell and may burst due to water entering by osmosis.

Question 3

Which of the following best explains why the sodium-potassium pump is considered an example of primary active transport?

Accepted Answer

It uses the energy from ATP hydrolysis to move ions against their concentration gradients.

Question 4

A patient is given an intravenous solution that is hypertonic relative to their red blood cells. What will happen to the red blood cells, and why?

Accepted Answer

They will shrink (crenate) because water leaves the cells by osmosis.

Question 5

Which organelle is primarily responsible for producing ATP via aerobic cellular respiration, and what unique feature supports the endosymbiont theory?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondrion; contains its own DNA and ribosomes

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the role of aquaporins in the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

They provide channels for the passive movement of water molecules across the membrane.

Question 7

A cell is observed to engulf large particles such as bacteria by extending its plasma membrane around them. Which process is being described, and what is the resulting vesicle called?

Accepted Answer

Phagocytosis; phagosome

Question 8

Which of the following best explains the function of tight junctions between epithelial cells in the small intestine?

Accepted Answer

They form an impermeable barrier that prevents substances from passing between adjacent cells.

Question 9

During DNA replication, which enzyme is responsible for adding complementary nucleotides to the growing DNA strand?

Accepted Answer

DNA polymerase

Question 10

A mutation causes a cell to lose its ability to form microtubules. Which of the following cellular processes would be most directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Chromosome separation during mitosis

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

The assembly of a polypeptide chain using the sequence of codons in mRNA at the ribosome

Question 12

Which of the following is a function of the glycocalyx on the outer surface of the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

It acts as a biological marker for cell recognition and immune response.

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

Synthesis and secretion of proteins

Question 14

Which of the following best explains why facilitated diffusion is considered a form of passive transport?

Accepted Answer

It uses carrier or channel proteins to move substances down their concentration gradient without energy input.

Question 15

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

Accepted Answer

They detoxify harmful substances and break down fatty acids.

Question 16

A cell is observed to have a large number of lysosomes. Which of the following is the most likely function of this cell?

Accepted Answer

Digestion of foreign particles and worn-out organelles

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the function of desmosomes in tissues subjected to mechanical stress, such as the skin?

Accepted Answer

They anchor adjacent cells together, providing mechanical strength and resistance to tearing.

Question 18

Which of the following statements about the cell cycle is correct?

Accepted Answer

Mitosis ensures that each daughter cell receives an identical set of chromosomes.

Question 19

Which of the following best explains the significance of the semiconservative model of DNA replication?

Accepted Answer

Each new DNA molecule consists of one original (parental) strand and one newly synthesized strand.

Question 20

A cell is exposed to a toxin that inhibits the function of ribosomes. Which of the following processes will be most directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Protein synthesis

Chapter 3: Cells – The Smallest Living Units in Anatomy & Physiology

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