Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

It regulates the movement of substances into and out of the cell, maintaining the internal environment.

Question 2

A solution outside a red blood cell has a higher concentration of solutes than the cytoplasm. What type of solution is this, and what will happen to the cell?

Accepted Answer

Hypertonic; the cell will shrink due to water loss.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Glycogen

Question 4

Which of the following best defines a selectively permeable membrane?

Accepted Answer

A membrane that allows certain substances to pass while restricting others.

Question 5

Which of the following is an example of primary active transport in the human body?

Accepted Answer

Sodium-potassium pump ($$\mathrm{Na^+/K^+}$$ ATPase) moving $$\mathrm{Na^+}$$ out and $$\mathrm{K^+} in $$against their gradients

Question 6

Which of the following factors would NOT increase the rate of diffusion across a cell membrane?

Accepted Answer

Increasing the size of the diffusing molecule

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

The cells will swell and may burst due to water gain.

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the difference between integral and peripheral membrane proteins?

Accepted Answer

Integral proteins are embedded within the lipid bilayer; peripheral proteins are attached to the membrane surface.

Question 9

Which of the following is an example of facilitated diffusion in the body?

Accepted Answer

Glucose entering a muscle cell via GLUT4 transporter

Question 10

Which type of membrane protein is primarily responsible for catalyzing chemical reactions at the cell surface?

Accepted Answer

Enzyme

Question 11

Which process involves the movement of large particles, such as bacteria, into a cell by engulfment?

Accepted Answer

Phagocytosis

Question 12

Which of the following best describes osmosis?

Accepted Answer

Movement of water from an area of low solute concentration to high solute concentration across a selectively permeable membrane

Question 13

Which of the following is an example of receptor-mediated endocytosis?

Accepted Answer

Uptake of cholesterol via LDL receptors

Question 14

Which of the following best distinguishes between passive and active transport?

Accepted Answer

Passive transport moves substances down their concentration gradient without energy input; active transport requires energy to move substances against their gradient.

Question 15

Which of the following is an example of secondary active transport in the body?

Accepted Answer

Glucose absorption in the small intestine via sodium-glucose symporter

Question 16

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

Accepted Answer

It stabilizes the membrane and regulates its fluidity.

Question 17

A cell is placed in an isotonic solution. What will happen to the cell?

Accepted Answer

It will remain the same size.

Question 18

Which of the following is a function of glycoproteins in the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

Acting as cell identity markers for immune recognition

Question 19

Which process is responsible for the release of neurotransmitters from a neuron into the synaptic cleft?

Accepted Answer

Exocytosis

Question 20

A patient with severe dehydration is given a hypertonic saline solution. What is the most likely effect on their cells?

Accepted Answer

Cells will shrink as water leaves the cell.

Chapter 3 Part A: The Plasma Membrane and Membrane Transport

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