Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

It forms the cell's outer boundary and acts as a selective barrier between the internal and external environments.

Question 2

A scientist is studying a cell that is unable to move large particles into the cell by engulfing them. Which process is most likely defective in this cell?

Accepted Answer

Phagocytosis

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

The membrane is composed of a lipid bilayer with proteins embedded and scattered throughout, allowing for fluidity and flexibility.

Question 4

A red blood cell is placed in a hypotonic solution. Predict what will happen to the cell and explain the process involved.

Accepted Answer

Water will enter the cell by osmosis, causing the cell to swell and possibly burst.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

It stabilizes the membrane and reduces membrane fluidity.

Question 6

A cell is observed to use ATP to move sodium ions against their concentration gradient. Which type of membrane transport is being used?

Accepted Answer

Active transport

Question 7

Which of the following is a correct description of the difference between integral and peripheral membrane proteins?

Accepted Answer

Integral proteins extend into or through the lipid bilayer, while peripheral proteins are attached to the inner or outer surface and do not extend through it.

Question 8

A patient has a genetic defect that prevents the formation of microtubules. Which cellular process would be most directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Chromosome migration during cell division

Question 9

Which of the following best explains why the plasma membrane is described as selectively permeable?

Accepted Answer

It allows some substances to pass through while restricting the movement of others.

Question 10

A cell is placed in a solution with a higher concentration of solutes than inside the cell. Which direction will water move, and what is the process called?

Accepted Answer

Water will move out of the cell by osmosis.

Question 11

Which organelle is responsible for modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins for transport to different destinations in the cell?

Accepted Answer

Golgi complex

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

Digesting and breaking down cellular debris and foreign substances

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

They are the sites of protein synthesis.

Question 14

A mutation causes a cell to lack functional actin filaments. Which cellular function would be most directly impaired?

Accepted Answer

Mechanical support and endocytosis

Question 15

Which of the following is a function of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum (smooth ER)?

Accepted Answer

Synthesis of fatty acids and steroids, and detoxification of certain drugs

Question 16

A cell is observed to have a high concentration of cilia on its surface. What is the most likely function of this cell?

Accepted Answer

Moving substances along the cell surface

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the difference between passive and active transport across the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

Passive transport does not require energy, while active transport requires energy from ATP.

Question 18

A cell is exposed to a toxin that blocks the function of transmembrane proteins. Which process would be most directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Facilitated diffusion of glucose

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why the inner surface of the plasma membrane is more negatively charged than the outer surface?

Accepted Answer

There is an unequal distribution of ions across the membrane, creating an electrical gradient.

Question 20

A researcher observes that a cell can move potassium ions into the cell even when the concentration inside is already high. Which equation best represents the energy requirement for this process?

Accepted Answer

$ \Delta G = \Delta G^0 + RT \ln \left( \frac{[K^+]_{in}}{[K^+]_{out}} \right) $

Chapter 3: The Cell – Structure and Function in Anatomy & Physiology

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