Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference between hydrophobic and hydrophilic molecules, and how does this difference affect their location in the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

Hydrophobic molecules avoid water and are found in the interior of the plasma membrane, while hydrophilic molecules interact with water and are found on the exterior surfaces.

Question 2

A patient is given an intravenous solution with an osmolarity of 400 mOsm/L. What is the most likely effect on their red blood cells, and why?

Accepted Answer

The red blood cells will shrink because the solution is hypertonic compared to plasma, causing water to leave the cells.

Question 3

Which of the following best explains the difference between primary and secondary active transport across a cell membrane?

Accepted Answer

Primary active transport uses ATP directly to move substances against their concentration gradient, while secondary active transport uses the energy from the movement of another substance down its gradient.

Question 4

During aerobic metabolism, how many molecules of ATP are produced from one molecule of glucose, and what is the main difference compared to anaerobic metabolism?

Accepted Answer

$$36-38$$ ATP are produced in aerobic metabolism, which uses oxygen, while only $$2$$ ATP are produced in anaerobic metabolism, which does not use oxygen.

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the role of the Na$$^+/K$^+$$ ATPase pump in maintaining cell homeostasis?

Accepted Answer

It moves Na$$^+$$ out of the cell and K$$^+$$ into the cell, both against their concentration gradients, using ATP.

Question 6

A patient with chronic kidney disease has a blood calcium level of $$5 mg/dL ($$normal: $$8.5-10.5 mg/dL). $$Which hormone is most likely to be elevated in response, and what is its primary effect?

Accepted Answer

Parathyroid hormone (PTH); it increases bone resorption and raises blood calcium levels.

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the difference between transcription and translation in protein synthesis?

Accepted Answer

Transcription occurs in the nucleus and produces mRNA from DNA, while translation occurs in the cytoplasm and produces proteins from mRNA.

Question 8

A patient is found to have a deficiency in vitamin B12. Which of the following blood cell types is most likely to be affected, and what is the expected result?

Accepted Answer

Red blood cells; resulting in megaloblastic anemia due to impaired DNA synthesis.

Question 9

Which of the following best explains why collagen is important in the extracellular matrix?

Accepted Answer

Collagen provides structural support and tensile strength to tissues, allowing them to resist stretching.

Question 10

A patient with a genetic defect in the gene encoding for the chloride channel (CFTR) is likely to develop which condition, and what is the primary physiological consequence?

Accepted Answer

Cystic fibrosis; thick, sticky mucus in the lungs and digestive tract due to impaired chloride transport.

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the process of apoptosis?

Accepted Answer

Apoptosis is a form of programmed cell death that is energy-dependent and does not cause inflammation.

Question 12

Which of the following is a correct statement about the osmolarity of human plasma?

Accepted Answer

Normal plasma osmolarity is $$275 to$$ $$295$$ mOsm/kg.

Question 13

A patient is experiencing muscle weakness and cardiac arrhythmias. Laboratory results show a serum potassium (K$$^+) $$level of $$2.0 mM ($$normal: $$3.5-5.0 mM). $$What is the most likely diagnosis and the physiological basis?

Accepted Answer

Hypokalemia; decreased excitability of muscle and nerve cells due to lower resting membrane potential.

Question 14

Which of the following best explains the difference between facilitated diffusion and simple diffusion?

Accepted Answer

Facilitated diffusion requires a membrane protein to transport substances down their concentration gradient, while simple diffusion does not require any proteins.

Question 15

A patient with a mutation in the gene for fibrinogen is likely to have which of the following clinical problems?

Accepted Answer

Impaired blood clotting due to inability to form fibrin during coagulation.

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the function of platelets in hemostasis?

Accepted Answer

Platelets adhere to damaged blood vessels, aggregate, and release chemicals to promote clot formation.

Question 17

Which of the following is a key difference between adaptive and innate immunity?

Accepted Answer

Adaptive immunity is specific and has memory, while innate immunity is non-specific and lacks memory.

Question 18

A patient receives a blood transfusion with mismatched ABO blood type. What is the most likely immediate consequence?

Accepted Answer

Hemolytic transfusion reaction due to antibodies attacking the transfused red blood cells.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the role of the spleen in erythrocyte destruction?

Accepted Answer

The spleen filters out old or damaged red blood cells and recycles their components.

Comprehensive Study Notes: Cell Structure, Membrane Transport, Blood Physiology, and Immunity

Study Guide - Practice Questions

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