Question 1

Which of the following best describes the function of the plasma membrane in animal cells?

Accepted Answer

It physically isolates the cell, provides structural support, communicates with other cells, regulates transport, and identifies the cell.

Question 2

A cell is placed in a hypertonic solution. What is the most likely outcome for the cell?

Accepted Answer

The cell will lose water and shrivel (crenate).

Question 3

Which organelle is responsible for most ATP production in the cell, and what process occurs there?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondrion; oxidative catabolism

Question 4

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the sodium-potassium pump (Na+/K+ ATPase)?

Accepted Answer

It moves 3 sodium ions out of the cell and 2 potassium ions into the cell, using ATP.

Question 5

Which of the following best explains why osmosis is NOT simply diffusion of water?

Accepted Answer

Osmosis is reversible and requires a membrane; diffusion is not reversible and does not require a membrane.

Question 6

A patient is given pure water intravenously after severe dehydration. What is the most likely cellular consequence?

Accepted Answer

Cells will gain water rapidly, swell, and may lyse due to hypotonic ECF.

Question 7

Which cytoskeletal filament is most directly involved in muscle contraction and cell movement?

Accepted Answer

Actin filaments (microfilaments)

Question 8

Which process describes the movement of large particles, such as bacteria, into a cell by immune cells?

Accepted Answer

Phagocytosis

Question 9

A mutation in the gene coding for a chloride channel leads to thick mucus in the lungs and digestive issues. Which disease does this describe?

Accepted Answer

Cystic fibrosis

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the role of the Golgi apparatus?

Accepted Answer

It modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for export or insertion into membranes.

Question 11

Which equation best represents the net movement of solute during diffusion?

Accepted Answer

$ J = -D \frac{dC}{dx} $

Question 12

Which of the following is a consequence of a defect in cilia and flagella proteins, as seen in Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia?

Accepted Answer

Mucus buildup in the lungs and increased risk of respiratory infections

Question 13

During which phase of the cell cycle does DNA replication occur?

Accepted Answer

S phase

Question 14

Which of the following is TRUE about the genetic code?

Accepted Answer

Amino acids are specified by groups of three nucleotides called triplets.

Question 15

Which process involves the removal of introns and splicing together of exons in mRNA before it leaves the nucleus?

Accepted Answer

RNA processing

Question 16

A drug inhibits RNA polymerase, preventing mRNA formation. What is the most direct cellular consequence?

Accepted Answer

Protein synthesis stops, leading to cell death.

Question 17

Which of the following best describes secondary active transport?

Accepted Answer

It couples the active transport of one substance with the passive transport of another.

Question 18

Which of the following is a function of peroxisomes?

Accepted Answer

Oxidizing toxic substances and breaking down fatty acids

Question 19

Which of the following is TRUE regarding cell cycle checkpoints?

Accepted Answer

They monitor nutrient availability, growth factors, cell density, and anchorage.

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the difference between benign and malignant tumors?

Accepted Answer

Malignant tumors can metastasize and are not inhibited by cell density or anchorage.

The Cell: Structure and Function in Human Anatomy & Physiology

Study Guide - Practice Questions