Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 2

A red blood cell is placed in a hypertonic solution. What will happen to the cell, and why?

Accepted Answer

It will shrink (crenate) because water leaves the cell due to the higher solute concentration outside.

Question 3

Which of the following is a key difference between simple diffusion and facilitated diffusion across the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

Facilitated diffusion requires a membrane protein, while simple diffusion does not.

Question 4

The sodium-potassium pump is an example of which type of membrane transport, and what is its main function?

Accepted Answer

Primary active transport; it moves 3 Na$$^+$$ out and 2 K$$^+$$ into the cell using ATP.

Question 5

Which of the following statements about osmosis is CORRECT?

Accepted Answer

Osmosis requires a selectively permeable membrane and involves the movement of water.

Question 6

A patient is given an intravenous solution that is hypotonic to their blood plasma. What is the most likely effect on their red blood cells?

Accepted Answer

The cells will gain water, swell, and may lyse.

Question 7

Which of the following best explains why cholesterol is important in the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

It stabilizes the membrane structure during temperature changes.

Question 8

A drug that binds to a membrane receptor and mimics the action of a natural ligand is called a(n):

Accepted Answer

Agonist

Question 9

Which of the following is TRUE regarding secondary active transport?

Accepted Answer

It uses the energy from a concentration gradient created by primary active transport to move another substance against its gradient.

Question 10

Which process is responsible for the uptake of cholesterol into cells?

Accepted Answer

Receptor-mediated endocytosis

Question 11

A cell is placed in a solution and water moves into the cell, causing it to swell. Which of the following best describes the tonicity of the solution relative to the cell?

Accepted Answer

Hypotonic

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a function of membrane proteins?

Accepted Answer

Storing genetic information

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the movement of glucose into a cell via a symporter that also transports sodium ions?

Accepted Answer

Secondary active transport

Question 14

Which of the following is a property of the fluid mosaic model of the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

The membrane is dynamic, with proteins and lipids moving laterally within the bilayer.

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why only certain immune cells perform phagocytosis?

Accepted Answer

Phagocytosis requires specialized receptors and cellular machinery found only in phagocytes.

Question 16

Which of the following equations best represents the movement of sodium and potassium ions by the sodium-potassium pump?

Accepted Answer

$$3 \mathrm{Na}^+_{	ext{in}} + 2 \mathrm{K}^+_{	ext{out}} + \mathrm{ATP} ightarrow 3 \mathrm{Na}^+_{	ext{out}} + 2 \mathrm{K}^+_{	ext{in}} + \mathrm{ADP} + \mathrm{P}$$

Question 17

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates secondary active transport in the intestines?

Accepted Answer

Glucose moves into the cell along with sodium ions, using the sodium gradient established by the sodium-potassium pump.

Question 18

Which of the following is TRUE about the resting membrane potential?

Accepted Answer

It is negative because the inside of the cell is more negative than the extracellular fluid.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes exocytosis?

Accepted Answer

The process by which substances are released from the cell via vesicles that fuse with the plasma membrane.

Question 20

Which of the following is a correct statement about the movement of water and solutes during osmosis?

Accepted Answer

Water moves from an area of lower solute concentration to higher solute concentration.

The Cell: Structure, Membrane, and Transport Mechanisms

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