Q: Which equation best represents the calculation of membrane potential ($V_m$) using the Nernst equation for a single ion species?

$V_m = \dfrac{RT}{zF} \ln \left( \dfrac{[\text{ion}]_{\text{outside}}}{[\text{ion}]_{\text{inside}}} \right)$

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

It defines the boundaries of the cell and regulates the movement of substances in and out.

Question 2

A red blood cell is placed in a hypotonic solution. What is the most likely outcome?

Accepted Answer

The cell will swell and may burst due to water influx.

Question 3

Which equation correctly represents the relationship between osmotic pressure ($\Pi$), solute concentration ($C$), the gas constant ($R$), and temperature ($T$)?

Accepted Answer

$\Pi = CRT$

Question 4

Which of the following is a major difference between passive and active transport across the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

Active transport moves substances against their concentration gradient, while passive transport moves them down the gradient.

Question 5

A patient is given an intravenous solution that is hypertonic compared to their blood plasma. What physiological effect is most likely to occur?

Accepted Answer

Their red blood cells will shrink due to water leaving the cells.

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the role of carrier proteins in facilitated diffusion?

Accepted Answer

They allow specific molecules to cross the membrane down their concentration gradient without energy expenditure.

Question 7

The sodium-potassium pump is an example of which type of membrane transport?

Accepted Answer

Primary active transport

Question 8

Which of the following statements about the phospholipid bilayer is correct?

Accepted Answer

The hydrophobic tails face each other, forming the interior of the membrane.

Question 9

Which process is responsible for the movement of water across a semipermeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to higher solute concentration?

Accepted Answer

Osmosis

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

It will remain unchanged.

Question 11

Which of the following best explains why glucose requires a transport protein to cross the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

Glucose is a large, polar molecule and cannot diffuse through the hydrophobic core of the membrane.

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

Synthesizing DNA for the nucleus

Question 13

Which equation best represents the calculation of membrane potential ($V_m$) using the Nernst equation for a single ion species?

Accepted Answer

$V_m = \dfrac{RT}{zF} \ln \left( \dfrac{[	ext{ion}]_{	ext{outside}}}{[	ext{ion}]_{	ext{inside}}} ight)$

Question 14

Which of the following best describes secondary active transport?

Accepted Answer

It couples the movement of one molecule down its gradient to the movement of another molecule against its gradient.

Question 15

Which cellular process involves the engulfing of large particles or fluids into the cell via vesicle formation?

Accepted Answer

Endocytosis

Question 16

Which of the following is a consequence of ion transport across the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

It establishes the membrane potential necessary for nerve impulse transmission.

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

It increases membrane fluidity and stability.

Question 18

A cell is placed in a solution with a lower concentration of solutes than the cytoplasm. Which term best describes this solution?

Accepted Answer

Hypotonic

Question 19

Which of the following is true regarding the movement of sodium and potassium ions by the sodium-potassium pump?

Accepted Answer

It moves 3 sodium ions out and 2 potassium ions into the cell per ATP hydrolyzed.

The Cell: Structure, Membrane, and Transport Processes

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