Question 1

Which of the following best explains why most cells are small in size?

Accepted Answer

The need for a large surface area to support the cell’s normal functions

Question 2

The image shows a living cell actively undergoing cell division, with chromosomes being distributed to opposite sides of the cell. Which type of microscopy was most likely used to capture this image?

Accepted Answer

Light microscopy

Question 3

Why are eukaryotic cells generally larger and more complex than prokaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

They have membrane-bound organelles that compartmentalize functions

Question 4

A researcher observes that certain proteins are not being produced in a cell. Free ribosomes are functioning normally, but the rough ER shows abnormalities. What is likely true?

Accepted Answer

Proteins destined for secretion are not being synthesized

Question 5

A fabric company wants to create a new material based on cell research for the army that is able to bear high levels of tension strength. What cellular structure should be the target?

Accepted Answer

Intermediate filaments

Question 6

Which motor protein moves along microtubules to transport cargo toward the cell’s membrane?

Accepted Answer

Kinesin

Question 7

Where in your cells are ribosomal RNA molecules synthesized?

Accepted Answer

Nucleolus

Question 8

When a friend falls to the floor after drinking too much alcohol, which organelle will best help him to detoxify?

Accepted Answer

Smooth endoplasmic reticulum

Question 9

A scientist blocks the enzymes responsible for glycosylation in the Golgi. What would most likely happen to the proteins being processed?

Accepted Answer

They would lack the carbohydrates essential for cell-to-cell recognition

Question 10

Which route best describes the movement of secreted proteins through the endomembrane system?

Accepted Answer

Rough endoplasmic reticulum $\rightarrow$ Golgi apparatus $\rightarrow$ plasma membrane

Question 11

In Tay-Sachs disease, lysosomes accumulate lipids and burst. How will this affect the cell?

Accepted Answer

Digestive enzymes will break down the cell

Question 12

What makes phospholipids aggregate spontaneously into lipid bilayers in water?

Accepted Answer

Hydrophobic interactions between the fatty acids stabilize the lipid bilayer

Question 13

A researcher inserts a fluorescent tag into a membrane protein on a living cell. Over time, the tagged protein is observed in a different location. What feature of the fluid-mosaic model best explains this result?

Accepted Answer

The membrane is fluid, allowing proteins to move laterally within the lipid bilayer

Question 14

In order to study a cell at lower temperatures, a researcher must artificially increase its membrane fluidity. What would be a reasonable strategy for increasing plasma membrane fluidity at low temperatures?

Accepted Answer

Decrease the length of the phospholipid fatty acid chains

Question 15

Which of the following features of the plasma membrane accounts for its “sidedness”, i.e. the fact that the phospholipids facing the inside (intracellular side) and outside (extracellular side) of the cell are different?

Accepted Answer

Only phospholipids in the extracellular side are glycosylated

Question 16

You observe a cell that allows carbon dioxide and ethanol to pass freely, but restricts chloride ions and glucose. What does this suggest about the cell membrane?

Accepted Answer

It restricts permeability based on size and polarity

Question 17

A student claims that water cannot cross the cell membrane because it is polar. What is the best evaluation of this claim?

Accepted Answer

The claim is incorrect because water moves through aquaporins

Question 18

Na$^+$ ion concentrations are higher outside the cell than inside the cell. What type of transport system is required to move Na$^+$ ions in and out of the cell?

Accepted Answer

Na$^+$ moves into the cell by facilitated diffusion and out of the cell by active transport

Question 19

You are asked to design a diagram pointing out the similarities between diffusion and osmosis. Which labels should be included to best show their differences?

Accepted Answer

Movement down the concentration gradient, no proteins required; no energy needed

Question 20

A patient has had a serious accident and lost a lot of blood. In an attempt to replenish body fluids, distilled water, equal to the volume of blood lost, is transferred directly into one of his veins. What will be the most probable result of this transfusion?

Accepted Answer

Red blood cells will burst because the blood becomes hypotonic compared to the cells

BIO 201 Practice Exam 2 – Step-by-Step Study Guidance

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