Question 1

Which of the following best describes the primary function of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in animal tissues?

Accepted Answer

It offers structural support, helps cells bind together, and resists compressive forces.

Question 2

Plant cell walls are primarily composed of which polysaccharide, and what is its structural arrangement?

Accepted Answer

Cellulose bundled into microfibrils

Question 3

Which type of cell junction in animal cells forms a water-tight seal to prevent uncontrolled movement of substances between cells?

Accepted Answer

Tight junctions

Question 4

Desmosomes are crucial for maintaining tissue integrity under mechanical stress. Which protein family is primarily involved in desmosome formation?

Accepted Answer

Cadherins

Question 5

Gap junctions in animal cells allow for which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Direct passage of ions and small molecules between adjacent cells

Question 6

Which structure in plant cells is analogous to gap junctions in animal cells, allowing cytoplasmic continuity between adjacent cells?

Accepted Answer

Plasmodesmata

Question 7

A mutation disrupts the production of pectins in a plant. Which of the following consequences is most likely?

Accepted Answer

Reduced ability to resist compressive forces in the cell wall

Question 8

Which equation best represents the relationship between turgor pressure ($P$), osmotic pressure ($\Pi$), and cell wall rigidity in plant cells?

Accepted Answer

$P + R = \Pi$

Question 9

Which of the following best explains why connective tissue in lungs and blood vessels contains a high amount of elastin?

Accepted Answer

To allow organs to stretch and snap back to their original size and shape

Question 10

A researcher observes that cells in a tissue are unable to communicate directly through cytoplasmic channels. Which structure is most likely defective?

Accepted Answer

Gap junctions

Question 11

Which of the following is a key difference between primary and secondary cell walls in plants?

Accepted Answer

Secondary cell walls are laid down after cell expansion stops and provide additional strength.

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the role of the middle lamella in plant tissues?

Accepted Answer

It glues adjacent plant cells together by being rich in pectins.

Question 13

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the importance of cell-cell interactions in multicellular organisms?

Accepted Answer

Muscle cells contracting together to produce movement

Question 14

Which of the following statements about hormones is correct?

Accepted Answer

Hormones are used for communication over large distances between tissues and within populations.

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why the extracellular matrix (ECM) is considered a 'fibre composite'?

Accepted Answer

It consists of strong protein fibres embedded in a gel-like polysaccharide substance.

Question 16

A tissue sample from the nose is found to contain abundant ECM with rubbery proteoglycans. What is the most likely function of this tissue?

Accepted Answer

To resist compressive forces and absorb shock

Question 17

Which of the following is NOT a function of glycoproteins found in the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

Energy production

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the role of the plasmodesmata in plant cells?

Accepted Answer

They allow movement of ions, small molecules, and even some organelles between adjacent cells.

Question 19

Which of the following would most likely result from a defect in cadherin proteins in epithelial tissue?

Accepted Answer

Cells would be unable to resist mechanical stress and may separate under tension.

Cell-Cell Interactions: Extracellular Layers and Cell Connections

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