Question 1

Which component of the cell membrane is primarily responsible for making the membrane flexible?

Accepted Answer

Cholesterol

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

It will swell and possibly burst as water enters.

Question 3

Which of the following best describes the fluid mosaic model of the cell membrane?

Accepted Answer

A double layer of phospholipids with proteins and cholesterol that move within the layer.

Question 4

Which equation best represents the process of osmosis across a cell membrane?

Accepted Answer

$\Delta \Psi = \Psi_{outside} - \Psi_{inside}$

Question 5

Which type of membrane protein is most likely to function as a channel for molecules to pass through the membrane?

Accepted Answer

Integral proteins

Question 6

A cell needs to move sodium ions from a low concentration outside the cell to a high concentration inside the cell. Which process is required?

Accepted Answer

Active transport

Question 7

Which of the following statements about semi-permeable membranes is correct?

Accepted Answer

Small molecules can pass easily, but large molecules require special transport.

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

Synthesizing proteins for the cell

Question 9

Which process requires energy input from the cell to move substances against their concentration gradient?

Accepted Answer

Active transport

Question 10

A cell is placed in a solution with a higher concentration of solutes than inside the cell. What type of solution is this, and what is the expected movement of water?

Accepted Answer

Hypertonic; water moves out of the cell

Question 11

Which formula best describes the rate of diffusion across a membrane?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 12

Which of the following scenarios is an example of facilitated diffusion?

Accepted Answer

Glucose moving through a protein channel

Question 13

Which part of the phospholipid molecule is hydrophobic?

Accepted Answer

Fatty acid tails

Question 14

If a cell membrane loses its cholesterol, what is the most likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

The membrane becomes more rigid and less flexible.

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why ions cannot easily pass through the phospholipid bilayer?

Accepted Answer

Ions are repelled by the hydrophobic fatty acid tails.

Question 16

Which process is described by the movement of water from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration across a semi-permeable membrane?

Accepted Answer

Osmosis

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

Cells will gain water and swell.

Question 18

Which of the following is a real-world example of active transport in human physiology?

Accepted Answer

Sodium-potassium pump maintaining nerve cell potential

Question 19

Which equation represents the energy required for active transport of ions across a membrane?

Accepted Answer

$\Delta G = RT \ln \left( \frac{[C]_{inside}}{[C]_{outside}} \right)$

Question 20

Which statement best describes the role of peripheral proteins in the cell membrane?

Accepted Answer

They are involved in cell signaling and attachment on the membrane surface.

Cell Membrane Structure and Transport Mechanisms

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