Question 1

Which of the following best describes the fluid-mosaic model of the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

A phospholipid bilayer with proteins embedded and scattered throughout, allowing for flexibility and dynamic movement.

Question 2

What is the primary function of glycoproteins in the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

To aid in cell recognition and defense against foreign materials.

Question 3

A red blood cell is placed in a solution containing 0.1% solute and 99.9% water outside the cell, while the inside of the cell contains 0.9% solute and 99.1% water. What will most likely happen to the cell?

Accepted Answer

The cell will swell and may burst due to water entering the cell (hemolysis).

Question 4

Which of the following molecules can most easily pass through the phospholipid bilayer without the help of transport proteins?

Accepted Answer

Small, uncharged molecules like water ($\mathrm{H_2O}$)

Question 5

Cholesterol is important in the plasma membrane because it:

Accepted Answer

Stabilizes the membrane and keeps it fluid at various temperatures.

Question 6

Which equation best represents the relationship between diffusion rate ($R$) and distance ($d$) in a cell?

Accepted Answer

$R \propto \frac{1}{d}$

Question 7

A plant cell is placed in a hypotonic solution (higher concentration of water outside the cell). What is the expected outcome?

Accepted Answer

The cell will become turgid due to water entering, increasing turgor pressure.

Question 8

Which of the following best explains why most cells are microscopic?

Accepted Answer

Metabolic requirements limit cell size because diffusion is only efficient over short distances.

Question 9

What is the main role of transport proteins in the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

To form tunnels and bridges that allow molecules or ions to move across the membrane.

Question 10

Which of the following scenarios describes osmosis?

Accepted Answer

Movement of water across a semi-permeable membrane from an area of higher water concentration to lower water concentration.

Question 11

A cell is placed in a hypertonic solution. What will happen to an animal cell in this environment?

Accepted Answer

It will lose water and undergo crenation (shrinking).

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a function of receptor proteins in the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

Facilitating the movement of ions across the membrane.

Question 13

Which statement about the phospholipid bilayer is correct?

Accepted Answer

The polar heads face outward, toward water, and the non-polar tails face inward, away from water.

Question 14

Which process is responsible for the movement of substances from regions of higher concentration to regions of lower concentration due to random motion?

Accepted Answer

Diffusion

Question 15

If a cell uses enzymes embedded in its membrane to speed up chemical reactions, which type of membrane protein is involved?

Accepted Answer

Enzymatic protein

Question 16

Which of the following best describes tonicity?

Accepted Answer

The strength of a solution in relationship to osmosis.

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

Red blood cells will swell and may burst (hemolysis).

Question 18

Which of the following is a consequence of glycoproteins being involved in cell recognition?

Accepted Answer

They create problems with organ transplants due to immune response.

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why diffusion is important for living organisms?

Accepted Answer

It allows cells to move substances across membranes and through the cytoplasm without using energy.

Question 20

Which of the following statements about osmosis in plant cells is correct?

Accepted Answer

In a hypotonic solution, plant cells gain water and become turgid, increasing turgor pressure.

Cell Membranes and Transport: Structure, Function, and Osmosis

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