Q: A student is studying the sodium-potassium pump. Which of the following equations best represents the movement of ions by this pump?

$3 \mathrm{Na}^+_{\text{out}} + 2 \mathrm{K}^+_{\text{in}}$

Question 1

Which of the following statements best explains why cells are limited in size by their surface area-to-volume ratio?

Accepted Answer

As cells grow larger, their volume increases faster than their surface area, making it difficult to efficiently exchange materials with the environment.

Question 2

A scientist is using a transmission electron microscope (TEM) to study a sample. What type of image will the TEM produce, and what is its main advantage over a compound light microscope?

Accepted Answer

A TEM produces two-dimensional images of internal cell structures with much higher resolution than a compound light microscope.

Question 3

Which of the following best describes the function of ribosomes attached to the rough endoplasmic reticulum (ER)?

Accepted Answer

They synthesize proteins that are destined for secretion, insertion into membranes, or for lysosomes.

Question 4

Which of the following structures is found in plant cells but not in animal cells, and is responsible for photosynthesis?

Accepted Answer

Chloroplast

Question 5

A cell is placed in a hypertonic solution. What will happen to an animal cell and a plant cell, respectively?

Accepted Answer

The animal cell will shrink (crenate), and the plant cell will undergo plasmolysis as the plasma membrane pulls away from the cell wall.

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the amphipathic nature of phospholipids in the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

Phospholipids have both hydrophilic (polar) heads and hydrophobic (nonpolar) tails, enabling the formation of a bilayer.

Question 7

Which molecule would pass most easily through the cell membrane by simple diffusion?

Accepted Answer

Small nonpolar (hydrophobic) molecule

Question 8

A student is studying the sodium-potassium pump. Which of the following equations best represents the movement of ions by this pump?

Accepted Answer

$3 \mathrm{Na}^+_{	ext{out}} + 2 \mathrm{K}^+_{	ext{in}}$

Question 9

Which of the following is a function of the cytoskeleton's microtubules?

Accepted Answer

Facilitating chromosome movement during cell division and serving as tracks for organelle movement

Question 10

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

Red blood cells will swell and may burst due to water influx.

Question 11

Which of the following best describes facilitated diffusion?

Accepted Answer

Movement of molecules down their concentration gradient through channel or carrier proteins without energy input.

Question 12

Which of the following junctions allows direct cytoplasmic exchange between adjacent animal cells?

Accepted Answer

Gap junctions

Question 13

Which of the following statements about water potential ($\Psi$) is correct?

Accepted Answer

Water moves from regions of higher water potential to lower water potential.

Question 14

Which of the following is true about the endomembrane system in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

It consists of the nuclear envelope, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, and vesicles.

Question 15

Which of the following best describes cotransport in cell membranes?

Accepted Answer

The movement of one substance down its concentration gradient coupled with the movement of another substance against its gradient via a symporter.

Question 16

Which of the following is a real-world example of receptor-mediated endocytosis?

Accepted Answer

Cells taking in cholesterol via LDL receptors

Question 17

Which of the following statements about the plasma membrane is correct?

Accepted Answer

Unsaturated fatty acids in phospholipids increase membrane fluidity.

Question 18

Which of the following is a difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Eukaryotic cells have their DNA enclosed in a nucleus, while prokaryotic cells have their DNA in the nucleoid region.

Question 19

A cell is actively transporting ions to maintain its membrane potential. Which of the following best describes an electrogenic pump?

Accepted Answer

A pump that generates a net charge difference across the membrane, contributing to membrane potential.

Cell Structure, Function, and Membrane Transport: Study Notes for General Biology

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