Question 1

Which of the following best describes the function of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in a eukaryotic cell?

Accepted Answer

It synthesizes proteins and lipids, and transports them within the cell.

Question 2

A scientist observes that a cell has a large number of mitochondria. What can be inferred about the function of this cell?

Accepted Answer

The cell is likely involved in active transport and requires large amounts of energy.

Question 3

Why are cells generally small in size? Use the mathematical relationship between surface area and volume to support your answer.

Accepted Answer

As cells increase in size, their volume increases faster than their surface area, limiting the efficiency of material exchange.

Question 4

Which of the following best explains the importance of the plasma membrane in maintaining homeostasis within the cell?

Accepted Answer

It selectively regulates the movement of substances into and out of the cell.

Question 5

A phospholipid bilayer forms the basic structure of the plasma membrane. Which property of phospholipids is most responsible for this arrangement?

Accepted Answer

Phospholipids have both hydrophilic heads and hydrophobic tails, causing them to arrange in a bilayer.

Question 6

Which of the following best describes facilitated diffusion?

Accepted Answer

Movement of molecules from high to low concentration through a membrane protein, without energy input.

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

The cell will swell and possibly burst because water will move into the cell.

Question 8

Which equation correctly represents water potential ($\Psi$) in plant cells?

Accepted Answer

$\Psi = \Psi_s + \Psi_p$

Question 9

Which of the following statements about endocytosis is correct?

Accepted Answer

Endocytosis involves the engulfing of external substances by the cell membrane to form vesicles.

Question 10

A cell is observed to have a high rate of exocytosis. Which of the following is a likely function of this cell?

Accepted Answer

Secreting hormones or enzymes into the bloodstream.

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the difference between active and passive transport?

Accepted Answer

Active transport requires energy and moves substances against their concentration gradient, while passive transport does not require energy and moves substances down their concentration gradient.

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a component of the endomembrane system?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondria

Question 13

A mutation causes a cell to produce nonfunctional aquaporins. What is the most likely effect on the cell?

Accepted Answer

The cell will have difficulty regulating water movement across its membrane.

Question 14

Which of the following best explains why prokaryotic cells do not contain membrane-bound organelles?

Accepted Answer

Prokaryotic cells lack internal membranes, so all cellular processes occur in the cytoplasm.

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the structure of a biological membrane according to the fluid mosaic model?

Accepted Answer

A double layer of phospholipids with proteins embedded and able to move laterally.

Question 16

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the concept of selective permeability?

Accepted Answer

A cell membrane allows oxygen and carbon dioxide to pass freely, but restricts the movement of ions.

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the role of lysosomes in animal cells?

Accepted Answer

They digest and recycle cellular waste and foreign material.

Question 18

A cell is placed in a solution with a lower solute concentration than the cytoplasm. Which term best describes the solution, and what is the expected movement of water?

Accepted Answer

The solution is hypotonic; water will move into the cell.

Question 19

Which of the following best explains the significance of the Na+/K+ pump in animal cells?

Accepted Answer

It maintains the resting membrane potential by actively transporting Na+ out and K+ into the cell.

Question 20

Which of the following is a direct result of the endosymbiotic theory?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondria and chloroplasts contain their own DNA and ribosomes.

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

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