Question 1

Which of the following best explains why the plasma membrane is described as a 'fluid mosaic model'?

Accepted Answer

Because the membrane consists of various proteins and lipids that can move laterally within the bilayer, creating a dynamic and flexible structure.

Question 2

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 may burst because water will move into the cell by osmosis.

Question 3

Which of the following best describes the function of the sodium-potassium pump ($\mathrm{Na^+/K^+}$-ATPase) in animal cells?

Accepted Answer

It actively transports sodium ions out of the cell and potassium ions into the cell, using ATP as an energy source.

Question 4

Which of the following is an example of a second messenger in cell signaling pathways?

Accepted Answer

cAMP ($\mathrm{cyclic\ adenosine\ monophosphate}$)

Question 5

A scientist is studying a cell that contains ribosomes, a nucleus, mitochondria, and endoplasmic reticulum. Which type of cell is this most likely to be?

Accepted Answer

A eukaryotic cell

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the process of endocytosis?

Accepted Answer

The uptake of large molecules or particles into the cell by engulfing them in a vesicle formed from the plasma membrane.

Question 7

Which of the following statements about enzyme function is correct?

Accepted Answer

Enzymes lower the activation energy of a reaction, increasing the reaction rate.

Question 8

A cell is exposed to a toxin that inhibits the function of its mitochondria. Which process will be most directly affected?

Accepted Answer

ATP production through cellular respiration

Question 9

Which of the following best distinguishes between competitive and noncompetitive enzyme inhibition?

Accepted Answer

Competitive inhibitors compete with the substrate for the active site, while noncompetitive inhibitors bind elsewhere and change the enzyme's shape.

Question 10

Which of the following is an example of feedback inhibition in a metabolic pathway?

Accepted Answer

The final product of a pathway binds to an enzyme that catalyzes an early step, inhibiting its activity.

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the difference between exergonic and endergonic reactions?

Accepted Answer

Exergonic reactions release energy and have a negative $\Delta G$, while endergonic reactions require energy input and have a positive $\Delta G$.

Question 12

A mutation causes a cell to produce a nonfunctional protein channel for glucose. Which transport process will be most directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Facilitated diffusion of glucose

Question 13

Which of the following best explains why ATP is considered the 'energy currency' of the cell?

Accepted Answer

ATP hydrolysis releases energy that can be coupled to drive endergonic cellular processes.

Question 14

Which of the following is a real-world example of signal amplification in a cell signaling pathway?

Accepted Answer

A single hormone molecule binding to a receptor triggers the production of many second messenger molecules, leading to a large cellular response.

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the role of cholesterol in animal cell membranes?

Accepted Answer

Cholesterol decreases membrane fluidity at high temperatures and increases it at low temperatures.

Question 16

Which of the following best explains the function of tight junctions in animal tissues?

Accepted Answer

They form a seal that prevents the leakage of extracellular fluid between cells.

Question 17

A patient is diagnosed with a genetic disorder that affects the function of dynein. Which cellular process is most likely to be impaired?

Accepted Answer

Movement of cilia and flagella

Question 18

Which of the following statements about the endosymbiotic theory is supported by evidence?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondria and chloroplasts contain their own circular DNA, similar to prokaryotes.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the difference between paracrine and endocrine signaling?

Accepted Answer

Paracrine signaling acts on nearby cells, while endocrine signaling involves hormones traveling through the bloodstream to distant targets.

Question 20

Which of the following is a correct statement about the Second Law of Thermodynamics as it applies to living systems?

Accepted Answer

Living systems maintain order by increasing the entropy of their surroundings.

General Biology: Cell Structure, Function, Communication, and Metabolism Study Guide

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards