Question 1

Which of the following best describes the role of quorum sensing in microbial biofilm formation?

Accepted Answer

It allows bacterial populations to coordinate gene expression when a critical cell density is reached, promoting behaviors like biofilm formation.

Question 2

Which of the following is a distinguishing structural feature of eukaryotic cells compared to prokaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Eukaryotic cells possess membrane-bound organelles, such as mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum, which compartmentalize cellular functions.

Question 3

A researcher wants to create a saline solution for rehydrating red blood cells in a test mouse. Which type of solution should they prepare to prevent cell shrinkage or swelling?

Accepted Answer

Isotonic saline

Question 4

Which of the following correctly lists the stages of the cell cycle in order?

Accepted Answer

G1, S, G2, Mitosis (Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase), Cytokinesis

Question 5

During which stage of mitosis do sister chromatids separate and move toward opposite poles of the cell?

Accepted Answer

Anaphase

Question 6

Which checkpoint in the cell cycle ensures that DNA has been completely and correctly replicated before mitosis?

Accepted Answer

G2 checkpoint

Question 7

A protein that transports ions against their concentration gradient across the cell membrane requires energy. What type of transport is this?

Accepted Answer

Active transport

Question 8

Which of the following molecules is MOST permeable across the phospholipid bilayer via simple diffusion?

Accepted Answer

Oxygen ($O_2$)

Question 9

A cell is placed in a solution and becomes very swollen, eventually bursting. What type of solution was the cell placed in?

Accepted Answer

Hypotonic

Question 10

Which of the following best explains the endosymbiotic theory?

Accepted Answer

A bacterial lineage experienced repeated episodes of symbiosis, eventually leading to modern eukaryotic cells.

Question 11

Which of the following best describes endocrine signaling?

Accepted Answer

A type of signaling where chemical signals are released into the bloodstream and travel long distances to target cells in other parts of the body.

Question 12

A large, polar molecule is observed to move into a cell until its concentration inside and outside the cell is approximately equal, with no change in ATP levels. Which transport mechanism is most likely responsible?

Accepted Answer

Facilitated diffusion

Question 13

Which part of a transmembrane protein embedded in the cell membrane is most likely to be found interacting with the phospholipid tails?

Accepted Answer

Interior = hydrophobic; Exterior = hydrophilic

Question 14

Which of the following is a real-world example of a biofilm?

Accepted Answer

Plaque on teeth

Question 15

Which of the following best describes autocrine signaling?

Accepted Answer

A type of signaling where a cell sends chemical signals to itself, triggering a response within the same cell.

Question 16

Which of the following is a key function of glucose-6-phosphate in cellular metabolism?

Accepted Answer

It traps glucose inside the cell for further metabolism.

Question 17

In a scenario where sodium ion ($Na^+$) concentration in the intestinal lumen decreases below that inside the enterocyte cell, what would happen to sodium transport into the cell?

Accepted Answer

Sodium would no longer be able to move from the lumen into the cell.

Question 18

Which of the following best describes paracrine signaling?

Accepted Answer

A type of signaling where a cell releases chemical signals that affect nearby target cells over short distances.

Question 19

Which of the following is true regarding the permeability of cholesterol in the cell membrane?

Accepted Answer

Cholesterol molecules are found within the hydrophobic interior of the membrane, away from water.

General Biology: Cell Structure, Membranes, Cell Cycle, and Cell Signaling (Modules 3 & 4 Overview)

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