Question 1

Which ion's influx into the axon terminal directly triggers the release of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft?

Accepted Answer

Calcium ($$\mathrm{Ca$$^{2+}$$})$$

Question 2

A patient is unable to contract their muscles properly due to a deficiency in a molecule that binds to troponin. Which molecule is most likely deficient?

Accepted Answer

Calcium

Question 3

Which type of receptor is most likely to initiate a phosphorylation cascade, amplifying a signal within the cell?

Accepted Answer

Receptor tyrosine kinase

Question 4

A person is exposed to a hypertonic solution. What will happen to their red blood cells?

Accepted Answer

Water will move out of the cells, causing them to shrink

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT a function of transmembrane proteins?

Accepted Answer

DNA replication

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the role of the thalamus in the brain?

Accepted Answer

Sensory relay

Question 7

A cell is placed in a solution and water moves into the cell, causing it to swell and possibly burst. What type of solution is this?

Accepted Answer

Hypotonic

Question 8

Which of the following is a second messenger involved in amplifying cellular responses to external signals?

Accepted Answer

cAMP

Question 9

Which of the following best explains why aquaporins are important for cells?

Accepted Answer

They allow rapid movement of water across the membrane

Question 10

A neuron is at rest. Which of the following best describes the distribution of ions across its membrane?

Accepted Answer

High concentration of $$\mathrm{K^+}$$ inside, high $$\mathrm{Na^+}$$ outside

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

It pumps $$\mathrm{Na^+}$$ out and $$\mathrm{K^+} in$$, using ATP

Question 12

Which of the following is an example of negative feedback in human physiology?

Accepted Answer

Regulation of blood pressure

Question 13

A scientist discovers a new protein that allows hydrogen ions ($$\mathrm{H^+}) to $$move down their concentration gradient across a membrane. What type of transport is this?

Accepted Answer

Facilitated diffusion

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the function of gap junctions in animal cells?

Accepted Answer

They allow direct communication between adjacent cells

Question 15

Which of the following is NOT used as a hormone in the human body?

Accepted Answer

Triglycerides

Question 16

A cell is exposed to a signal molecule that binds to a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR). Which of the following is most likely to occur next?

Accepted Answer

Activation of a second messenger such as cAMP

Question 17

Which of the following best explains why the resting membrane potential of a neuron is negative?

Accepted Answer

The cell membrane is more permeable to $$\mathrm{K^+}$$ than $$\mathrm{Na^+}$$

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the function of the anterior pituitary gland?

Accepted Answer

It produces and releases its own hormones in response to signals from the hypothalamus

Question 19

Which of the following is a correct example of a mechanoreceptor in humans?

Accepted Answer

Hair cells in the ear

Question 20

If an enzyme in a signal transduction cascade catalyzes a reaction where each molecule activates 10 more molecules, how many molecules will be activated after 3 steps, assuming each step multiplies the number by 10?

Accepted Answer

$$1000$$

General Biology Study Guide: Cell Signaling, Membrane Transport, Nervous System, and Endocrine Integration

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