Question 1

Which of the following best describes the structure and function of the plasma membrane in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

It is a dynamic, selectively permeable phospholipid bilayer that regulates the movement of substances into and out of the cell.

Question 2

Which organelle is primarily responsible for ATP production through cellular respiration, and what is the main compartment where this process occurs?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondrion; mitochondrial matrix

Question 3

A newly synthesized protein destined for secretion from a eukaryotic cell would follow which correct path?

Accepted Answer

Rough ER → Golgi apparatus → Plasma membrane

Question 4

Which of the following statements about ribosomes is correct?

Accepted Answer

Bound ribosomes are attached to the rough ER and synthesize proteins for secretion or membrane insertion.

Question 5

Which equation correctly represents the change in free energy ($\Delta G$) for a chemical reaction?

Accepted Answer

$\Delta G = \Delta H - T\Delta S$

Question 6

Which of the following best explains why phospholipids are considered amphipathic molecules?

Accepted Answer

They contain both hydrophobic fatty acid tails and hydrophilic phosphate heads.

Question 7

During passive transport in neurons, what happens to the membrane potential when Na$^+$ channels open?

Accepted Answer

The membrane potential becomes less negative (depolarization).

Question 8

Which of the following is a function of the Golgi apparatus?

Accepted Answer

Modification, sorting, and packaging of proteins and lipids for secretion or delivery to other organelles

Question 9

Which type of cytoskeletal filament is primarily involved in muscle contraction and cell movement?

Accepted Answer

Microfilaments (actin filaments)

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the difference between integral and peripheral membrane proteins?

Accepted Answer

Integral proteins are embedded within the lipid bilayer, while peripheral proteins are loosely attached to the membrane surface.

Question 11

Which process is responsible for the bulk transport of large particles such as bacteria into a cell?

Accepted Answer

Phagocytosis

Question 12

Which of the following statements about the Na$^+$/K$^+$ ATPase pump is correct?

Accepted Answer

It uses ATP to move Na$^+$ out of the cell and K$^+$ into the cell against their concentration gradients.

Question 13

Which of the following best describes an exergonic reaction?

Accepted Answer

A reaction that releases energy and has a negative $\Delta G$

Question 14

Which cellular junction allows for direct cytoplasmic exchange of ions and small molecules between adjacent animal cells?

Accepted Answer

Gap junction

Question 15

Which of the following would most likely increase the fluidity of a biological membrane?

Accepted Answer

Increasing the proportion of unsaturated fatty acids in phospholipids

Question 16

Which organelle contains hydrolytic enzymes and is responsible for the breakdown of cellular waste and foreign material?

Accepted Answer

Lysosome

Question 17

A cell is placed in a hypotonic solution. What is the most likely outcome?

Accepted Answer

Water will move into the cell, causing it to swell and possibly burst.

Question 18

Which of the following is true regarding enzyme activity and temperature?

Accepted Answer

Enzyme activity increases with temperature up to an optimal point, then decreases as the enzyme denatures.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the role of the nucleolus?

Accepted Answer

It is the site of ribosomal RNA synthesis and ribosome assembly.

Question 20

Which of the following best explains the difference between primary and secondary active transport?

Accepted Answer

Primary active transport uses ATP directly to move molecules against their concentration gradient, while secondary active transport uses the energy from an electrochemical gradient established by primary active transport.

General Biology Study Guide: Cell Structure, Membranes, and Metabolism

Study Guide - Practice Questions

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