Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

It acts as a selectively permeable barrier, regulating the movement of substances into and out of the cell.

Question 2

A cell is placed in a solution and begins to swell. Which type of solution is the cell most likely in?

Accepted Answer

Hypotonic

Question 3

Which organelle is primarily responsible for ATP production in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondrion

Question 4

Which of the following best explains why enzymes lower the activation energy of a reaction?

Accepted Answer

They physically interact with substrates to stabilize the transition state.

Question 5

Which statement about facilitated diffusion is correct?

Accepted Answer

It uses membrane proteins to transport molecules down their concentration gradient.

Question 6

A researcher observes that a cell is using a sodium-potassium pump. What type of transport is this an example of?

Accepted Answer

Active transport

Question 7

Which of the following is a correct description of the endomembrane system?

Accepted Answer

It is a group of organelles that work together to modify, package, and transport lipids and proteins.

Question 8

Which of the following equations correctly represents the change in free energy ($\Delta G$) for a reaction?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 9

Which of the following best describes feedback inhibition in metabolic pathways?

Accepted Answer

The end product of a pathway inhibits an enzyme involved early in the pathway.

Question 10

A cell is exposed to a toxin that disrupts microtubules. Which cellular process is most likely to be affected?

Accepted Answer

Cell division (mitosis)

Question 11

Which of the following is true about signal transduction pathways?

Accepted Answer

They can amplify a signal through a cascade of molecular interactions.

Question 12

Which of the following statements about competitive inhibition is correct?

Accepted Answer

The inhibitor binds to the active site, preventing substrate binding.

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 14

Which process allows cells to take in large molecules or particles from their environment?

Accepted Answer

Endocytosis

Question 15

Which of the following is a function of the cytoskeleton?

Accepted Answer

Providing structural support and facilitating cell movement

Question 16

Which statement about the Second Law of Thermodynamics is correct?

Accepted Answer

Energy transformations increase the entropy (disorder) of the universe.

Question 17

Which of the following is an example of an exergonic reaction?

Accepted Answer

Hydrolysis of ATP to ADP and inorganic phosphate

Question 18

Which of the following best describes allosteric regulation of enzymes?

Accepted Answer

A molecule binds to a site other than the active site, changing enzyme activity.

Question 19

Which of the following is a correct statement about gap junctions?

Accepted Answer

They allow direct communication between adjacent animal cells.

Question 20

A cell is observed to have a high concentration of ribosomes. What is this cell likely specialized for?

Accepted Answer

Protein synthesis

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

Study Guide - Practice Questions