Question 1

Which of the following best explains why eukaryotic cells can compartmentalize different biochemical reactions within the same cell?

Accepted Answer

They possess specialized membrane-bound organelles that create distinct internal environments.

Question 2

A scientist observes a cell with a large number of rough endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Which function is this cell most likely specialized for?

Accepted Answer

Synthesis of proteins for export out of the cell

Question 3

Which of the following best describes the role of the Golgi apparatus in a pancreatic cell that secretes digestive enzymes?

Accepted Answer

It modifies, sorts, and packages proteins for secretion.

Question 4

A mutation causes the inner mitochondrial membrane to become highly permeable to protons. What is the most likely consequence for the cell?

Accepted Answer

Decreased ATP production because the proton gradient cannot be maintained

Question 5

Which of the following equations correctly represents the surface area to volume ratio ($SA:V$) for a spherical cell of radius $r$?

Accepted Answer

$SA:V = \frac{4\pi r^2}{\frac{4}{3}\pi r^3}$

Question 6

Why are cells typically small in size? Choose the best explanation.

Accepted Answer

Smaller cells have a higher surface area to volume ratio, which facilitates efficient exchange of materials with the environment.

Question 7

A red blood cell placed in a hypotonic solution will:

Accepted Answer

Burst as water enters the cell by osmosis.

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the function of the Na$^+$/K$^+$ ATPase pump in animal cells?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 9

Which of the following statements about facilitated diffusion is correct?

Accepted Answer

It moves substances down their concentration gradient with the help of membrane proteins.

Question 10

A cell is placed in a solution and begins to swell. Which of the following best describes the tonicity of the solution relative to the cell?

Accepted Answer

The solution is hypotonic to the cell.

Question 11

Which of the following best explains why phospholipids form bilayers in aqueous environments?

Accepted Answer

Their hydrophobic tails avoid water while their hydrophilic heads interact with water.

Question 12

Which of the following is a key difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Eukaryotic cells have their DNA enclosed within a nucleus.

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

Intracellular digestion of macromolecules

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the 'fluid mosaic model' of the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

A dynamic structure with proteins and lipids able to move laterally within the bilayer

Question 15

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the concept of selective permeability in biological membranes?

Accepted Answer

Oxygen and carbon dioxide diffuse freely, but ions require specific transport proteins to cross.

Question 16

During endocytosis, a cell engulfs a large particle. Which of the following best describes this process?

Accepted Answer

The cell forms a vesicle around the particle, bringing it into the cytoplasm.

Question 17

Which of the following best explains why neurons require a high concentration of Na$^+$/K$^+$ ATPase pumps in their membranes?

Accepted Answer

To maintain the resting membrane potential necessary for nerve impulse transmission

Question 18

Which of the following is an example of active transport?

Accepted Answer

Pumping of protons into the stomach lining against their concentration gradient

Question 19

A cell is observed to have a large central vacuole, chloroplasts, and a cell wall. Which type of cell is this most likely to be?

Accepted Answer

Plant cell

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the relationship between surface area and metabolic rate in multicellular organisms?

Accepted Answer

A higher surface area to volume ratio allows for more efficient exchange of materials, supporting higher metabolic rates.

General Biology Study Notes: Cell Structure, Membrane Transport, and Osmoregulation

Study Guide - Practice Questions