$$[\text{solute}]_{\text{solution}} \u003c [\text{solute}]_{\text{cell}}$$

Question 1

Which of the following best describes the amphipathic nature of phospholipids in the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

Phospholipids have hydrophilic heads and hydrophobic tails.

Question 2

A cell membrane contains phospholipids with unsaturated fatty acids. How does this affect membrane fluidity compared to saturated fatty acids?

Accepted Answer

It increases membrane fluidity due to kinks preventing tight packing.

Question 3

Which plasma membrane component is responsible for cell recognition and immune response?

Accepted Answer

Glycoproteins

Question 4

A red blood cell is placed in a hypotonic solution. What will happen to the cell?

Accepted Answer

It will swell and may burst due to water influx.

Question 5

Which equation correctly represents the direction of water movement during osmosis?

Accepted Answer

$$[	ext{solute}]_{	ext{solution}} \u003c [	ext{solute}]_{	ext{cell}}$$

Question 6

Which type of membrane protein is most likely to function as a channel for passive transport?

Accepted Answer

Integral transmembrane protein

Question 7

What is the primary role of cholesterol in the plasma membrane at moderate temperatures?

Accepted Answer

It decreases membrane fluidity by restricting phospholipid movement.

Question 8

Which of the following molecules can pass through the plasma membrane most easily?

Accepted Answer

Small nonpolar molecules

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

The cell will undergo plasmolysis as water leaves the cell.

Question 10

Which statement about transport proteins is correct?

Accepted Answer

Transport proteins assist molecules that cannot pass through the phospholipid bilayer.

Question 11

Which process requires energy to move solutes against their concentration gradient?

Accepted Answer

Active transport

Question 12

Which of the following best explains why aquaporins are necessary in some cells?

Accepted Answer

Aquaporins allow large amounts of water to cross the membrane rapidly.

Question 13

Which of the following is a correct description of a glycoprotein?

Accepted Answer

A protein with a carbohydrate attached.

Question 14

If a cell is placed in an isotonic solution, what will happen to the net movement of water?

Accepted Answer

There will be no net movement of water.

Question 15

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.

Question 16

Which equation represents the movement of solute in passive transport?

Accepted Answer

$$	ext{Solute moves from high to low concentration}$$

Question 17

Which membrane component provides attachment to the cytoskeleton and extracellular matrix (ECM)?

Accepted Answer

Peripheral protein

Question 18

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the orientation of carbohydrates in glycoproteins and glycolipids?

Accepted Answer

Carbohydrates face the extracellular side of the membrane.

Question 19

A patient is given an intravenous solution that is hypotonic to their blood plasma. What is the most likely consequence for their red blood cells?

Accepted Answer

Red blood cells will swell and may burst.

Question 20

Which of the following statements about membrane fluidity is correct?

Accepted Answer

Cholesterol at low temperatures increases membrane fluidity.

Plasma Membrane Structure and Function: Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions