Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

A phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins and cholesterol

Question 2

What is the primary function of cholesterol in the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

To increase the strength and rigidity of the membrane

Question 3

Which type of embedded protein is responsible for transmitting signals from the extracellular environment to the inside of the cell?

Accepted Answer

Receptor protein

Question 4

A red blood cell is placed in a hypertonic solution. What will happen to the cell, and why?

Accepted Answer

It will shrink because water moves out of the cell

Question 5

Which of the following molecules can most easily diffuse directly through the lipid bilayer of the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

Oxygen ($$O_2)$$

Question 6

Facilitated diffusion differs from simple diffusion in that:

Accepted Answer

Facilitated diffusion uses membrane proteins to transport specific molecules

Question 7

Which process is responsible for the uptake of large molecules, such as insulin, into a cell?

Accepted Answer

Endocytosis

Question 8

The sodium-potassium pump is an example of which type of membrane transport?

Accepted Answer

Active transport

Question 9

Which of the following best explains why water moves into a cell placed in a hypotonic solution?

Accepted Answer

The concentration of solutes is higher inside the cell, so water moves in to balance the concentrations

Question 10

Which of the following statements about glycoproteins in the plasma membrane is correct?

Accepted Answer

They play a role in cell-to-cell recognition and communication

Question 11

A cell needs to move glucose from a region of high concentration outside the cell to a region of low concentration inside the cell. Which transport mechanism will it most likely use?

Accepted Answer

Facilitated diffusion

Question 12

Which of the following best describes exocytosis?

Accepted Answer

The release of cellular products or wastes to the extracellular environment via vesicle fusion with the plasma membrane

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a passive transport process?

Accepted Answer

Active transport

Question 14

A patient receives an intravenous solution that is isotonic to their blood plasma. What effect will this have on their red blood cells?

Accepted Answer

The cells will maintain their normal shape and volume

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why ions such as $$Na^+$$ and $$K^+$$ require protein channels to cross the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

They are charged and cannot pass through the non-polar lipid bilayer

Question 16

Which of the following scenarios is an example of active transport?

Accepted Answer

Sodium ions being pumped out of a nerve cell against their concentration gradient

Question 17

Which equation best represents the movement of water during osmosis?

Accepted Answer

$$H_2O$$ moves from an area of low solute concentration to high solute concentration

Question 18

Which of the following is a function of receptor proteins in the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

They transmit information from the extracellular environment to the cell interior

Question 19

A cell is placed in a solution and water moves out of the cell, causing it to shrink. What type of solution is the cell in?

Accepted Answer

Hypertonic

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the role of transport proteins in the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

They allow specific molecules to cross the membrane by changing shape

The Plasma Membrane and Movement Across It

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