Question 1

Which of the following best describes the 'central dogma of biology' as it relates to protein synthesis in human cells?

Accepted Answer

DNA is transcribed into mRNA in the nucleus, which is then translated into protein by ribosomes in the cytoplasm.

Question 2

A red blood cell is placed in a solution and begins to swell and eventually bursts. Which type of solution was the cell placed in, and why did this occur?

Accepted Answer

Hypotonic solution; water moved into the cell due to lower solute concentration outside.

Question 3

Which organelle is primarily responsible for the production of ATP via aerobic respiration, and what unique feature does it possess?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondrion; it has a double membrane and its own DNA.

Question 4

Which of the following best explains why the plasma membrane is described as a 'fluid mosaic'?

Accepted Answer

It is composed of a flexible phospholipid bilayer with proteins and carbohydrates that move laterally.

Question 5

A patient is given an intravenous solution that is hypertonic relative to their red blood cells. What is the most likely outcome for the cells?

Accepted Answer

The cells will shrink as water leaves the cell.

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT a function of membrane proteins?

Accepted Answer

Forming the main structure of the phospholipid bilayer.

Question 7

Which process requires energy in the form of ATP to move substances across the plasma membrane against their concentration gradient?

Accepted Answer

Active transport

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the role of the Golgi apparatus in the endomembrane system?

Accepted Answer

It modifies, sorts, and packages proteins for secretion or delivery to other organelles.

Question 9

Which cytoskeletal element is primarily responsible for resisting pulling forces and maintaining cell integrity?

Accepted Answer

Intermediate filaments

Question 10

A white blood cell engulfs a bacterium by extending pseudopods around it and forming a vesicle. This process is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Phagocytosis

Question 11

Which of the following statements about the Na+-K+ pump is correct?

Accepted Answer

It is an antiporter that moves sodium out of the cell and potassium into the cell using ATP.

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the function of the glycocalyx on the outer surface of the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

It serves as a biological marker for cell recognition and immune response.

Question 13

Which organelle contains digestive enzymes and is responsible for breaking down bacteria, viruses, and worn-out cell parts?

Accepted Answer

Lysosome

Question 14

Which of the following is a correct pairing of a cellular extension and its function?

Accepted Answer

Flagella – movement of the cell, such as sperm

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why K+ (potassium) is the key player in establishing the resting membrane potential?

Accepted Answer

K+ can move freely across the membrane through leakage channels, balancing concentration and electrical gradients.

Question 16

Which of the following is a function of smooth endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in liver cells?

Accepted Answer

Lipid and cholesterol metabolism, and drug detoxification

Question 17

Which of the following best describes facilitated diffusion?

Accepted Answer

Movement of substances across the membrane via protein channels or carriers, without energy input

Question 18

Which of the following is true about the structure of the nucleus?

Accepted Answer

It is surrounded by a double membrane with nuclear pores that regulate entry and exit.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the function of peroxisomes?

Accepted Answer

They neutralize toxins and free radicals using oxidase and catalase enzymes.

Question 20

A cell needs to import cholesterol from the extracellular fluid. Which transport mechanism is most likely used?

Accepted Answer

Receptor-mediated endocytosis

Cells: The Living Units – Structure, Function, and Membrane Transport

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