Question 1

Which of the following best describes the function of the plasma membrane in a typical human cell?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Red blood cells will swell and may burst due to water influx.

Question 3

Which of the following membrane proteins is primarily responsible for facilitating the movement of ions across the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

Channel proteins

Question 4

The phospholipid bilayer of the plasma membrane is described as 'amphipathic.' What does this mean?

Accepted Answer

It has both hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions.

Question 5

Which equation best represents the relationship between solute concentration and osmotic pressure?

Accepted Answer

$$\Pi = iMRT$$

Question 6

A cell is placed in a solution with a higher concentration of solutes than the cytoplasm. What type of solution is this, and what will happen to the cell?

Accepted Answer

Hypertonic; the cell will shrink.

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

Storing genetic information

Question 8

During passive transport, molecules move across the plasma membrane by which process?

Accepted Answer

Down their concentration gradient without energy input

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

It consists of a dynamic arrangement of lipids and proteins that can move laterally within the layer.

Question 10

A scientist observes that a certain molecule can cross the plasma membrane only with the help of a specific protein, and no energy is required. What type of transport is this?

Accepted Answer

Facilitated diffusion

Question 11

Which of the following statements about osmosis is correct?

Accepted Answer

Osmosis is the movement of water molecules across a selectively permeable membrane from low solute concentration to high solute concentration.

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the role of cholesterol in the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

It increases membrane fluidity and stability.

Question 13

A cell with a high density of mitochondria is most likely specialized for which function?

Accepted Answer

Energy production through cellular respiration

Question 14

Which of the following is a correct statement about carrier-mediated transport?

Accepted Answer

It can be either passive (facilitated diffusion) or active (requiring energy).

Question 15

If a cell is placed in an isotonic solution, what will happen to the cell's volume?

Accepted Answer

It will remain unchanged.

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the function of receptor proteins in the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

They bind specific molecules and trigger cellular responses.

Question 17

A mutation causes a cell to lack aquaporins in its plasma membrane. What process will be most directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Facilitated diffusion of water (osmosis)

Question 18

Which of the following is a major function of the cytoskeleton in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Providing structural support and facilitating cell movement

Question 19

Which formula would you use to calculate the rate of diffusion ($$J) $$across a membrane, given the diffusion coefficient ($$D$$), membrane area ($$A$$), and concentration gradient ($$\Delta C) $$over distance ($$\Delta x$$)?

Accepted Answer

$$J = D 	imes A 	imes \Delta C / \Delta x$$

Question 20

Which of the following statements about the nucleus is correct?

Accepted Answer

It contains the cell's genetic material and controls cellular functions by coding for and creating proteins.

The Cell: Structure and Function – Study Notes for Anatomy & Physiology

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