GED Science : Cells and Life

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GED Science

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Example Questions

Example Question #21 : Cells And Life

If a blood cell is in a hypotonic solution it will __________.

Possible Answers:

remain the same size

contract from losing water

contract from losing oxygen

expand from taking in oxygen

expand from taking in water

Correct answer:

expand from taking in water

Explanation:

A hypotonic solution is a solution that has a lower solute concentration than the fluid in the interior of the cell (the cytoplasm). When the cell is placed in this solution water will flow into the cell via osmosis, causing it to expand and potentially burst.

Example Question #8 : Homeostasis

If a blood cell is in a hypertonic solution it will __________.

Possible Answers:

contract from losing water

contract from losing oxygen

expand from taking in water

expand from losing oxygen

stay the same size

Correct answer:

contract from losing water

Explanation:

A hypertonic solution is a solution that has a higher solute concentration than the fluid in the interior of the cell (the cytoplasm). When the cell is placed in this solution water will flow out of the cell via osmosis, causing it to contract.  

Example Question #9 : Homeostasis

What is the transport process in which cells dispose of undigested waste or other substances via membrane enclosed vesicles? 

Possible Answers:

Exocytosis

Facilitated diffusion

Osmosis

Passive transport

Endocytosis

Correct answer:

Exocytosis

Explanation:

Exocytosis is the transport of waste materials or secretions from the cells. These molecules are packaged in membrane bound vesicles and are released across the membrane to the outside of the cell. 

Example Question #11 : Homeostasis

The cell membrane is composed of a phospholipid bilayer.  The structure and chemistry of phospholipids helps to maintain the integrity of the membrane.

The "water-loving" heads of phospholipids are said to be __________, while their "water-fearing" tails are __________.

Possible Answers:

acidic . . . basic

basic . . . acidic

saturated . . . unsaturated

hydrophobic . . . hydrophilic

hydrophilic . . . hydrophobic

Correct answer:

hydrophilic . . . hydrophobic

Explanation:

The "water-loving" hydrophilic heads of phospholipids orient themselves outwards towards the watery cytoplasm inside the cell and interstitial fluid outside the cell. Meanwhile, the "water-fearing" hydrophobic tails of phospholipids orient themselves inwards toward one another.

Example Question #12 : Homeostasis

What is the substance surrounding living tissue cells referred to?

Possible Answers:

Cerebrospinal fluid

Blood

Plasma

Water

Interstitial fluid

Correct answer:

Interstitial fluid

Explanation:

Interstitial fluid is the substance surrounding living tissue cells, its solute concentration is critical to the maintenance of homeostasis for the cells. Cells may have to spend valuable energy to keep unwanted materials from passing through their semi-permeable membranes in some conditions.

Example Question #13 : Homeostasis

Materials can be transported across the cell membrane in a variety of ways. 

Which of the following is/are examples of passive transport?

Possible Answers:

Osmosis only

Active transport only

Facilitated diffusion and osmosis

Diffusion, facilitated diffusion, and osmosis

Diffusion only

Correct answer:

Diffusion, facilitated diffusion, and osmosis

Explanation:

Diffusion, facilitated diffusion, and osmosis are all examples of passive transport because no energy is required to move molecules across the cell membrane. The driving force is the concentration gradient of the substance.

Example Question #14 : Homeostasis

Cell membranes are selectively permeable—they regulate the flow of materials into and out of the cell via transport.

What is true about active transport?

Possible Answers:

Molecules always move from high to low concentrations.

Energy is required.

Only fat-soluble molecules can undergo active transport.

No energy is required.

It includes diffusion and osmosis.

Correct answer:

Energy is required.

Explanation:

Active transport always requires energy since molecules are being pumped against their concentration gradients by being transported from areas of low concentration to areas of high concentration. Osmosis and diffusion are examples of passive transport and do not require energy.

Example Question #15 : Homeostasis

If a cell is placed in a hypertonic solution, water will move __________.

Possible Answers:

into the cell

out of the cell

in and out of the cell at the same rate

nowhere, the water will not move at all

into the cell membrane

Correct answer:

out of the cell

Explanation:

In a hypertonic solution, the cell has a greater concentration of water molecules inside it than the solution does. Because of this, the water will move out of the cell in an effort to balance the concentration of water molecules both inside and outside of the cell.

Example Question #1 : Organelles

Which of the following organelles is found in plant cells, but not in animal cells?

Possible Answers:

Golgi body

Mitochondria

Chloroplast

Smooth endoplasmic reticulum

Correct answer:

Chloroplast

Explanation:

One of the primary differences between plant cells and animal cells is that plant cells must be able to undergo photosynthesis. Photosynthesis takes place in the chloroplasts, which contain the pigment chlorophyll. Chloroplasts are not found in animal cells, but are found in plant cells.

Both animal and plant cells contain Golgi bodies, smooth endoplasmic reticulum, and mitochondria.

Example Question #2 : Organelles

Which of the following correctly gives the function of an organelle found within an eukaryotic cell

Possible Answers:

Ribosomes are responsible for disposal and break down of used and unwanted proteins

The smooth endoplasmic reticulum is responsible for breaking down of unwanted proteins

The Golgi body provides structural support to the cell

Lysosomes are responsible for protein synthesis

Mitochondria produce vast stores of ATP (energy) for the cell to use

Correct answer:

Mitochondria produce vast stores of ATP (energy) for the cell to use

Explanation:

Mitochondria are the only organelle defined correctly. The main processes of cell respiration, namely the electron transport chain, occur in the mitochondria to produce energy in the form of ATP. Because of this, mitochondria are known as the "powerhouses" of the cell.

Ribosomes are responsible for transcribing RNA and creating new proteins. The Golgi body packages proteins into vesicles that can be transported out of the cell. Lysosomes contain enzymes that can digest old or damaged proteins. The smooth endoplasmic reticulum is responsible for synthesizing lipids and for degrading toxins, such as alcohol.

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