GED Science : Biology and Life Sciences

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GED Science

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store

Example Questions

Example Question #4 : Homeostasis

Water will diffuse across a cell membrane in an attempt to equalize concentrations of certain molecules inside and outside of the cell.

Which type of cell membrane transport is it when water moves across the cell membrane?

Possible Answers:

Diffusion

All of these are correct

Osmosis

Passive transport

Correct answer:

All of these are correct

Explanation:

Water can pass through the cell membrane without using energy. We call this passive transport. Diffusion is a type of passive transport and osmosis is specifically the diffusion of water molecules. So all of the answers are correct.

Example Question #5 : Homeostasis

How many layers comprise the plasma membrane of a living cell?

Possible Answers:

Two

Four

One

Five

Three

Correct answer:

Two

Explanation:

The plasma membrane of the living cell is made up of a phospholipid bilayer, meaning two opposed sheets of phospholipids with their hydrophilic heads facing outwards, and their hydrophobic tails facing one another. This structure allows the cell to remain fluid in shape while also staying "water tight".  

Example Question #6 : Homeostasis

Which of the following types of transport across a cell plasma membrane requires energy?

Possible Answers:

Active transport

Osmosis

Facilitated diffusion

Simple diffusion

Passive transport

Correct answer:

Active transport

Explanation:

Active transport is the movement of individual small molecules across the plasma membrane against their concentration gradient (from lower concentration to higher concentration). This is usually accomplished by proteins embedded in the membrane which use ATP energy to act as "pumps".

In contrast, osmosis, simple diffusion and facilitated diffusion are all forms of passive transport and do not require additional energy from the cell. These transport methods move with the concentration gradient, rather than against.  

Example Question #7 : Homeostasis

What is osmosis?

Possible Answers:

The diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane

The transport of large molecules in vesicles

The movement of water against its concentration gradient (from low concentration of water to high concentration of water)

The diffusion of small molecules and ions across a plasma membrane

The pumping of water through carrier proteins

Correct answer:

The diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane

Explanation:

Osmosis is the movement of water across a selectively permeable membrane, like the plasma membrane. It flows with its concentration gradient (from high concentration of water to low concentration of water).

Example Question #8 : Homeostasis

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

Possible Answers:

expand from taking in oxygen

contract from losing oxygen

remain the same size

expand from taking in water

contract from losing 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 #9 : Homeostasis

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

Possible Answers:

stay the same size

expand from taking in water

contract from losing water

contract from losing oxygen

expand from losing oxygen

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 #10 : Homeostasis

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

Possible Answers:

Endocytosis

Exocytosis

Passive transport

Osmosis

Facilitated diffusion

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 #21 : Biology And Life Sciences

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:

saturated . . . unsaturated

acidic . . . basic

hydrophilic . . . hydrophobic

hydrophobic . . . hydrophilic

basic . . . acidic

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 #22 : Biology And Life Sciences

What is the substance surrounding living tissue cells referred to?

Possible Answers:

Interstitial fluid

Cerebrospinal fluid

Water

Plasma

Blood

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 #23 : Biology And Life Sciences

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

Diffusion only

Diffusion, facilitated diffusion, and osmosis

Facilitated diffusion and osmosis

Active transport 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.

Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors