Anatomy MCQ
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1. Which structure within the cell produces ATP (adenosine triphosphate)?
A. Mitochondria
B. Nucleus
C. Peripheral proteins
D. Endoplasmic reticulum
Answer is A: This is a basic function of mitochondria. All other answers are wrong.
2. Which of the following is NOT a component of the cell plasma membrane?
A. Cholesterol
B. Proteins
C. Microfilaments
D. Phospholipids
Answer is C: Microfilaments occur inside the cell.
3. Except for one, the following are types of cells. Which one is NOT a type of cell?
A. Platelets
B. Leucocytes
C. Macrophages
D. Osteoblasts
Answer is A: Platelets are fragments of a cell (a megakaryocyte) bound by a membrane.
4. In which part of a cell does the process of making ATP from oxygen and glucose take place?
A. Lysosomes
B. Ribosomes
C. Mitochondria
D. Golgi apparatus
Answer is C: ATP production is the function of mitochondria.
5. Which of the following is a function of membrane proteins?
A. To process lipids and proteins for secretion through the plasma membrane
B. To act as receptors for hormones
C. To synthesise proteins from amino acids
D. To act as a cytoskeleton to support and shape the cell
Answer is B: One function of membrane proteins is to receive (amino acid based) hormones that cannot pass through the plasma membrane.
6. What is the difference between simple squamous cells and simple columnar cells?
A. Squamous cells are flattened while columnar cells are taller than they are wide.
B. Simple squamous cells are one layer thick while simple columnar cells are several layers thick.
C. Simple squamous cells are epithelial tissue while simple columnar cells are connective tissue.
D. Squamous cells are flattened while columnar cells are cuboidal.
Answer is A: The name of the cells contains a description of their shape: either flat or like columns. Simply refers to a single layer of cells
7. Which of the following is NOT an example of a cell?
A. Macrophages
B. Lysosomes
C. Plasmocytes
D. Chondroblasts
Answer is B: The suffix “-some” refers to an organelle within a cell. The other suffixes all indicate a type of cell.
8. Which cell organelles contain an acidic environment capable of digesting a wide variety of molecules?
A. Lysosomes
B. Ribosomes
C. Centrosomes
D. Golgi complex
Answer is A: The prefix “lyso-” refers to the ability to dissolve or destroy molecules or cells.
9. Which statement about the plasma membrane is INCORRECT?
A. It is selectively permeable.
B. It is composed of two layers of glycoprotein molecules.
C. It contains receptors for specific signalling molecules.
D. The plasma membranes of adjacent cells are held together by desmosomes.
Answer is B: The PM is indeed made of two layers, but they are phospholipid (not glycoprotein) molecules.
10. What is the name of the mechanism that ensures that there is a higher concentration
of sodium ions in the extracellular fluid than in the intracellular fluid?
A. Facilitated diffusion
B. The sodium–potassium pump
C. Secondary active transport
D. Osmosis
Answer is B: The “pump” (or ATPase) transports Na+ out and K+ into the cell.
11. What are lysosomes, centrosomes, and ribosomes example of?
A. Stem cells
B. Organelles within a cell
C. Sensory receptors in the dermis
D. Exocrine glands
Answer is B: The suffix “-some” refers to a small body or organelle within a cell.
12. What is the function of phospholipids in the plasma membrane?
A. To maintain the intracellular fluid at a similar composition to that of the interstitial fluid.
B. To form channels to selectively allow the passage of small molecules.
C. To act as receptors for signalling chemicals.
D. To present a barrier to the passage of water-soluble molecules.
Answer is D: Molecules that are soluble in water cannot pass through lipids (fat). So the phospholipids are a barrier. The functions described by B and C are performed by other molecules in the plasma membrane.
13. Which of the following is NOT a part of the plasma membrane of a cell?
A. Integral proteins
B. Glycoproteins
C. Plasma proteins
D. Peripheral proteins
Answer is C: As the name implies, plasma proteins are found in the blood plasma. Not to be confused with the plasma membrane.
14. A major role for mitochondria is to:
A. Transcribe the information in DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid)
B. Produce ATP (adenosine triphosphate)
C. Synthesise proteins from amino acids
D. Use enzymes to lyse molecules
Answer is B: ATP is only produced within the mitochondria.
15. What is the role performed by mitochondria?
A. Contain enzymes capable of digesting molecules
B. Produce ATP
C. Synthesise proteins
D. Synthesise fatty acids, phospholipids and cholesterol
Answer is B: Mitochondria produce ATP. The other tasks are performed by lysosomes, ribosomes and endoplasmic reticulum, respectively.
16. Which of the following is NOT found in the plasma membrane?
A. Proteins
B. Cholesterol
C. Endoplasmic reticulum
D. Phospholipids
Answer is C: Endoplasmic reticulum is an organelle found within the cell.
17. Which of the following is NOT a part of the plasma membrane of a cell?
A. Phospholipid
B. Glycoprotein
C. Chromatin
D. Cholesterol
Answer is C: Chromatin makes up chromosomes.
18. A major role for mitochondria is to:
A. Synthesise fatty acids, phospholipids and steroids
B. Deliver lipids and proteins to the plasma membrane for secretion
C. Synthesise proteins from amino acids
D. Produce ATP (adenosine triphosphate)
Answer is D: Mitochondria produce ATP from glucose
19. What is the purpose of mitochondria?
A. To store the nucleolus and chromatin
B. To produce adenosine triphosphate
C. To support and shape the cell
D. They produce enzymes to break down molecules
Answer is B: Mitochondria are the site of ATP production
20. The plasma membrane of a cell contains molecules that have a hydrophobic end and a hydrophilic end. What are they called?
A. Phospholipids
B. Cholesterol
C. Integral proteins
D. Glycoproteins
Answer is A: The phosphate end is hydrophilic (water soluble) while the lipid end is hydrophobic (insoluble in water).
21. What is the role of mitochondria?
A. Function in cell division
B. Synthesise proteins
C. Form part of the plasma membrane
D. Synthesise fatty acids, phospholipids and steroids
Answer is C: Mitochondria produce ATP.
22. What do fibroblasts, chondroblasts, osteoblasts and haemocytoblasts have in common?
A. They are all types of a white blood cells.
B. They are all macrophages.
C. They are all immature cells.
D. They are all types of epithelial cells.
Answer is C: The suffix “-blast” implies that these cells have not yet finished their differentiation, that is, are immature.
23. Active transport across the plasma membrane may be described by which statement?
A. Active transport requires energy from ATP.
B. Active transport is also known as endocytosis.
C. Active transport moves molecules along their concentration gradient.
D. Active transport is the movement of lipid-soluble molecules through the plasma membrane.
Answer is A: This is the only correct answer. The others are not true.
24. Which of the following cell types denotes an immature cell?
A. Macrophages
B. Monocytes
C. Osteoblasts
D. Ribosomes
Answer is C: The suffix “-blast” indicates that the cell is immature.
25. Which organelle is the site of ATP production?
A. Nucleus
B. Endoplasmic reticulum
C. Mitochondria
D. Golgi apparatus
Answer is C: The mitochondria is where ATP is produced.
26. Which of the following is NOT one of the organelles within a cell?
A. Desmosome
B. Endoplasmic reticulum
C. Mitochondrion
D. Golgi apparatus
Answer is A: Desmosome (despite having the suffix “-some”) are not within the cell. They are structures that join adjacent plasma membranes to each other.
27. The process of “diffusion” through a membrane may be described by which of the following?
A. The movement of ions and molecules away from regions where they are in high concentration towards regions where they are in a lower concentration.
B. The use of energy from ATP to move ions and small molecules into regions where they are in a lower concentration.
C. The plasma membrane engulfs the substance and moves it through the membrane.
D. The use of energy from ATP to move water molecules against their concentration gradient.
Answer is A: The choices with ATP are nonsense. While choice C refers to endocytosis.
28. The process of “active transport” through a membrane may be described by which of the following?
A. The movement of ions and small molecules away from regions where they are in high concentration.
B. The use of energy from ATP to move ions and small molecules into regions where they are in a lower concentration.
C. The plasma membrane engulfs the substance and moves it through the membrane.
D. The use of energy from ATP to move ions and small molecules against their concentration gradient.
Answer is D: Energy (ATP) is required to force molecules against their concentration gradient.
29. Which of the following is the smallest living structural unit of the body?
A. Atom
B. Molecule
C. Organelle
D. Cell
Answer is D: The cell is the smallest structural unit that is deemed to be alive.
30. Which of the following enables ions such as sodium to cross a plasma membrane?
A. Phospholipid bilayer
B. Peripheral proteins
C. Integral proteins
D. Desmosomes
Answer is C: One function of integral protein in the PM is to form channels to allow for the passage of ions.
31. Cell membranes can maintain a difference in electrical charge between the interior of the cell and the extracellular fluid. What is this charge difference called?
A. Excitability
B. Membrane potential
C. Action potential
D. Sodium–potassium pump
Answer is B: The inside of a cell is negative while the exterior side of the membrane is positive. This difference in charge constitutes a difference in electrical potential (or voltage), known as the resting membrane potential. An action potential is generated when the membrane is stimulated and the potential reversed.
32. The resting membrane potential of a cell is the consequence of which of the following concentrations of ions?
A. High K+ and Cl− outside the cell and high Na+ and large anions inside the cell.
B. High K+ and Na+ outside the cell and high Cl− and large anions inside the cell.
C. High Cl− and Na+ outside the cell and high K+ and large cations inside the cell.
D. High Ca2+ and Na+ outside the cell and high K+ and large cations inside the cell.
Answer is C: These ionic species are largely responsible for the membrane potential
(cations are negative ions). While there is a higher concentration of Ca outside the
cell than inside, there are fewer Ca than Cl ions.
33. What is one function of mitochondria?
A. Produce enzymes to break down molecules
B. Produce molecules of ATP
C. Hold adjacent cells together
D. Allow passage of molecules through the plasma membrane
Answer is B: Mitochondria are organelles within which ATP is made.
34. Membrane proteins perform the following functions EXCEPT one. Which one?
A. Form glycocalyx
B. Act as receptor proteins
C. Form pores to allow the passage of small solutes
D. Behave as enzymes
Answer is A: Glycocalyx refers to molecules in the plasma membrane that have a carbohydrate chain attached (prefix “glyco-”).
35. Facilitated diffusion differs from active transport because facilitated diffusion:
A. Requires energy from ATP
B. Moves molecules from where they are in lower concentration to a higher concentration
C. Moves molecules from where they are in higher concentration to lower concentration
D. Involves ions and molecules that pass through membrane channels
Answer is C: Diffusion always refers to movement from high to low concentration (without energy expenditure). Facilitated refers to the assistance provided by a transport molecule that is designed for the purpose.
36. Which one of the following terms best describes the structure of the cell membrane?
A. Fluid mosaic model
B. Static mosaic model
C. Quaternary structure
D. Multilayered structure
Answer is A: “Fluid” implies the structure can move and change (not like a brick wall); mosaic refers to the presence of proteins scattered among the glycolipids.
37. Which one of the following terms best describes a phospholipid? It consists of a:
A. Polar head and polar tail
B. Non-polar head and a polar tail
C. Polar head and non-polar tail
D. Non-polar head and a non-polar tail
Answer is C: Polar = hydrophilic head of phosphate (which can dissolve in the aqueous extracellular solution because water molecules are polar); nonpolar = hydrophobic tails of lipid, which being non-polar cannot dissolve in aqueous solutions.
38. One of the functions of integral proteins in cell membranes is to:
A. Maintain the rigid structure of the cell
B. Support mechanically the phospholipids
C. Interact with the cytoplasm
D. Form channels for transport functions
Answer is D: Some proteins form channels which allow molecules and ions to enter the cell.
39. Which one of the following best describes what a cell membrane consists of?
A. Lipids, proteins, ribosomes
B. Lipids, cholesterol, proteins
C. Cholesterol, proteins, cytoplasm
D. Lipids, proteins, cytoplasm
Answer is B: These are the three major constituents. Ribosomes and cytoplasm are found inside the cell.
40. Which one of the following organelles is considered as the “energy producing” centre of the cell?
A. Rough endoplasmic reticulum
B. Golgi apparatus
C. Mitochondria
D. Ribosomes
Answer is C: Mitochondria are where ATP molecules are produced from glucose.
41. What is the major function of lysosomes?
A. Package proteins
B. Detoxify toxic substances
C. Catalyse lipid metabolism
D. Digest unwanted particles within the cell
Answer is D: The prefix “lys-” refers to the ability to alter molecules by dividing them into smaller pieces.
42. What is the purpose of the “sodium/potassium pump”?
A. To perform endocytosis
B. To move sodium and potassium by facilitated diffusion
C. To perform bulk transport through the plasma membrane
D. To produce a concentration gradient for sodium ions
Answer is D: A concentration gradient is set up by the use of energy to move Na ions to where they are in greater concentration. This requirement for energy means choice B is wrong.
43. Which of the following is NOT a type of cell?
A. Ribosome
B. Haemocytoblast
C. Neutrophil
D. Phagocyte
Answer is A: A ribosome is a cell organelle, not a cell type.
44. What is the name of the mechanism that ensures that there is a higher concentration of sodium ions in the extracellular fluid than in the intracellular fluid?
A. Facilitated diffusion
B. The sodium-potassium pump
C. Secondary active transport
D. Osmosis
Answer is B: The “pump” exchanges Na for K and uses energy from ATP to function.
45. What is the name given to the type of transport where glucose or an amino acid binds to a receptor protein on the plasma membrane, which then moves the molecule into the cell without the expenditure of energy?
A. Facilitated diffusion
B. Bulk transport
C. Secondary active transport
D. Active transport
Answer is A: The membrane protein facilitates entry into the cell. No energy is expended so it is not active transport.
46. What is the name given to the movement of glucose or amino acids from the gut into the cells lining the gut, when they bind to a transport protein that has also bound a sodium ion. The sodium ion is entering the cell along its concentration gradient.
A. Facilitated diffusion
B. Sodium–potassium pump
C. Active transport
D. Secondary active transport
Answer is B:in order to set up the sodium concentration gradient. This gradient then allows other molecules to enter the cell along with the re-entry of sodium. This is active (because energy used), but secondary as it occurs as a result of the previous active transport event.
47. Mitochondria produce which of the following?
A. ATP
B. DNA
C. RNA
D. Proteins
Answer is A: Adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
48. Why does the plasma membrane of a cell present a barrier to the movement of electrolytes through it?
A. There are no channels in the membrane for the passage of electrolytes.
B. Electrolytes are not soluble in the lipid of the membrane.
C. Electrolytes are too large to pass through membrane channels.
D. Membrane proteins electrically repel charged particles.
Answer is B: Electrolytes, being charged particles, are not able to dissolve their way through the lipid plasma membrane (which is non-polar). Hence it is a barrier to them.
49. Which of the following statements about “leak channels” in the plasma membrane is correct?
A. Proteins that form these channels bind to solutes to allow them to pass into the cell.
B. They are passageways formed by proteins to allow water and ions to move passively through the membrane.
C. They allow small ions and molecules to move between adjacent cells.
D. They are formed by glycoprotein and proteoglycans to allow hormones to enter cells.
Answer is B: This is the definition of leak channels. They may be “gated” which means shut until stimulated to open. Choice A refers to facilitated diffusion.
50. Which of the following is a component of the plasma membrane of a cell?
A. Plasma
B. Glycolipid
C. Plasma proteins
D. Cholesterol
Answer is D: Despite the term “plasma”, A and C are wrong. And it is phospholipids, not glycolipids that occur in the membrane.
51. What term is used to describe the movement of dissolved particles along (or down) their concentration gradient?
A. Endocytosis
B. Active transport
C. Osmosis
D. Diffusion
Answer is D: Following the concentration gradient is a passive process. Choice C applies only to water molecules.
52. Which of the following molecules cannot pass through the plasma membrane?
A. Water molecules
B. Non-polar molecules
C. Amino acid-based hormones
D. Fat-soluble molecules
Answer is C: These hormones are not lipid soluble and too large to pass through channels.
53. What is the major component of the plasma membrane of a cell?
A. Phospholipid
B. Glycolipid
C. Integral protein
D. Cholesterol
Answer is A: Cholesterol and proteins are also present in the plasma membrane but as more minor components.
54. Which one of the following is NOT a function of membrane proteins?
A. They form a structure called a glycocalyx.
B. They attach cells to each other.
C. They form passageways to allow solutes to pass through the membrane.
D. They from receptors which can bind messenger molecules.
Answer is A: The glycocalyx is thought of as being membrane carbohydrates.
55. Facilitated diffusion through a membrane involves which of the following scenarios?
A. The diffusion of water through a selectively permeable membrane along its concentration gradient.
B. The movement of a molecule against its concentration gradient with the expenditure of energy
C. The plasma membrane surrounding (engulfing) the molecule and the molecule moving into the cell
D. A molecule binding to a receptor which moves the molecule through the membrane without the expenditure of energy
Answer is D: Facilitation is by binding to a membrane protein.
56. The diffusion of water through a membrane is referred to as:
A. Secondary active transport
B. Bulk transport
C. Osmosis
D. Endocytosis
Answer is C: Osmosis is a word that is reserved for the movement of water through a membrane.
57. The cell membrane’s resting potential (about −70 mV inside with respect to the outside) is mainly due to which of the following mechanisms?
A. The sodium–potassium pump
B. The diffusion of cations and anions through the membrane along their concentration gradients
C. The diffusion of sodium and potassium across the cell membrane
D. The presence inside the cell of anions too large to passively cross the cell membrane
Answer is A: The ATPase pump shifts three Na+ out of the cell and two K+ into the cell. This disparity in positive charge is the major influence on the resting potential.
58. Which of the following cells are uni-nucleate (have a single nucleus)?
A. Red blood cells
B. Epithelial cells
C. Skeletal muscle cells
D. Osteoclasts
Answer is B: Red blood cells have no nucleus, while osteoclasts and skeletal muscle cells are multinucleate.
59. What is the function of the cell plasma membrane?
A. It maintains an intracellular environment that is hypotonic compared to the extracellular fluid.
B. It protects the cell from dehydration by limiting water flow from the cell.
C. It regulates the passage of molecules and ions into and out of the cell.
D. It provides the supportive medium for membrane proteins.
Answer is C: The plasma membrane is made of lipid and separates the aqueous intracellular fluid from the aqueous extracellular fluid. Substances cannot enter or leave the cell unless they are lipid soluble or by endo/exo-cytosis or have a membrane protein pore or transport mechanism that can move them through the membrane.
60. Which of the following cells are found in the lungs?
A. Pneumocytes
B. Leucocytes
C. Keratinocytes
D. Sertoli cells
Answer is A: “Pneumo” comes from the Greek language and refers to lung or air. The other cells are found in the blood, epidermis and testicles, respectively.
61. Which of the following cells are found in the liver?
A. Myocytes
B. Pericytes
C. Podocytes
D. Hepatocytes
Answer is D: “Hepato” comes from the Greek language and refers to liver.
62. What are generally referred to as organelles?
A. Small exocrine organs such as salivary glands and sudoriferous glands
B. Small endocrine glands such as the pituitary and adrenal glands
C. Structures of the general senses such as lamellated corpuscles and muscle spindles
D. Structures within a cell such as ribosomes and endoplasmic reticulum
Answer is D: Organelles are not glands. They are structures within a cell.
63. What does the term “integral protein” refer to?
A. Proteins that lie within the plasma membrane of a cell
B. Proteins that must be included in the diet as they cannot be manufactured by the body
C. Proteins found within the central nervous system
D. Plasma proteins that exist in the blood but not in the interstitial fluid
Answer is A: “Integral” refers to being within the cell membrane. The other choices are not even close to being correct.
64. What is the term used to describe the bulk movement of a large number of molecules
out of a cell?
A. Lymphocytosis
B. Exocytosis
C. Thrombocytosis
D. Endocytosis
Answer is B: “Exo-” refers to movement from inside to the outside (-cytosis is a suffix that means in reference to cells).
65. In which organelle of the cell do most aerobic respiration reactions happen?
A. In the nucleus
B. In the mitochondria
C. In the ribosomes
D. In the lysosomes
Answer is B: Mitochondria are the sites of aerobic respiration. That is, the production of ATP from pyruvic acid (via glucose) and oxygen.
66. Which of the following is a list of four of the organelles found within a cell?
A. Lysosomes, ribosomes, centrosomes, Golgi complex
B. Ribosomes, centrosomes, Golgi complex, desmosomes
C. Endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, nucleus
D. Centrosomes, Golgi complex, peroxisomes, chromosomes
Answer is A: Desmosomes are not within a cell, they are structures that hold adjacent cells together. The nucleus is not regarded as an organelle. Chromosomes while within a cell are DNA and are not regarded as an organelle.
67. Which of the following describes the structure of the plasma membrane (cell membrane)?
A. A bilayer of lipoproteins with cholesterol molecules and plasma proteins forming pores
B. A double layer of glycolipid molecules, with cholesterol molecules and plasma proteins
C. A double layer of phospholipid molecules, with cholesterol molecules and membrane proteins
D. A bilayer of cholesterol molecules and plasma proteins, with pores of phospholipid
Answer is C: Phospholipid molecules each with a hydrophilic end and a hydrophobic end arrange themselves as a double wall (a bilayer). Cholesterol molecules are interspersed among the phospholipids and give the membrane additional strength. Protein molecules form the pores or channels through which water-soluble materials may enter and leave the cell. “Plasma proteins” exist in the blood, not in the cell membrane.
68. What roles do proteins play in a cell’s plasma membrane?
A. They catalyse reactions and perform endocytosis.
B. Receptors for hormones selectively allow entry to some solutes via the channels they form.
C. They allow cells to adhere to each other and allow lipid-soluble molecules to pass through the lipid bilayer.
D. Glycoproteins act as recognisers or identification tags and are responsible for the movement of the cell.
Answer is B: Some proteins are receptor sites for hormones, while others form pores and selectively allow some solutes to pass through the channels they form. They do not perform endocytosis or move the cell around. Lipid-soluble molecules can pass through the lipid bilayer on their own.
69. What is active transport when applied to a cell?
A. It is the movement of ions or molecules through a membrane against their concentration gradient using energy from ATP.
B. It is the rapid movement of water molecules through channels called aquaporins.
C. It is the process of bringing large substances (e.g. bacteria, proteins, polysaccharides) into cells by engulfing them in a vesicle enclosed by a membrane.
D. It is the passage of blood cells through the intact walls of the capillaries.
Answer is A: “Active” means that energy is expended to accomplish the movement. This energy is required to shift particles from a solution where they are in a lower concentration to a solution where they are at a greater concentration. Choice B is osmosis; Choice C is endocytosis; Choice D is diapedesis.
70. Which of the following is correct?
A. Lipids form channels in the cell membrane.
B. Sodium and potassium are found at equal concentrations in the cytoplasm.
C. Hydrophobic tails of phospholipids in the cell membrane contact the cytoplasm.
D. Hydrophilic heads of phospholipids in the cell membrane contact the cytoplasm.
Answer is D: Hydrophilic means water-loving, so the phospholipid head dissolves in the aqueous solution of the cytoplasm. It is proteins that form the channels. And K is in much greater concentration in the cytoplasm than Na.
71. Which is NOT a feature of a mitochondrion?
A. It contains DNA and RNA.
B. Its outer membrane contains pores.
C. It produces ATP.
D. It packages and stores protein.
Answer is D: Protein is produced and stored by the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus. Mitochondria do have DNA (derived from the mother) and RNA.
72. Which statement about endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and Golgi apparatus (GA) is incorrect?
A. Rough ER contains structures called ribosomes.
B. ER packages newly synthesised proteins.
C. GA packages enzymes for use in the cytoplasm.
D. GA is a site for ATP synthesis.
Answer is D: ATP is produced in the mitochondria, not the Golgi apparatus.