.
,UT Tyler NURS 5350 Exam 1 | Advanced
Pathophysiology (2026) Q&A
1. Which of the following best describes the primary function of the mitochondria in
eukaryotic cells?
A) Synthesis of proteins and signaling molecules
B) Production of ATP through metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, and amino acids
C) Packaging and distribution of proteins into vesicles
D) Digestion of waste materials and cellular debris
Correct Answer: Production of ATP through metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids,
and amino acids
Rationale: Mitochondria are known as the powerhouse of the cell because they
generate most of the cell's supply of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). They metabolize
carbohydrates, lipids, and amino acids to produce ATP through oxidative
phosphorylation. Protein synthesis occurs in ribosomes, packaging in the Golgi
complex, and waste digestion in lysosomes.
2. What is the primary function of the sodium-potassium pump in maintaining
cellular homeostasis?
A) Moving sodium out of the cell and potassium into the cell against their
concentration gradients
B) Moving sodium into the cell and potassium out of the cell down their
concentration gradients
C) Transporting glucose into the cell along with sodium
D) Regulating intracellular calcium concentration
,Correct Answer: Moving sodium out of the cell and potassium into the cell
against their concentration gradients
Rationale: The sodium-potassium pump (Na+/K+-ATPase) actively transports three
sodium ions out of the cell and two potassium ions into the cell for each ATP
hydrolyzed. This maintains the resting membrane potential and cell volume. It works
against concentration gradients, requiring energy expenditure. Glucose transport is
mediated by different transporters.
3. Which term refers to the programmed cell death that occurs as a normal
physiological process?
A) Necrosis
B) Apoptosis
C) Autolysis
D) Heterolysis
Correct Answer: Apoptosis
Rationale: Apoptosis is programmed cell death that occurs as a normal part of
development and tissue homeostasis. It is energy-dependent and does not cause
inflammation. Necrosis is uncontrolled cell death due to injury, leading to
inflammation. Autolysis is self-digestion by cellular enzymes after death.
4. According to the fluid mosaic model, what is the primary structural component of
the plasma membrane?
A) A bilayer of phospholipids with embedded proteins
B) A monolayer of proteins with embedded lipids
C) A rigid layer of cholesterol and carbohydrates
D) A double layer of nucleic acids with associated enzymes
, Correct Answer: A bilayer of phospholipids with embedded proteins
Rationale: The fluid mosaic model describes the plasma membrane as a
phospholipid bilayer with proteins embedded within or attached to it. The
phospholipids have hydrophilic heads facing outward and hydrophobic tails facing
inward. Proteins function in transport, signaling, and cell recognition. Cholesterol
modulates membrane fluidity.
5. Which of the following best describes the process of facilitated diffusion?
A) Movement of molecules against a concentration gradient using ATP
B) Passive movement of molecules down a concentration gradient through a carrier
protein
C) Engulfing of large particles by the cell membrane
D) Movement of water across a semipermeable membrane
Correct Answer: Passive movement of molecules down a concentration gradient
through a carrier protein
Rationale: Facilitated diffusion is a passive transport process in which molecules
move down their concentration gradient through specific carrier proteins. It does not
require energy. Active transport requires ATP, endocytosis involves engulfing
particles, and osmosis is the movement of water.
6. What is the primary role of the Golgi complex in cellular function?
A) Synthesizing proteins from amino acids
B) Modifying, packaging, and distributing proteins and lipids
C) Generating energy through oxidative phosphorylation
,UT Tyler NURS 5350 Exam 1 | Advanced
Pathophysiology (2026) Q&A
1. Which of the following best describes the primary function of the mitochondria in
eukaryotic cells?
A) Synthesis of proteins and signaling molecules
B) Production of ATP through metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, and amino acids
C) Packaging and distribution of proteins into vesicles
D) Digestion of waste materials and cellular debris
Correct Answer: Production of ATP through metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids,
and amino acids
Rationale: Mitochondria are known as the powerhouse of the cell because they
generate most of the cell's supply of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). They metabolize
carbohydrates, lipids, and amino acids to produce ATP through oxidative
phosphorylation. Protein synthesis occurs in ribosomes, packaging in the Golgi
complex, and waste digestion in lysosomes.
2. What is the primary function of the sodium-potassium pump in maintaining
cellular homeostasis?
A) Moving sodium out of the cell and potassium into the cell against their
concentration gradients
B) Moving sodium into the cell and potassium out of the cell down their
concentration gradients
C) Transporting glucose into the cell along with sodium
D) Regulating intracellular calcium concentration
,Correct Answer: Moving sodium out of the cell and potassium into the cell
against their concentration gradients
Rationale: The sodium-potassium pump (Na+/K+-ATPase) actively transports three
sodium ions out of the cell and two potassium ions into the cell for each ATP
hydrolyzed. This maintains the resting membrane potential and cell volume. It works
against concentration gradients, requiring energy expenditure. Glucose transport is
mediated by different transporters.
3. Which term refers to the programmed cell death that occurs as a normal
physiological process?
A) Necrosis
B) Apoptosis
C) Autolysis
D) Heterolysis
Correct Answer: Apoptosis
Rationale: Apoptosis is programmed cell death that occurs as a normal part of
development and tissue homeostasis. It is energy-dependent and does not cause
inflammation. Necrosis is uncontrolled cell death due to injury, leading to
inflammation. Autolysis is self-digestion by cellular enzymes after death.
4. According to the fluid mosaic model, what is the primary structural component of
the plasma membrane?
A) A bilayer of phospholipids with embedded proteins
B) A monolayer of proteins with embedded lipids
C) A rigid layer of cholesterol and carbohydrates
D) A double layer of nucleic acids with associated enzymes
, Correct Answer: A bilayer of phospholipids with embedded proteins
Rationale: The fluid mosaic model describes the plasma membrane as a
phospholipid bilayer with proteins embedded within or attached to it. The
phospholipids have hydrophilic heads facing outward and hydrophobic tails facing
inward. Proteins function in transport, signaling, and cell recognition. Cholesterol
modulates membrane fluidity.
5. Which of the following best describes the process of facilitated diffusion?
A) Movement of molecules against a concentration gradient using ATP
B) Passive movement of molecules down a concentration gradient through a carrier
protein
C) Engulfing of large particles by the cell membrane
D) Movement of water across a semipermeable membrane
Correct Answer: Passive movement of molecules down a concentration gradient
through a carrier protein
Rationale: Facilitated diffusion is a passive transport process in which molecules
move down their concentration gradient through specific carrier proteins. It does not
require energy. Active transport requires ATP, endocytosis involves engulfing
particles, and osmosis is the movement of water.
6. What is the primary role of the Golgi complex in cellular function?
A) Synthesizing proteins from amino acids
B) Modifying, packaging, and distributing proteins and lipids
C) Generating energy through oxidative phosphorylation
