Robbins Basic Pathology
10th Edition
Author(s)Vinay Kumar; MBBS; MD;
FRCPath; Abul K. Abbas; MBBS and
Jon C. Aster; MD; PhD
Print ISBN: 9780323353175
,Question 1
A 42-year-old woman has a germline mutation that prevents normal
DNA proofreading during cell division. Over time, her cells accumulate
multiple point mutations and chromosomal abnormalities. Which
cellular component is primarily responsible for storing the information
that must be accurately maintained during replication?
A. Plasma membrane
B. Genome
,C. Extracellular matrix
D. Cytoskeleton
Correct Answer: B. Genome
Rationale: The genome contains the cell's genetic information and must
be accurately replicated and maintained for cellular survival and normal
function. The plasma membrane regulates transport, the extracellular
matrix provides structural and signaling support, and the cytoskeleton
maintains cellular architecture and participates in movement.
Question 2
A researcher studies a cell containing a membrane-bound nucleus and
membrane-bound organelles. Which feature most directly distinguishes
this cell from a prokaryotic cell?
A. Presence of ribosomes
B. Ability to synthesize ATP
C. Segregation of genomic DNA within a nucleus
D. Presence of a plasma membrane
Correct Answer: C. Segregation of genomic DNA within a nucleus
Rationale: Eukaryotic cells compartmentalize their genomic DNA within
a membrane-bound nucleus, whereas prokaryotes lack a membrane-
bound nucleus. Both cell types contain ribosomes, generate ATP, and
possess plasma membranes.
Question 3
A child is found to have a mutation in a gene encoding a protein
required for removal of damaged intracellular proteins. Examination of
cells shows accumulation of abnormal proteins within the cytoplasm.
Which cellular process is most directly impaired?
, A. Protein degradation
B. DNA replication
C. Extracellular matrix synthesis
D. Membrane phospholipid production
Correct Answer: A. Protein degradation
Rationale: Cellular housekeeping includes the detection, processing,
and degradation of damaged or unnecessary proteins. DNA replication
preserves genetic information, extracellular matrix synthesis occurs
outside the cell, and phospholipid production contributes to membrane
maintenance rather than primarily removing damaged proteins.
Question 4
A hepatocyte increases synthesis of proteins involved in lipid
metabolism in response to a prolonged high-fat diet. Which cellular
organelle is most directly associated with many of the metabolic
reactions involved in lipid synthesis and detoxification?
A. Rough endoplasmic reticulum
B. Smooth endoplasmic reticulum
C. Nucleolus
D. Lysosome
Correct Answer: B. Smooth endoplasmic reticulum
Rationale: The smooth endoplasmic reticulum is important in lipid
metabolism, steroid synthesis, and detoxification reactions. Rough
endoplasmic reticulum is specialized for synthesis of secreted and
membrane proteins, the nucleolus produces ribosomal components,
and lysosomes digest intracellular material.
Question 5
A patient with a mitochondrial disorder develops muscle weakness and
10th Edition
Author(s)Vinay Kumar; MBBS; MD;
FRCPath; Abul K. Abbas; MBBS and
Jon C. Aster; MD; PhD
Print ISBN: 9780323353175
,Question 1
A 42-year-old woman has a germline mutation that prevents normal
DNA proofreading during cell division. Over time, her cells accumulate
multiple point mutations and chromosomal abnormalities. Which
cellular component is primarily responsible for storing the information
that must be accurately maintained during replication?
A. Plasma membrane
B. Genome
,C. Extracellular matrix
D. Cytoskeleton
Correct Answer: B. Genome
Rationale: The genome contains the cell's genetic information and must
be accurately replicated and maintained for cellular survival and normal
function. The plasma membrane regulates transport, the extracellular
matrix provides structural and signaling support, and the cytoskeleton
maintains cellular architecture and participates in movement.
Question 2
A researcher studies a cell containing a membrane-bound nucleus and
membrane-bound organelles. Which feature most directly distinguishes
this cell from a prokaryotic cell?
A. Presence of ribosomes
B. Ability to synthesize ATP
C. Segregation of genomic DNA within a nucleus
D. Presence of a plasma membrane
Correct Answer: C. Segregation of genomic DNA within a nucleus
Rationale: Eukaryotic cells compartmentalize their genomic DNA within
a membrane-bound nucleus, whereas prokaryotes lack a membrane-
bound nucleus. Both cell types contain ribosomes, generate ATP, and
possess plasma membranes.
Question 3
A child is found to have a mutation in a gene encoding a protein
required for removal of damaged intracellular proteins. Examination of
cells shows accumulation of abnormal proteins within the cytoplasm.
Which cellular process is most directly impaired?
, A. Protein degradation
B. DNA replication
C. Extracellular matrix synthesis
D. Membrane phospholipid production
Correct Answer: A. Protein degradation
Rationale: Cellular housekeeping includes the detection, processing,
and degradation of damaged or unnecessary proteins. DNA replication
preserves genetic information, extracellular matrix synthesis occurs
outside the cell, and phospholipid production contributes to membrane
maintenance rather than primarily removing damaged proteins.
Question 4
A hepatocyte increases synthesis of proteins involved in lipid
metabolism in response to a prolonged high-fat diet. Which cellular
organelle is most directly associated with many of the metabolic
reactions involved in lipid synthesis and detoxification?
A. Rough endoplasmic reticulum
B. Smooth endoplasmic reticulum
C. Nucleolus
D. Lysosome
Correct Answer: B. Smooth endoplasmic reticulum
Rationale: The smooth endoplasmic reticulum is important in lipid
metabolism, steroid synthesis, and detoxification reactions. Rough
endoplasmic reticulum is specialized for synthesis of secreted and
membrane proteins, the nucleolus produces ribosomal components,
and lysosomes digest intracellular material.
Question 5
A patient with a mitochondrial disorder develops muscle weakness and
