,NU 545 Unit 1 Exam | Physio-Pathological Basis of Advanced
Nursing (2026) Q&A | University of South Alabama
1. Which cellular function is defined as the uptake and use of nutrients from the
surrounding environment?
A) Metabolic absorption
B) Excretion
C) Conductivity
D) Reproduction
Correct Answer: Metabolic absorption
Rationale: Metabolic absorption is the process by which cells take in and use
nutrients and other substances from their surroundings. Intestinal and kidney
cells are specialized for this function. Excretion is the removal of waste,
conductivity is the transmission of electrical impulses, and reproduction is cell
division.
2. Which organelle contains oxidative enzymes that use oxygen to remove
hydrogen atoms, producing hydrogen peroxide?
A) Lysosome
B) Peroxisome
C) Mitochondrion
D) Ribosome
Correct Answer: Peroxisome
,Rationale: Peroxisomes contain enzymes that use oxygen to remove hydrogen
atoms in oxidative reactions, generating hydrogen peroxide as a byproduct.
Lysosomes contain hydrolytic enzymes for intracellular digestion, mitochondria
produce ATP through oxidative phosphorylation, and ribosomes synthesize
proteins.
3. During cell injury, which organelle releases enzymes capable of causing cellular
autodigestion?
A) Mitochondria
B) Golgi apparatus
C) Lysosome
D) Endoplasmic reticulum
Correct Answer: Lysosome
Rationale: Lysosomes contain hydrolytic enzymes that can digest cellular
components. When lysosomal membranes rupture during cell injury, these
enzymes are released and cause autodigestion of the cell. Mitochondria, the Golgi
apparatus, and the endoplasmic reticulum do not contain digestive enzymes
capable of autodigestion.
4. Where is the primary genetic information of the cell contained?
A) Mitochondria
B) Nucleus
C) Ribosomes
D) Golgi apparatus
Correct Answer: Nucleus
, Rationale: The nucleus contains the nucleolus, most of the cellular DNA, and
DNA-binding proteins. It houses the genetic information that directs cellular
activities. Mitochondria contain their own DNA but not the primary genetic
information. Ribosomes synthesize proteins, and the Golgi apparatus modifies and
packages proteins.
5. What are the major chemical components of the cell membrane?
A) Nucleic acids and proteins
B) Lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates
C) Carbohydrates and nucleic acids
D) Lipids and carbohydrates only
Correct Answer: Lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates
Rationale: Cell membranes are composed of lipids (phospholipids and
cholesterol), proteins, and carbohydrate groups attached to lipids and proteins
(glycoproteins and glycolipids). Nucleic acids are not major structural components
of the membrane. Carbohydrates alone do not form the membrane.
6. What is the primary role of cholesterol in the cell membrane?
A) To provide energy for cellular processes
B) To maintain membrane fluidity and stability
C) To transport ions across the membrane
D) To synthesize proteins
Correct Answer: To maintain membrane fluidity and stability
Nursing (2026) Q&A | University of South Alabama
1. Which cellular function is defined as the uptake and use of nutrients from the
surrounding environment?
A) Metabolic absorption
B) Excretion
C) Conductivity
D) Reproduction
Correct Answer: Metabolic absorption
Rationale: Metabolic absorption is the process by which cells take in and use
nutrients and other substances from their surroundings. Intestinal and kidney
cells are specialized for this function. Excretion is the removal of waste,
conductivity is the transmission of electrical impulses, and reproduction is cell
division.
2. Which organelle contains oxidative enzymes that use oxygen to remove
hydrogen atoms, producing hydrogen peroxide?
A) Lysosome
B) Peroxisome
C) Mitochondrion
D) Ribosome
Correct Answer: Peroxisome
,Rationale: Peroxisomes contain enzymes that use oxygen to remove hydrogen
atoms in oxidative reactions, generating hydrogen peroxide as a byproduct.
Lysosomes contain hydrolytic enzymes for intracellular digestion, mitochondria
produce ATP through oxidative phosphorylation, and ribosomes synthesize
proteins.
3. During cell injury, which organelle releases enzymes capable of causing cellular
autodigestion?
A) Mitochondria
B) Golgi apparatus
C) Lysosome
D) Endoplasmic reticulum
Correct Answer: Lysosome
Rationale: Lysosomes contain hydrolytic enzymes that can digest cellular
components. When lysosomal membranes rupture during cell injury, these
enzymes are released and cause autodigestion of the cell. Mitochondria, the Golgi
apparatus, and the endoplasmic reticulum do not contain digestive enzymes
capable of autodigestion.
4. Where is the primary genetic information of the cell contained?
A) Mitochondria
B) Nucleus
C) Ribosomes
D) Golgi apparatus
Correct Answer: Nucleus
, Rationale: The nucleus contains the nucleolus, most of the cellular DNA, and
DNA-binding proteins. It houses the genetic information that directs cellular
activities. Mitochondria contain their own DNA but not the primary genetic
information. Ribosomes synthesize proteins, and the Golgi apparatus modifies and
packages proteins.
5. What are the major chemical components of the cell membrane?
A) Nucleic acids and proteins
B) Lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates
C) Carbohydrates and nucleic acids
D) Lipids and carbohydrates only
Correct Answer: Lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates
Rationale: Cell membranes are composed of lipids (phospholipids and
cholesterol), proteins, and carbohydrate groups attached to lipids and proteins
(glycoproteins and glycolipids). Nucleic acids are not major structural components
of the membrane. Carbohydrates alone do not form the membrane.
6. What is the primary role of cholesterol in the cell membrane?
A) To provide energy for cellular processes
B) To maintain membrane fluidity and stability
C) To transport ions across the membrane
D) To synthesize proteins
Correct Answer: To maintain membrane fluidity and stability
