HUMAN BIOLOGY MIDTERM EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
PLASMA MEMBRANE - ANSWER-membrane surrounding the cell, consisting of a
phospholipid bilayer with embedded cholesterol and proteins; regulates the passage
of substances into and out of the cell
MITOCHONDRION - ANSWER-a cytoplasmic organelle resonsible for ATP
generation for cellular activities
NUCLEUS - ANSWER-general term for a central or essential part; consists of
neutrons and protons and contains most of the atomic mass; contains the cell's DNA
in eukaryotic cells
HOMEOSTASIS - ANSWER-state of body equilibrium characterized by a relatively
constant and stable internal environment
EPITHELIAL TISSUE - ANSWER-a primary tissue that covers the body's surface,
lines its internal cavities and forms glands
CONNECTIVE TISSUE - ANSWER-a primary tissue; form and function vary
extensively; functions include support, energy storage, and protection
MUSCLE TISSUE - ANSWER-tissue consisting of cells that are specialized to
shorten or contract resulting in movement of some kind; three types include skeletal,
cardiac, and smooth
NERVOUS TISSUE - ANSWER-tissue consisting of cells that are specialized for
generating and transmitting nerve impulses throughout the body; forms a rapid
communication network for the body
COMPACT BONE - ANSWER-type of dense bone tissue found on the outer surfaces
and shafts of bones
SPONGY BONE - ANSWER-type of bone tissue characterized by thin, hard
interconnecting bony elements enclosing hollow spaces
OSMOSIS - ANSWER-the diffusion of water across a selectively permeable
membrane such as a cell membrane
PASSIVE TRANSPORT - ANSWER-membrane transport processes that do not
require cellular energy; such as diffusion
ACTIVE TRANSPORT - ANSWER-process that transfers a substance into or out of
a cell, usually against its concentration gradient; requires a carrier and the
expenditure of energy
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
PLASMA MEMBRANE - ANSWER-membrane surrounding the cell, consisting of a
phospholipid bilayer with embedded cholesterol and proteins; regulates the passage
of substances into and out of the cell
MITOCHONDRION - ANSWER-a cytoplasmic organelle resonsible for ATP
generation for cellular activities
NUCLEUS - ANSWER-general term for a central or essential part; consists of
neutrons and protons and contains most of the atomic mass; contains the cell's DNA
in eukaryotic cells
HOMEOSTASIS - ANSWER-state of body equilibrium characterized by a relatively
constant and stable internal environment
EPITHELIAL TISSUE - ANSWER-a primary tissue that covers the body's surface,
lines its internal cavities and forms glands
CONNECTIVE TISSUE - ANSWER-a primary tissue; form and function vary
extensively; functions include support, energy storage, and protection
MUSCLE TISSUE - ANSWER-tissue consisting of cells that are specialized to
shorten or contract resulting in movement of some kind; three types include skeletal,
cardiac, and smooth
NERVOUS TISSUE - ANSWER-tissue consisting of cells that are specialized for
generating and transmitting nerve impulses throughout the body; forms a rapid
communication network for the body
COMPACT BONE - ANSWER-type of dense bone tissue found on the outer surfaces
and shafts of bones
SPONGY BONE - ANSWER-type of bone tissue characterized by thin, hard
interconnecting bony elements enclosing hollow spaces
OSMOSIS - ANSWER-the diffusion of water across a selectively permeable
membrane such as a cell membrane
PASSIVE TRANSPORT - ANSWER-membrane transport processes that do not
require cellular energy; such as diffusion
ACTIVE TRANSPORT - ANSWER-process that transfers a substance into or out of
a cell, usually against its concentration gradient; requires a carrier and the
expenditure of energy
