Robbins & Cotran 10th Ed. Pathology Test Bank | Chapter-
by-Chapter Questions & Verified Solutions
Robbins & Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease
10th Edition
• Author(s)Vinay Kumar; Abul K. Abbas; Jon C. Aster
Chapter 1: The Cell as a Unit of Health and Disease
Question 1
Chapter & Section: 1 - The Genome
Question Stem: A patient is diagnosed with a disorder caused
by a mutation in a gene that regulates the expression of other
genes during embryonic development. This gene most likely
codes for which of the following?
A. A structural protein in the cytoskeleton
B. A transfer RNA (tRNA) molecule
C. A component of the mitochondrial electron transport chain
D. A transcription factor
Correct Answer: D
Rationales:
• Correct: Transcription factors are proteins that bind to
specific DNA sequences and regulate the transcription of
, genes into mRNA. Mutations in genes encoding
transcription factors can have widespread effects on
development by altering the expression of numerous
downstream genes .
• Incorrect A: While cytoskeletal proteins are essential for
cell structure, they are typically not master regulators of
gene expression during development.
• Incorrect B: tRNA molecules are involved in protein
synthesis (translation), not in the direct regulation of gene
transcription.
• Incorrect C: Components of the electron transport chain
are crucial for cellular metabolism but do not directly
regulate developmental gene expression.
Teaching Point: Transcription factors are key regulators
that control gene expression programs, especially during
development.
Question 2
Chapter & Section: 1 - Cellular Housekeeping
Question Stem: A new laboratory test is designed to measure
the baseline metabolic activity of various human cell types.
Which of the following cellular components would provide the
most consistent measure of essential, constitutive function
across all cell types?
A. Lysosomal enzymes
B. Citric acid cycle enzymes
C. Immunoglobulin proteins
D. Myosin heavy chains
,Correct Answer: B
Rationales:
• Correct: Housekeeping genes/proteins are required for
basic cellular function and are expressed in all cells.
Enzymes of the citric acid cycle are quintessential
housekeeping proteins because all cells require energy for
survival, making them a consistent measure of basic
metabolism .
• Incorrect A: Lysosomal activity varies greatly among cell
types (e.g., high in macrophages, low in lymphocytes).
• Incorrect C: Immunoglobulins are produced only by
differentiated B-cells, not by all cell types.
• Incorrect D: Myosin heavy chains are specific to muscle
cells and are not expressed in other cell types like neurons
or epithelial cells.
Teaching Point: Housekeeping proteins, like those in core
metabolic pathways, are essential for maintenance of basic
cell function in all tissues.
Question 3
Chapter & Section: 1 - Cellular Metabolism and Mitochondrial
Function
Question Stem: A patient presents with a rare genetic disorder
characterized by severe muscle weakness and neurological
deterioration. Biopsy reveals defective mitochondrial energy
production. Which of the following functions is most directly
and critically impaired in this patient's cells?
, A. Biosynthesis of membrane phospholipids
B. Generation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
C. Storage of calcium ions
D. Synthesis of nuclear proteins
Correct Answer: B
Rationales:
• Correct: The primary and most critical function of
mitochondria is to generate the majority of the cell's ATP
through oxidative phosphorylation. Defects in this process
directly impact tissues with high energy demands, like
muscle and nerves .
• Incorrect A: While mitochondria participate in some lipid
metabolism, phospholipid biosynthesis occurs primarily in
the endoplasmic reticulum.
• Incorrect C: The sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum is
the main storage site for calcium, not mitochondria.
• Incorrect D: Nuclear protein synthesis occurs on
ribosomes in the cytoplasm, not in mitochondria.
Teaching Point: Mitochondria are the powerhouse of the
cell, and their failure primarily compromises ATP-
dependent processes.
Question 4
Chapter & Section: 1 - Cellular Activation
Question Stem: A growth factor binds to its receptor on a
quiescent cell, prompting it to enter the cell cycle. This initial
activation most directly involves which of the following
by-Chapter Questions & Verified Solutions
Robbins & Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease
10th Edition
• Author(s)Vinay Kumar; Abul K. Abbas; Jon C. Aster
Chapter 1: The Cell as a Unit of Health and Disease
Question 1
Chapter & Section: 1 - The Genome
Question Stem: A patient is diagnosed with a disorder caused
by a mutation in a gene that regulates the expression of other
genes during embryonic development. This gene most likely
codes for which of the following?
A. A structural protein in the cytoskeleton
B. A transfer RNA (tRNA) molecule
C. A component of the mitochondrial electron transport chain
D. A transcription factor
Correct Answer: D
Rationales:
• Correct: Transcription factors are proteins that bind to
specific DNA sequences and regulate the transcription of
, genes into mRNA. Mutations in genes encoding
transcription factors can have widespread effects on
development by altering the expression of numerous
downstream genes .
• Incorrect A: While cytoskeletal proteins are essential for
cell structure, they are typically not master regulators of
gene expression during development.
• Incorrect B: tRNA molecules are involved in protein
synthesis (translation), not in the direct regulation of gene
transcription.
• Incorrect C: Components of the electron transport chain
are crucial for cellular metabolism but do not directly
regulate developmental gene expression.
Teaching Point: Transcription factors are key regulators
that control gene expression programs, especially during
development.
Question 2
Chapter & Section: 1 - Cellular Housekeeping
Question Stem: A new laboratory test is designed to measure
the baseline metabolic activity of various human cell types.
Which of the following cellular components would provide the
most consistent measure of essential, constitutive function
across all cell types?
A. Lysosomal enzymes
B. Citric acid cycle enzymes
C. Immunoglobulin proteins
D. Myosin heavy chains
,Correct Answer: B
Rationales:
• Correct: Housekeeping genes/proteins are required for
basic cellular function and are expressed in all cells.
Enzymes of the citric acid cycle are quintessential
housekeeping proteins because all cells require energy for
survival, making them a consistent measure of basic
metabolism .
• Incorrect A: Lysosomal activity varies greatly among cell
types (e.g., high in macrophages, low in lymphocytes).
• Incorrect C: Immunoglobulins are produced only by
differentiated B-cells, not by all cell types.
• Incorrect D: Myosin heavy chains are specific to muscle
cells and are not expressed in other cell types like neurons
or epithelial cells.
Teaching Point: Housekeeping proteins, like those in core
metabolic pathways, are essential for maintenance of basic
cell function in all tissues.
Question 3
Chapter & Section: 1 - Cellular Metabolism and Mitochondrial
Function
Question Stem: A patient presents with a rare genetic disorder
characterized by severe muscle weakness and neurological
deterioration. Biopsy reveals defective mitochondrial energy
production. Which of the following functions is most directly
and critically impaired in this patient's cells?
, A. Biosynthesis of membrane phospholipids
B. Generation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
C. Storage of calcium ions
D. Synthesis of nuclear proteins
Correct Answer: B
Rationales:
• Correct: The primary and most critical function of
mitochondria is to generate the majority of the cell's ATP
through oxidative phosphorylation. Defects in this process
directly impact tissues with high energy demands, like
muscle and nerves .
• Incorrect A: While mitochondria participate in some lipid
metabolism, phospholipid biosynthesis occurs primarily in
the endoplasmic reticulum.
• Incorrect C: The sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum is
the main storage site for calcium, not mitochondria.
• Incorrect D: Nuclear protein synthesis occurs on
ribosomes in the cytoplasm, not in mitochondria.
Teaching Point: Mitochondria are the powerhouse of the
cell, and their failure primarily compromises ATP-
dependent processes.
Question 4
Chapter & Section: 1 - Cellular Activation
Question Stem: A growth factor binds to its receptor on a
quiescent cell, prompting it to enter the cell cycle. This initial
activation most directly involves which of the following
