Page 1 of 88
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY: THE BIOLOGIC BASIS FOR DISEASE IN
ADULTS AND CHILDREN, 9TH EDITION EXAM 2026 QUESTIONS
LATEST 2026 – 2027 VERSION SOLVED QUESTIONS &
ANSWERS
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY: THE BIOLOGIC BASIS FOR DISEASE IN ADULTS AND
CHILDREN, 9TH EDITION
By McCance & Huether
SECTION 1: CELLULAR BIOLOGY (Questions 1-20)
1. Which statement best describes the cellular function of metabolic absorption?
• A) Cells can produce proteins for structural support
• B) Cells can secrete digestive enzymes into the extracellular space
• C) Cells can take in and use nutrients from their surroundings
• D) Cells can synthesize fats for energy storage
Answer: C
Rationale: In metabolic absorption, all cells take in and use nutrients and other
substances from their surroundings. This is a fundamental cellular function that allows
cells to obtain the raw materials needed for metabolism and growth.
2. Where is most of a cell's genetic information, including RNA and DNA,
contained?
• A) Mitochondria
• B) Ribosomes
• C) Nucleolus
• D) Lysosomes
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Answer: C
Rationale: The nucleus contains the nucleolus, a small dense structure composed
largely of RNA, most of the cellular DNA, and DNA-binding proteins such as histones
that regulate its activity. Mitochondria are responsible for cellular respiration,
ribosomes provide sites for protein synthesis, and lysosomes function as the
intracellular digestive system.
3. Which cell component produces hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) by using oxygen to
remove hydrogen atoms from specific substrates?
• A) Lysosomes
• B) Peroxisomes
• C) Ribosomes
• D) Endosomes
Answer: B
Rationale: Peroxisomes contain enzymes that use oxygen to remove hydrogen atoms
from specific substrates in oxidative reactions that produce H₂O₂, a powerful oxidant. If
H₂O₂ accumulates or escapes from peroxisomes, it can be potentially destructive to the
cell.
4. Which cell component is capable of cellular autodigestion when released during
cell injury?
• A) Ribosomes
• B) Golgi complex
• C) Smooth endoplasmic reticulum
• D) Lysosomes
Answer: D
Rationale: The lysosomal membrane acts as a protective shield between the powerful
digestive enzymes within the lysosome and the cytoplasm. Disruption of this membrane
during cellular injury leads to the release of lysosomal enzymes, causing cellular self-
digestion.
5. A patient presents with recurrent infections. A pathology report shows
organisms lacking membrane-bound organelles and containing 70S ribosomes
within phagocytosed material. Which statement best distinguishes these
microorganisms from human host cells?
• A) They contain a nucleus enclosed by a double membrane
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• B) Their genetic material is organized in a single circular chromosome without
histones
• C) They perform oxidative phosphorylation exclusively within mitochondria
• D) Their transcription and translation occur in separate compartments
Answer: B
Rationale: Prokaryotes characteristically have a single circular chromosome, typically
lack histone-bound chromatin, and do not have membrane-bound nuclei,
distinguishing them from eukaryotic human cells. A double-membraned nucleus is a
eukaryotic feature, and in prokaryotes, transcription and translation are often coupled
in the same compartment.
6. A patient with acute ischemia to leg muscle develops pale, swollen myocytes on
biopsy due to ATP depletion. Which cellular function failure most directly explains
the observed cellular swelling?
• A) Failure of Na⁺/K⁺ ATPase leading to intracellular sodium accumulation
• B) Loss of plasma membrane tight junctions between myocytes
• C) Inhibition of ribosomal protein synthesis
• D) Increased activity of mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase
Answer: A
Rationale: Na⁺/K⁺ ATPase requires ATP to export Na⁺ from the cell. ATP depletion
causes pump failure, leading to intracellular Na⁺ and water accumulation, resulting in
cell swelling. Tight junction loss affects paracellular barrier function but does not
directly cause osmotic swelling from ion pump failure.
7. A 24-year-old woman reports muscle weakness, lactic acidosis, and neurologic
symptoms. Genetic testing reveals a mitochondrial DNA mutation impairing
complex I of the electron transport chain. Which metabolic finding best explains
the lactic acidosis?
• A) Increased pyruvate entry into the Krebs cycle
• B) Enhanced conversion of pyruvate to lactate via lactate dehydrogenase
• C) Upregulated oxidative phosphorylation producing excess NADH
• D) Increased gluconeogenesis consuming lactate
Answer: B
Rationale: Impaired electron transport reduces NAD⁺ regeneration, forcing the cell to
regenerate NAD⁺ through lactate dehydrogenase converting pyruvate to lactate. This
shift to anaerobic metabolism increases lactate production, causing lactic acidosis.
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8. A patient's muscle biopsy reveals cells with excessive glycogen accumulation.
Which organelle is most likely defective in this patient?
• A) Mitochondria
• B) Lysosomes
• C) Peroxisomes
• D) Endoplasmic reticulum
Answer: B
Rationale: Lysosomes contain hydrolytic enzymes that break down glycogen. Defective
lysosomal enzymes can lead to accumulation of glycogen within cells, as seen in
glycogen storage diseases.
9. The chief function of ribosomes is to provide sites for:
• A) Cellular energy production
• B) Cellular protein synthesis
• C) Intracellular digestion
• D) Lipid synthesis
Answer: B
Rationale: Ribosomes are RNA-protein complexes that provide sites for cellular protein
synthesis. They translate messenger RNA into polypeptide chains.
10. Which organelle is responsible for cellular respiration and energy production?
• A) Nucleus
• B) Ribosome
• C) Mitochondria
• D) Lysosome
Answer: C
Rationale: Mitochondria are responsible for cellular respiration and energy production
through oxidative phosphorylation, generating ATP.
11. The smooth endoplasmic reticulum is involved in:
• A) Protein synthesis and modification
• B) Steroid hormone production and detoxification
• C) Intracellular digestion of cellular waste
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY: THE BIOLOGIC BASIS FOR DISEASE IN
ADULTS AND CHILDREN, 9TH EDITION EXAM 2026 QUESTIONS
LATEST 2026 – 2027 VERSION SOLVED QUESTIONS &
ANSWERS
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY: THE BIOLOGIC BASIS FOR DISEASE IN ADULTS AND
CHILDREN, 9TH EDITION
By McCance & Huether
SECTION 1: CELLULAR BIOLOGY (Questions 1-20)
1. Which statement best describes the cellular function of metabolic absorption?
• A) Cells can produce proteins for structural support
• B) Cells can secrete digestive enzymes into the extracellular space
• C) Cells can take in and use nutrients from their surroundings
• D) Cells can synthesize fats for energy storage
Answer: C
Rationale: In metabolic absorption, all cells take in and use nutrients and other
substances from their surroundings. This is a fundamental cellular function that allows
cells to obtain the raw materials needed for metabolism and growth.
2. Where is most of a cell's genetic information, including RNA and DNA,
contained?
• A) Mitochondria
• B) Ribosomes
• C) Nucleolus
• D) Lysosomes
, Page 2 of 88
Answer: C
Rationale: The nucleus contains the nucleolus, a small dense structure composed
largely of RNA, most of the cellular DNA, and DNA-binding proteins such as histones
that regulate its activity. Mitochondria are responsible for cellular respiration,
ribosomes provide sites for protein synthesis, and lysosomes function as the
intracellular digestive system.
3. Which cell component produces hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) by using oxygen to
remove hydrogen atoms from specific substrates?
• A) Lysosomes
• B) Peroxisomes
• C) Ribosomes
• D) Endosomes
Answer: B
Rationale: Peroxisomes contain enzymes that use oxygen to remove hydrogen atoms
from specific substrates in oxidative reactions that produce H₂O₂, a powerful oxidant. If
H₂O₂ accumulates or escapes from peroxisomes, it can be potentially destructive to the
cell.
4. Which cell component is capable of cellular autodigestion when released during
cell injury?
• A) Ribosomes
• B) Golgi complex
• C) Smooth endoplasmic reticulum
• D) Lysosomes
Answer: D
Rationale: The lysosomal membrane acts as a protective shield between the powerful
digestive enzymes within the lysosome and the cytoplasm. Disruption of this membrane
during cellular injury leads to the release of lysosomal enzymes, causing cellular self-
digestion.
5. A patient presents with recurrent infections. A pathology report shows
organisms lacking membrane-bound organelles and containing 70S ribosomes
within phagocytosed material. Which statement best distinguishes these
microorganisms from human host cells?
• A) They contain a nucleus enclosed by a double membrane
, Page 3 of 88
• B) Their genetic material is organized in a single circular chromosome without
histones
• C) They perform oxidative phosphorylation exclusively within mitochondria
• D) Their transcription and translation occur in separate compartments
Answer: B
Rationale: Prokaryotes characteristically have a single circular chromosome, typically
lack histone-bound chromatin, and do not have membrane-bound nuclei,
distinguishing them from eukaryotic human cells. A double-membraned nucleus is a
eukaryotic feature, and in prokaryotes, transcription and translation are often coupled
in the same compartment.
6. A patient with acute ischemia to leg muscle develops pale, swollen myocytes on
biopsy due to ATP depletion. Which cellular function failure most directly explains
the observed cellular swelling?
• A) Failure of Na⁺/K⁺ ATPase leading to intracellular sodium accumulation
• B) Loss of plasma membrane tight junctions between myocytes
• C) Inhibition of ribosomal protein synthesis
• D) Increased activity of mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase
Answer: A
Rationale: Na⁺/K⁺ ATPase requires ATP to export Na⁺ from the cell. ATP depletion
causes pump failure, leading to intracellular Na⁺ and water accumulation, resulting in
cell swelling. Tight junction loss affects paracellular barrier function but does not
directly cause osmotic swelling from ion pump failure.
7. A 24-year-old woman reports muscle weakness, lactic acidosis, and neurologic
symptoms. Genetic testing reveals a mitochondrial DNA mutation impairing
complex I of the electron transport chain. Which metabolic finding best explains
the lactic acidosis?
• A) Increased pyruvate entry into the Krebs cycle
• B) Enhanced conversion of pyruvate to lactate via lactate dehydrogenase
• C) Upregulated oxidative phosphorylation producing excess NADH
• D) Increased gluconeogenesis consuming lactate
Answer: B
Rationale: Impaired electron transport reduces NAD⁺ regeneration, forcing the cell to
regenerate NAD⁺ through lactate dehydrogenase converting pyruvate to lactate. This
shift to anaerobic metabolism increases lactate production, causing lactic acidosis.
, Page 4 of 88
8. A patient's muscle biopsy reveals cells with excessive glycogen accumulation.
Which organelle is most likely defective in this patient?
• A) Mitochondria
• B) Lysosomes
• C) Peroxisomes
• D) Endoplasmic reticulum
Answer: B
Rationale: Lysosomes contain hydrolytic enzymes that break down glycogen. Defective
lysosomal enzymes can lead to accumulation of glycogen within cells, as seen in
glycogen storage diseases.
9. The chief function of ribosomes is to provide sites for:
• A) Cellular energy production
• B) Cellular protein synthesis
• C) Intracellular digestion
• D) Lipid synthesis
Answer: B
Rationale: Ribosomes are RNA-protein complexes that provide sites for cellular protein
synthesis. They translate messenger RNA into polypeptide chains.
10. Which organelle is responsible for cellular respiration and energy production?
• A) Nucleus
• B) Ribosome
• C) Mitochondria
• D) Lysosome
Answer: C
Rationale: Mitochondria are responsible for cellular respiration and energy production
through oxidative phosphorylation, generating ATP.
11. The smooth endoplasmic reticulum is involved in:
• A) Protein synthesis and modification
• B) Steroid hormone production and detoxification
• C) Intracellular digestion of cellular waste
