NU 545 Unit 1 Study Guide | (2026) Advanced
Pathophysiology Core Concepts Complete
Exam Prep
Institution: University of South Alabama
Course: NU 545 - Physio-Pathological Basis of Advanced Nursing
Exam Date: 2026
SECTION 1: CELLULAR BIOLOGY & ORGANELLES
Question 1
What is metabolic absorption at the cellular level?
A) The process of excreting waste products from the cell
B) The ability of cells to take in and use nutrients from their surroundings
C) The synthesis of proteins for cellular repair
D) The process of cell division and replication
,Correct Answer: B) The ability of cells to take in and use nutrients from their
surroundings
Rationale: Metabolic absorption is a fundamental cellular function where cells take in and
use nutrients and other substances from their environment. Cells of the intestines and
kidneys are specialized for this function . Option A describes excretion, C describes protein
synthesis, and D describes mitosis.
Question 2
Which organelle contains enzymes that use oxygen to remove hydrogen atoms in
oxidative reactions?
A) Lysosomes
B) Peroxisomes
C) Mitochondria
D) Ribosomes
Correct Answer: B) Peroxisomes
Rationale: Peroxisomes contain oxidative enzymes that use oxygen to remove hydrogen
atoms, producing hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) as a byproduct . Lysosomes (A) are involved in
intracellular digestion. Mitochondria (C) produce ATP through oxidative phosphorylation.
Ribosomes (D) synthesize proteins.
Question 3
,During cell injury, which cellular component releases enzymes capable of autodigestion?
A) Mitochondria
B) Golgi apparatus
C) Lysosomes
D) Endoplasmic reticulum
Correct Answer: C) Lysosomes
Rationale: Lysosomes contain hydrolytic enzymes that can digest cellular components.
When released during cell injury, these enzymes cause autodigestion (self-digestion) of the
cell . Options A, B, and D do not contain digestive enzymes capable of autodigestion.
Question 4
Where is the genetic information of the cell contained?
A) Mitochondria
B) Nucleus
C) Ribosomes
D) Golgi apparatus
Correct Answer: B) 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 (A)
contain their own DNA but not the primary genetic information. Ribosomes (C) synthesize
proteins. The Golgi apparatus (D) modifies and packages proteins.
, Question 5
What major chemical components make up the cell membrane?
A) Lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates
B) Nucleic acids and proteins
C) Carbohydrates and nucleic acids
D) Lipids and carbohydrates only
Correct Answer: A) Lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates
Rationale: Cell membranes are composed of lipids (phospholipids and cholesterol),
proteins, and carbohydrates (glycoproteins and glycolipids). The carbohydrates form the
glycocalyx on the outside of the membrane . Cholesterol (A) helps maintain membrane
fluidity.
Question 6
What is the 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: B) To maintain membrane fluidity and stability
Pathophysiology Core Concepts Complete
Exam Prep
Institution: University of South Alabama
Course: NU 545 - Physio-Pathological Basis of Advanced Nursing
Exam Date: 2026
SECTION 1: CELLULAR BIOLOGY & ORGANELLES
Question 1
What is metabolic absorption at the cellular level?
A) The process of excreting waste products from the cell
B) The ability of cells to take in and use nutrients from their surroundings
C) The synthesis of proteins for cellular repair
D) The process of cell division and replication
,Correct Answer: B) The ability of cells to take in and use nutrients from their
surroundings
Rationale: Metabolic absorption is a fundamental cellular function where cells take in and
use nutrients and other substances from their environment. Cells of the intestines and
kidneys are specialized for this function . Option A describes excretion, C describes protein
synthesis, and D describes mitosis.
Question 2
Which organelle contains enzymes that use oxygen to remove hydrogen atoms in
oxidative reactions?
A) Lysosomes
B) Peroxisomes
C) Mitochondria
D) Ribosomes
Correct Answer: B) Peroxisomes
Rationale: Peroxisomes contain oxidative enzymes that use oxygen to remove hydrogen
atoms, producing hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) as a byproduct . Lysosomes (A) are involved in
intracellular digestion. Mitochondria (C) produce ATP through oxidative phosphorylation.
Ribosomes (D) synthesize proteins.
Question 3
,During cell injury, which cellular component releases enzymes capable of autodigestion?
A) Mitochondria
B) Golgi apparatus
C) Lysosomes
D) Endoplasmic reticulum
Correct Answer: C) Lysosomes
Rationale: Lysosomes contain hydrolytic enzymes that can digest cellular components.
When released during cell injury, these enzymes cause autodigestion (self-digestion) of the
cell . Options A, B, and D do not contain digestive enzymes capable of autodigestion.
Question 4
Where is the genetic information of the cell contained?
A) Mitochondria
B) Nucleus
C) Ribosomes
D) Golgi apparatus
Correct Answer: B) 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 (A)
contain their own DNA but not the primary genetic information. Ribosomes (C) synthesize
proteins. The Golgi apparatus (D) modifies and packages proteins.
, Question 5
What major chemical components make up the cell membrane?
A) Lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates
B) Nucleic acids and proteins
C) Carbohydrates and nucleic acids
D) Lipids and carbohydrates only
Correct Answer: A) Lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates
Rationale: Cell membranes are composed of lipids (phospholipids and cholesterol),
proteins, and carbohydrates (glycoproteins and glycolipids). The carbohydrates form the
glycocalyx on the outside of the membrane . Cholesterol (A) helps maintain membrane
fluidity.
Question 6
What is the 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: B) To maintain membrane fluidity and stability
