U N I V E R S I T Y O F A L A B A M A AT B I R M I N G H A M · S C H O O L O F N U R S I N G
NUR 612 Exam 1 (Module
2)
Practice Question Bank
Advanced Pathophysiology — NCLEX-Style Practice Questions with
Rationales
Topic Focus: Cellular Biology, Genetics, Tissue Adaptation & Neoplasia
Edition 1 · September 2026
Table of Contents
1. Instructions for Use 2
2. Practice Questions with Answers & Rationales — Advanced Pathophysiology Module 2 2
NUR 612 · UAB School of Nursing Page 1
,NUR 612 EXAM 1 (MODULE 2) PRACTICE GUIDE INSTRUCTIONS & PRACTICE QUESTIONS
How to Use This Guide
Read each stem, choose your answer, then check the rationale directly below it. The correct
option is marked, and each wrong option is explained so you understand why it's wrong — not
just that it is.
Category: Advanced Pathophysiology — Module 2: Cellular Biology &
Genetics
1 A nurse is studying cellular biology. Which organelle is considered the control center
of the cell and is vital for protein synthesis?
A Mitochondria
B Nucleus
C Ribosome
D Golgi complex
Why B is correct: The nucleus is the control center of the cell, containing all the cell's DNA
(except mitochondrial DNA) and is vital for protein synthesis.
A — Mitochondria are the power house of the cell and regulate apoptosis.
C — Ribosomes are the site of protein synthesis but are not the control center.
D — The Golgi complex modifies and packages substances from the ER.
,2 A nurse is reviewing cellular structures. Which structure separates the intracellular
and extracellular environments and provides receptors for hormones?
A Cell membrane
B Nuclear envelope
C Endoplasmic reticulum
D Cytoskeleton
Why A is correct: The cell membrane separates intracellular and extracellular environments,
provides receptors for hormones, and participates in electrical events and cell growth
regulation.
B — The nuclear envelope surrounds the nucleus.
C — The ER is involved in protein synthesis and lipid metabolism.
D — The cytoskeleton provides structural support.
3 A nurse is studying cellular organelles. Which organelle is known as the "power
house" of the cell and also functions to regulate apoptosis?
A Mitochondria
B Lysosomes
C Ribosomes
D Golgi complex
Why A is correct: Mitochondria are the power house of the cell, generating ATP through
oxidative phosphorylation, and also function to regulate apoptosis.
B — Lysosomes are involved in metabolism and digestion.
C — Ribosomes are the site of protein synthesis.
D — The Golgi complex modifies and packages proteins.
, 4 A nurse is reviewing the site of protein synthesis. Which cellular structure is
responsible for protein synthesis?
A Nucleus
B Mitochondria
C Ribosomes
D Golgi complex
Why C is correct: Ribosomes are the site of protein synthesis in the cell.
A — The nucleus contains DNA and directs protein synthesis but is not the site.
B — Mitochondria produce energy.
D — The Golgi complex modifies and packages proteins.
5 A nurse is studying the endoplasmic reticulum. Which of the following statements
correctly describes the rough endoplasmic reticulum?
A It synthesizes lipids
B It is studded with ribosomes and involved in protein synthesis
C It modifies and packages substances
D It produces energy
Why B is correct: The rough endoplasmic reticulum is studded with ribosomes and is
involved in protein synthesis. The smooth ER synthesizes lipids.
A — Lipid synthesis occurs in the smooth ER.
C — The Golgi complex modifies and packages substances.
D — Mitochondria produce energy.
NUR 612 Exam 1 (Module
2)
Practice Question Bank
Advanced Pathophysiology — NCLEX-Style Practice Questions with
Rationales
Topic Focus: Cellular Biology, Genetics, Tissue Adaptation & Neoplasia
Edition 1 · September 2026
Table of Contents
1. Instructions for Use 2
2. Practice Questions with Answers & Rationales — Advanced Pathophysiology Module 2 2
NUR 612 · UAB School of Nursing Page 1
,NUR 612 EXAM 1 (MODULE 2) PRACTICE GUIDE INSTRUCTIONS & PRACTICE QUESTIONS
How to Use This Guide
Read each stem, choose your answer, then check the rationale directly below it. The correct
option is marked, and each wrong option is explained so you understand why it's wrong — not
just that it is.
Category: Advanced Pathophysiology — Module 2: Cellular Biology &
Genetics
1 A nurse is studying cellular biology. Which organelle is considered the control center
of the cell and is vital for protein synthesis?
A Mitochondria
B Nucleus
C Ribosome
D Golgi complex
Why B is correct: The nucleus is the control center of the cell, containing all the cell's DNA
(except mitochondrial DNA) and is vital for protein synthesis.
A — Mitochondria are the power house of the cell and regulate apoptosis.
C — Ribosomes are the site of protein synthesis but are not the control center.
D — The Golgi complex modifies and packages substances from the ER.
,2 A nurse is reviewing cellular structures. Which structure separates the intracellular
and extracellular environments and provides receptors for hormones?
A Cell membrane
B Nuclear envelope
C Endoplasmic reticulum
D Cytoskeleton
Why A is correct: The cell membrane separates intracellular and extracellular environments,
provides receptors for hormones, and participates in electrical events and cell growth
regulation.
B — The nuclear envelope surrounds the nucleus.
C — The ER is involved in protein synthesis and lipid metabolism.
D — The cytoskeleton provides structural support.
3 A nurse is studying cellular organelles. Which organelle is known as the "power
house" of the cell and also functions to regulate apoptosis?
A Mitochondria
B Lysosomes
C Ribosomes
D Golgi complex
Why A is correct: Mitochondria are the power house of the cell, generating ATP through
oxidative phosphorylation, and also function to regulate apoptosis.
B — Lysosomes are involved in metabolism and digestion.
C — Ribosomes are the site of protein synthesis.
D — The Golgi complex modifies and packages proteins.
, 4 A nurse is reviewing the site of protein synthesis. Which cellular structure is
responsible for protein synthesis?
A Nucleus
B Mitochondria
C Ribosomes
D Golgi complex
Why C is correct: Ribosomes are the site of protein synthesis in the cell.
A — The nucleus contains DNA and directs protein synthesis but is not the site.
B — Mitochondria produce energy.
D — The Golgi complex modifies and packages proteins.
5 A nurse is studying the endoplasmic reticulum. Which of the following statements
correctly describes the rough endoplasmic reticulum?
A It synthesizes lipids
B It is studded with ribosomes and involved in protein synthesis
C It modifies and packages substances
D It produces energy
Why B is correct: The rough endoplasmic reticulum is studded with ribosomes and is
involved in protein synthesis. The smooth ER synthesizes lipids.
A — Lipid synthesis occurs in the smooth ER.
C — The Golgi complex modifies and packages substances.
D — Mitochondria produce energy.
