NUR 315 Pathophysiology Study Guide
UPDATED ACTUAL Exam Questions and
CORRECT Answers
Nucleus - CORRECT ANSWER - Largest organelle, controls cell division and stores
genetic info (DNA). Site of transcription and RNA processing.
Cytoplasm - CORRECT ANSWER - Gel-like matrix between nucleus and membrane,
contains organelles and supports cellular functions.
Mitochondria - CORRECT ANSWER - Produces ATP via oxidative phosphorylation.
Regulates pH, calcium homeostasis, cell signaling.
Ribosomes - CORRECT ANSWER - Synthesized in nucleolus; site of protein synthesis.
Rough ER - CORRECT ANSWER - Protein synthesis (with ribosomes).
Smooth ER - CORRECT ANSWER - Lipid synthesis, carb metabolism, detox.
Golgi Apparatus - CORRECT ANSWER - Packages proteins for secretion.
Lysosomes - CORRECT ANSWER - Digestive enzymes; break down substances and
trigger autolysis.
Peroxisomes - CORRECT ANSWER - Detoxify waste using oxidative enzymes.
Cytoskeleton - CORRECT ANSWER - Provides structure; aids in intracellular transport
and mobility.
,Plasma Membrane - CORRECT ANSWER - Phospholipid bilayer with embedded
proteins and carbs. Functions in transport, recognition, shape, and communication.
Passive Transport - CORRECT ANSWER - Transport that does not require ATP.
Diffusion - CORRECT ANSWER - Movement from high to low concentration.
Simple diffusion - CORRECT ANSWER - Movement of small/lipid-soluble molecules.
Facilitated diffusion - CORRECT ANSWER - Movement that requires membrane
proteins.
Filtration - CORRECT ANSWER - Movement due to pressure differences (e.g.,
hydrostatic pressure like BP).
Osmosis - CORRECT ANSWER - Water moves to area of higher solute concentration.
Osmotic pressure pulls water in.
Active Transport - CORRECT ANSWER - Transport that requires ATP.
Endocytosis - CORRECT ANSWER - Brings material into cell.
Phagocytosis - CORRECT ANSWER - 'Cell eating' (e.g., bacteria).
Pinocytosis - CORRECT ANSWER - 'Cell drinking.'
Exocytosis - CORRECT ANSWER - Expels materials using vesicles (replaces plasma
membrane).
, Hypoxia - CORRECT ANSWER - Lack of oxygen at the cellular level; most common
cause is ischemia (reduced blood supply).
Ischemia - CORRECT ANSWER - Leads to tissue damage and necrosis if prolonged.
Reperfusion Injury - CORRECT ANSWER - Restoration of oxygen can worsen injury via
free radicals and calcium influx.
Cellular Injury - CORRECT ANSWER - Occurs when cells fail to maintain homeostasis.
Necrosis - CORRECT ANSWER - Uncontrolled death; inflammation present.
Apoptosis - CORRECT ANSWER - Programmed cell death; no inflammation.
Autophagy - CORRECT ANSWER - Self-digestion during stress/starvation.
Autosomal Recessive - CORRECT ANSWER - Both parents must pass gene.
Cystic Fibrosis - CORRECT ANSWER - Mutation in CFTR gene on chromosome 7.
Thick mucus obstructs lungs/pancreas.
Tay-Sachs - CORRECT ANSWER - Lysosomal storage disorder; lipid buildup in neurons
→ neurodegeneration; affects Ashkenazi Jewish population.
Sickle Cell Anemia - CORRECT ANSWER - Autosomal recessive; substitution in beta-
globin chain → hemoglobin S; sickled RBCs → occlusion, ischemia, pain.
UPDATED ACTUAL Exam Questions and
CORRECT Answers
Nucleus - CORRECT ANSWER - Largest organelle, controls cell division and stores
genetic info (DNA). Site of transcription and RNA processing.
Cytoplasm - CORRECT ANSWER - Gel-like matrix between nucleus and membrane,
contains organelles and supports cellular functions.
Mitochondria - CORRECT ANSWER - Produces ATP via oxidative phosphorylation.
Regulates pH, calcium homeostasis, cell signaling.
Ribosomes - CORRECT ANSWER - Synthesized in nucleolus; site of protein synthesis.
Rough ER - CORRECT ANSWER - Protein synthesis (with ribosomes).
Smooth ER - CORRECT ANSWER - Lipid synthesis, carb metabolism, detox.
Golgi Apparatus - CORRECT ANSWER - Packages proteins for secretion.
Lysosomes - CORRECT ANSWER - Digestive enzymes; break down substances and
trigger autolysis.
Peroxisomes - CORRECT ANSWER - Detoxify waste using oxidative enzymes.
Cytoskeleton - CORRECT ANSWER - Provides structure; aids in intracellular transport
and mobility.
,Plasma Membrane - CORRECT ANSWER - Phospholipid bilayer with embedded
proteins and carbs. Functions in transport, recognition, shape, and communication.
Passive Transport - CORRECT ANSWER - Transport that does not require ATP.
Diffusion - CORRECT ANSWER - Movement from high to low concentration.
Simple diffusion - CORRECT ANSWER - Movement of small/lipid-soluble molecules.
Facilitated diffusion - CORRECT ANSWER - Movement that requires membrane
proteins.
Filtration - CORRECT ANSWER - Movement due to pressure differences (e.g.,
hydrostatic pressure like BP).
Osmosis - CORRECT ANSWER - Water moves to area of higher solute concentration.
Osmotic pressure pulls water in.
Active Transport - CORRECT ANSWER - Transport that requires ATP.
Endocytosis - CORRECT ANSWER - Brings material into cell.
Phagocytosis - CORRECT ANSWER - 'Cell eating' (e.g., bacteria).
Pinocytosis - CORRECT ANSWER - 'Cell drinking.'
Exocytosis - CORRECT ANSWER - Expels materials using vesicles (replaces plasma
membrane).
, Hypoxia - CORRECT ANSWER - Lack of oxygen at the cellular level; most common
cause is ischemia (reduced blood supply).
Ischemia - CORRECT ANSWER - Leads to tissue damage and necrosis if prolonged.
Reperfusion Injury - CORRECT ANSWER - Restoration of oxygen can worsen injury via
free radicals and calcium influx.
Cellular Injury - CORRECT ANSWER - Occurs when cells fail to maintain homeostasis.
Necrosis - CORRECT ANSWER - Uncontrolled death; inflammation present.
Apoptosis - CORRECT ANSWER - Programmed cell death; no inflammation.
Autophagy - CORRECT ANSWER - Self-digestion during stress/starvation.
Autosomal Recessive - CORRECT ANSWER - Both parents must pass gene.
Cystic Fibrosis - CORRECT ANSWER - Mutation in CFTR gene on chromosome 7.
Thick mucus obstructs lungs/pancreas.
Tay-Sachs - CORRECT ANSWER - Lysosomal storage disorder; lipid buildup in neurons
→ neurodegeneration; affects Ashkenazi Jewish population.
Sickle Cell Anemia - CORRECT ANSWER - Autosomal recessive; substitution in beta-
globin chain → hemoglobin S; sickled RBCs → occlusion, ischemia, pain.
