1. Understanding the various steps of proteolytic cascades, such as caspase-mediated apoptosis and complement cascades, may be useful in de- signing drug therapy for which human diseases?: Answer Autoimmune and malignant disorders 2. Why is it possible for potassium to diffuse easily into and out of cells?: Answer The resting plasma membrane is more permeable to potassium 3. The loss of the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) during ischemia causes cells to: Answer swell because of the influx of sodium chloride 4. Free radicals play a major role in the initiation and progression of which dis- eases: Answer Cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension and ischemic heart disease 5. Free Radicals cause cell damage by:: Answer Giving up an electron, which causes injury to the chemical bonds of the cell membrane 6. What is a consequence of plasma membrane damage to the mitochondria?- Answer Influx of calcium ions halts ATP production. 7. What is a consequence of leakage of lysosomal enzymes during chemical injury?: Answer Enzymatic digestion of the nucleus and nucleolus occurs, halting DNA synthesis. 8. Which statement is a description of the characteristics of apoptosis?: