1. Which statement best describes the cellular function of metabolic absorption?

a. Cells can produce proteins. c. Cells can take in and use nutrients.

b. Cells can secrete digestive enzymes. d. Cells can synthesize fats.

ANS: C

In metabolic absorption, all cells take in and use nutrients and other substances from their 

surroundings. The remaining options are not inclusive in their descriptions of cellular 

metabolic absorption.

PTS: 1 REF: Page 2

2. Most of a cell’s genetic information, including RNA and DNA, is contained in the:

a. Mitochondria c. Nucleolus

b. Ribosome d. Lysosome

ANS: C

The nucleus contains the nucleolus, a small dense structure composed largely of RNA, most 

of the cellular DNA, and the DNA-binding proteins, such as the histones, which regulate its 

activity. The other options do not contain most of a cell’s genetic information.

PTS: 1 REF: Page 2

3. Which component of the cell produces hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) by using oxygen to remove 

hydrogen atoms from specific substrates in an oxidative reaction?

a. Lysosomes c. Ribosomes

b. Peroxisomes d. Oxyhydrosomes

ANS: B

Peroxisomes are so named because they usually contain enzymes that use oxygen to remove 

hydrogen atoms from specific substrates in an oxidative reaction that produces H2O2, which is 

a powerful oxidant and potentially destructive if it accumulates or escapes from peroxisomes. 

Ribosomes are RNA-protein complexes (nucleoproteins) that are synthesized in the nucleolus 

and secreted into the cytoplasm through pores in the nuclear envelope called nuclear pore 

complexes. Lysosomes are saclike structures that originate from the Golgi complex and 

contain more than 40 digestive enzymes called hydrolases, which catalyze bonds in proteins, 

lipids, nucleic acids, and carbohydrates. Oxyhydrosomes are involved in enzyme production.

PTS: 1 REF: Page 8

4. Which cell component is capable of cellular autodigestion when it is released during cell 

injury?

a. Ribosome c. Smooth endoplasmic reticulum

b. Golgi complex d. Lysosomes

ANS: D

The lysosomal membrane acts as a protective shield between the powerful digestive enzymes 

within the lysosome and the cytoplasm, preventing their leakage into the cytoplasmic matrix. 

Disruption of the membrane by various treatments or cellular injury leads to a release of the 

lysosomal enzymes, which can then react with their specific substrates, causing cellular

self-digestion. The other options do not correctly describe this process.

PTS: 1 REF: Pages 7-8

5. What is the sequence of steps in the development of a digestive enzyme by the pancreas cells 

from the initial transcription to the release from the cell?

a. The enzyme is transcribed from DNA by RNA in the nucleus, proceeds to the 

ribosome for synthesis, and is transported in a secretory vesicle to the cell 

membrane.

b. The enzyme is transcribed from RNA by DNA in the nucleus, proceeds to the 

lysosome for synthesis, and is transported in an encapsulated membrane to the cell 

membrane.

c. The enzyme is transcribed by the mitochondria in the nucleus, proceeds to the 

ribosome for synthesis, and is transported in a cytoskeleton to the cell membrane.

d. The enzyme is transcribed from DNA by RNA in the nucleus, proceeds to the 

Golgi complex for synthesis, and is transported in a cytosol to the cell membrane.

ANS: A

The enzyme is transcribed from DNA by RNA in the nucleus, proceeds to the ribosome for 

synthesis, and is transported in a secretory vesicle to the cell membrane. The other options do 

not correctly describe this process.

PTS: 1 REF: Page 7 | Figure 1-5

6. During which phase of the cell cycle is DNA synthesized?

a. G1 c. G2

b. S d. M

ANS: B

The four designated phases of the cell cycle are: (1) the G1 phase (G = gap), which is the 

period between the M phase (M = mitosis) and the start of DNA synthesis; (2) the S phase (S 

= synthesis), during which DNA is synthesized in the cell nucleus; (3) the G2 phase, during 

which RNA and protein synthesis occurs, the period between the completion of DNA 

synthesis and the next phase (M); and (4) the M phase, which includes nuclear and 

cytoplasmic division.

PTS: 1 REF: Page 37

7. What organic compound facilitates transportation across cell membranes by acting as 

receptors, transport channels for electrolytes, and enzymes to drive active pumps?

a. Lipids c. Proteins

b. Proteases d. Carbohydrates

ANS: C