Chapter 1. The Cell as a Unit of Health and Disease 1 The nucleus , which is essential for function and survival of the cell. A) is the site of protein synthesis B) contains the genetic code C) transforms cellular energy D) initiates aerobic metabolism 2 Although energy is not made in mitochondria, they are known as the power plants of the cell because they: A) contain RNA for protein synthesis. B) utilize glycolysis for oxidative energy. C) extract energy from organic compounds. D) store calcium bonds for muscle contractions. 3 Although the basic structure of the cell plasma membrane is formed by a lipid bilayer, most of the specific membrane functions are carried out by: A) bound and transmembrane proteins. B) complex, long carbohydrate chains. C) surface antigens and hormone receptors. D) a gating system of selective ion channels. 4 To effectively relay signals, cell-to-cell communication utilizes chemical messenger systems that: A) displace surface receptor protteins. B) accumulate within cell gap junctions. C) bind to contractile microfilaments. D) release secretions into extracellular fluid. 5 Aerobic metabolism, also known as oxidative metabolism, provides energy by: A) removing the phosphate bonds from ATP. B) combining hydrogen and oxygen to form water. C) activating pyruvate stored in the cytoplasm. D) breaking down glucose to form lactic acid. 6 Exocytosis, the reverse of endocytosis, is important in into the extracellular fluid. A) Engulfing and ingesting fluid and proteins f