Cells, Body Fluids, and Transport Practice Questions

76 multiple-choice questions on Cells, body fluids, and transport for paramedic and EMT students, from Chapter 8 (Anatomy and Physiology). Read each question, pick your answer, then tap Show answer to check it and read the explanation.

76 practice questions

1. Which structure contains the cell's genetic material (DNA)?

   1. A. Mitochondria
   2. B. Golgi apparatus
   3. C. Nucleus
   4. D. Lysosome
   Show answer

   Answer: C. Nucleus

   The nucleus holds the DNA and directs cell activity.

2. Which organelle produces most of the cell's ATP through aerobic metabolism?

   1. A. Mitochondria
   2. B. Golgi apparatus
   3. C. Lysosome
   4. D. Ribosome
   Show answer

   Answer: A. Mitochondria

   Mitochondria are the cell's powerhouse and need oxygen to make ATP efficiently.

3. Ribosomes are responsible for making:

   1. A. Stored glycogen
   2. B. Proteins
   3. C. Bile salts
   4. D. Phospholipids
   Show answer

   Answer: B. Proteins

   Ribosomes assemble proteins from amino acids.

4. Which organelle contains digestive enzymes that break down waste and debris?

   1. A. Nucleolus
   2. B. Centriole
   3. C. Lysosome
   4. D. Ribosome
   Show answer

   Answer: C. Lysosome

   Lysosomes digest worn-out cell parts and foreign material.

5. The cell membrane is primarily made of a:

   1. A. Phospholipid bilayer
   2. B. Carbohydrate matrix
   3. C. Single protein layer
   4. D. Cellulose wall
   Show answer

   Answer: A. Phospholipid bilayer

   A phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins makes the membrane selectively permeable.

6. Mitosis produces:

   1. A. One larger cell
   2. B. A cell with half the chromosomes
   3. C. Four sex cells
   4. D. Two identical daughter cells
   Show answer

   Answer: D. Two identical daughter cells

   Mitosis is ordinary cell division for growth and repair. Meiosis produces sex cells (gametes).

7. A chemical signal released by a cell that acts on nearby cells is called:

   1. A. Autocrine
   2. B. Paracrine
   3. C. Endocrine
   4. D. Exocrine
   Show answer

   Answer: B. Paracrine

   Paracrine signals act locally, autocrine signals act on the same cell, and endocrine signals travel through the blood.

8. Aerobic metabolism of one glucose molecule yields roughly how many ATP?

   1. A. 36-38
   2. B. 90-100
   3. C. 12-14
   4. D. 2-4
   Show answer

   Answer: A. 36-38

   Aerobic metabolism yields about 36-38 ATP. Anaerobic metabolism yields only 2.

9. When cells lack oxygen and switch to anaerobic metabolism, what builds up?

   1. A. Lactic acid
   2. B. Carbon dioxide only
   3. C. Bicarbonate
   4. D. Glucose
   Show answer

   Answer: A. Lactic acid

   Lactic acid builds up and causes metabolic acidosis. This is a hallmark of shock.

10. Approximately what percentage of an adult's body weight is water?

    1. A. 45%
    2. B. 60%
    3. C. 80%
    4. D. 30%
    Show answer

    Answer: B. 60%

    About 60% of adult body weight is water. Infants have a higher percentage and older adults a lower one.

11. Most of the body's water is located in which compartment?

    1. A. Intracellular
    2. B. Intravascular
    3. C. Transcellular
    4. D. Interstitial
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Intracellular

    About two-thirds of body water is intracellular. The remaining third is extracellular (interstitial plus intravascular).

12. Interstitial fluid is the fluid found:

    1. A. Between the cells
    2. B. Around the brain and spinal cord
    3. C. Inside the cells
    4. D. Inside the blood vessels
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Between the cells

    Interstitial fluid bathes the cells outside the vessels. Intravascular fluid is plasma.

13. Diffusion is the movement of:

    1. A. Molecules against a gradient using ATP
    2. B. Fluid pushed across a membrane by pressure
    3. C. Solutes from high to low concentration
    4. D. Water toward higher solute concentration
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Solutes from high to low concentration

    Diffusion is passive and runs down the concentration gradient. Oxygen moving into tissues is an example.

14. Osmosis is the movement of:

    1. A. Water toward higher solute concentration
    2. B. Fluid pushed out of capillaries by pressure
    3. C. Molecules against a gradient using ATP
    4. D. Solutes from high to low concentration
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Water toward higher solute concentration

    Water follows solute. This is why IV fluid tonicity matters. Water crosses a semipermeable membrane toward the higher solute concentration.

15. Facilitated diffusion:

    1. A. Moves solutes against a gradient
    2. B. Uses carriers without ATP
    3. C. Requires ATP to move solutes
    4. D. Moves only water through channels
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Uses carriers without ATP

    A carrier protein helps molecules like glucose cross down their gradient, with no energy used.

16. The sodium-potassium pump is an example of:

    1. A. Osmosis
    2. B. Facilitated diffusion
    3. C. Simple diffusion
    4. D. Active transport
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Active transport

    It uses ATP to move 3 Na+ out and 2 K+ in, against their gradients.

17. Filtration across a capillary wall is driven mainly by:

    1. A. Osmosis across the wall
    2. B. Active transport pumps
    3. C. Plasma oncotic pressure
    4. D. Hydrostatic pressure
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Hydrostatic pressure

    Hydrostatic (blood) pressure pushes fluid out of the capillary.

18. A patient with liver failure and a very low albumin level develops edema and ascites. The main reason is:

    1. A. High plasma oncotic pressure pulls fluid into tissue
    2. B. Low plasma oncotic pressure lets fluid leak out of capillaries
    3. C. Excess platelets block the lymphatic vessels
    4. D. Raised hemoglobin increases blood viscosity
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Low plasma oncotic pressure lets fluid leak out of capillaries

    Albumin, made by the liver, creates most of the plasma oncotic pressure that holds water inside capillaries. When albumin falls, hydrostatic pressure pushes fluid out unopposed, causing edema and ascites. High oncotic pressure would pull fluid in. Platelets and hemoglobin do not set capillary fluid balance.

19. An IV solution with the same osmolarity as plasma is:

    1. A. Hypertonic
    2. B. Hypotonic
    3. C. Isotonic
    4. D. A colloid
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Isotonic

    Normal saline and lactated Ringer's are isotonic, so they stay in the extracellular space.

20. A red blood cell placed in a hypotonic solution will:

    1. A. Remain unchanged in size
    2. B. Lose water and collapse
    3. C. Shrink and crenate
    4. D. Swell and possibly burst
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Swell and possibly burst

    Water moves into the cell, where the solute concentration is higher.

21. A cell placed in a hypertonic solution will:

    1. A. Swell as water enters it
    2. B. Burst from water gain
    3. C. Shrink and crenate
    4. D. Stay about the same size
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Shrink and crenate

    Water leaves the cell toward the higher solute concentration outside, so the cell shrinks (crenates).

22. The cell membrane's primary function is to:

    1. A. Digest waste and debris
    2. B. Produce energy for the cell
    3. C. Store the genetic material
    4. D. Control what enters and leaves
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Control what enters and leaves

    It is described as selectively permeable.

23. Proteins embedded in the cell membrane may act as:

    1. A. Energy stores for the cell
    2. B. Channels, receptors, and pumps
    3. C. Digestive enzymes for waste
    4. D. Genetic material carriers
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Channels, receptors, and pumps

    They allow specific substances to cross.

24. Cytoplasm refers to:

    1. A. The outer cell membrane
    2. B. Fluid outside of the cell
    3. C. The nucleus and its contents
    4. D. Gel-like fluid holding organelles
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Gel-like fluid holding organelles

    Most cellular chemistry happens here.

25. The endoplasmic reticulum functions in:

    1. A. ATP production by oxidation
    2. B. Digesting worn-out organelles
    3. C. Cell division and DNA copying
    4. D. Protein and lipid synthesis
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Protein and lipid synthesis

    Rough ER carries ribosomes; smooth ER makes lipids. It synthesizes and transports proteins and lipids.

26. The Golgi apparatus is responsible for:

    1. A. Producing ATP from glucose
    2. B. Packaging proteins for export
    3. C. Digesting engulfed bacteria
    4. D. Copying DNA before division
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Packaging proteins for export

    Think of it as the cell's shipping department. It modifies and packages proteins for transport.

27. During cardiac arrest, myocardial cells run out of ATP within minutes mainly because which organelle cannot work without oxygen?

    1. A. Ribosomes
    2. B. Mitochondria
    3. C. Lysosomes
    4. D. Golgi apparatus
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Mitochondria

    Mitochondria make most ATP by aerobic metabolism, which stops without oxygen. Cells with high energy demand, such as heart and brain cells, are packed with mitochondria and fail first. Ribosomes make proteins, lysosomes digest waste, and the Golgi packages proteins; none of these is the main energy source.

28. The nucleolus is responsible for:

    1. A. Producing ATP for the cell
    2. B. Digesting cellular waste
    3. C. Storing calcium ions
    4. D. Producing ribosomes
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Producing ribosomes

    It sits inside the nucleus.

29. Cellular respiration requires which two inputs?

    1. A. Glucose and oxygen
    2. B. Carbon dioxide and water
    3. C. Protein and fat
    4. D. Water and salt
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Glucose and oxygen

    It produces ATP, carbon dioxide, and water.

30. The waste products of aerobic metabolism are:

    1. A. Lactic acid and heat
    2. B. Glucose and oxygen
    3. C. CO2 and water
    4. D. Ketones and ammonia
    Show answer

    Answer: C. CO2 and water

    The lungs and kidneys remove them.

31. Anaerobic metabolism is inefficient because it:

    1. A. Cannot use glucose as fuel
    2. B. Produces too much carbon dioxide
    3. C. Yields only 2 ATP per glucose
    4. D. Uses more oxygen per glucose
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Yields only 2 ATP per glucose

    It also generates lactic acid.

32. The number of chromosomes in a normal human somatic cell is:

    1. A. 92
    2. B. 23
    3. C. 46
    4. D. 12
    Show answer

    Answer: C. 46

    Sex cells contain 23.

33. Meiosis produces:

    1. A. Two identical daughter cells
    2. B. Four identical body cells
    3. C. Gametes with 23 chromosomes
    4. D. Cells with double the chromosomes
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Gametes with 23 chromosomes

    Fertilization restores the full number. Sex cells have half the normal chromosome number.

34. Cellular differentiation refers to:

    1. A. Programmed cell death
    2. B. Cells swelling from water gain
    3. C. Cells dividing at random
    4. D. Cells specializing for functions
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Cells specializing for functions

    It is how one fertilized egg produces many cell types.

35. Mitosis is important for:

    1. A. Producing sex cells
    2. B. Tissue growth and repair
    3. C. Transporting oxygen
    4. D. Breaking down glucose
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Tissue growth and repair

    Damaged tissue repairs through it.

36. Passive transport processes:

    1. A. Require ATP to proceed
    2. B. Move solutes against gradients
    3. C. Occur only in muscle cells
    4. D. Need no cellular energy
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Need no cellular energy

    Diffusion, osmosis, and filtration are passive.

37. Active transport is necessary when a substance must:

    1. A. Move down its gradient
    2. B. Move against its gradient
    3. C. Cross the membrane freely
    4. D. Dissolve in water
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Move against its gradient

    The sodium-potassium pump is the classic example.

38. The sodium-potassium pump moves:

    1. A. Equal sodium and potassium
    2. B. 3 sodium out, 2 potassium in
    3. C. 3 sodium in, 2 potassium out
    4. D. 2 sodium out, 3 potassium in
    Show answer

    Answer: B. 3 sodium out, 2 potassium in

    This creates the resting membrane potential.

39. Failure of the sodium-potassium pump during hypoxia causes:

    1. A. Cell swelling from sodium influx
    2. B. Cell shrinkage from water loss
    3. C. Potassium to build up inside
    4. D. Increased ATP production in cells
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Cell swelling from sodium influx

    Cellular swelling is an early sign of injury. Sodium and water move into the cell.

40. Endocytosis refers to:

    1. A. Division of one cell into two
    2. B. Water moving across membranes
    3. C. Releasing material from the cell
    4. D. Engulfing material into the cell
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Engulfing material into the cell

    Phagocytosis is one form of it.

41. Exocytosis refers to:

    1. A. Programmed death of the cell
    2. B. Taking material into the cell
    3. C. Passive diffusion of solutes
    4. D. Releasing material via vesicles
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Releasing material via vesicles

    Hormone and neurotransmitter release use it.

42. Phagocytosis is performed primarily by:

    1. A. White blood cells
    2. B. Plasma proteins
    3. C. Mature red blood cells
    4. D. Circulating platelets
    Show answer

    Answer: A. White blood cells

    It is a key part of innate immunity. Neutrophils and macrophages engulf pathogens and debris.

43. A patient with left-sided heart failure develops pulmonary edema mainly because:

    1. A. Plasma oncotic pressure in the pulmonary capillaries rises
    2. B. Lymphatic drainage from the lungs increases sharply
    3. C. Surfactant production in the alveoli increases
    4. D. Raised capillary hydrostatic pressure pushes fluid into the lungs
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Raised capillary hydrostatic pressure pushes fluid into the lungs

    When the left ventricle fails, pressure backs up into the pulmonary veins and capillaries. Higher hydrostatic pressure pushes fluid out into the interstitium and alveoli. A rise in oncotic pressure would pull fluid back in. More lymph drainage and more surfactant would both work against edema.

44. Edema develops when:

    1. A. Interstitial fluid accumulates
    2. B. Intracellular water decreases
    3. C. Cells shrink from water loss
    4. D. Oncotic pressure exceeds hydrostatic
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Interstitial fluid accumulates

    Heart failure and low albumin are common causes.

45. Extracellular fluid includes:

    1. A. Interstitial fluid and plasma
    2. B. Plasma only
    3. C. Cerebrospinal fluid only
    4. D. Intracellular fluid and plasma
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Interstitial fluid and plasma

    It makes up about one-third of body water.

46. The intravascular compartment contains approximately what portion of total body water?

    1. A. Half of total body water
    2. B. Two-thirds of total body water
    3. C. About 25% of body weight
    4. D. Plasma, about 5% of body weight
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Plasma, about 5% of body weight

    Plasma volume is small but critical.

47. Infants have a higher percentage of body water than adults, which means they:

    1. A. Need less fluid per kg
    2. B. Tolerate fluid loss better
    3. C. Have more body fat per kg
    4. D. Dehydrate more quickly
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Dehydrate more quickly

    Fluid losses are proportionally larger. Vomiting and diarrhea cause proportionally larger losses.

48. Older adults typically have:

    1. A. The same water as infants
    2. B. Less total body water
    3. C. More total body water
    4. D. Faster thirst responses
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Less total body water

    Reduced thirst sensation compounds the risk. This increases dehydration risk.

49. In the hospital, hypertonic saline is given to reduce brain swelling. How does it work?

    1. A. It moves water into cells to stabilize them
    2. B. It draws water out of brain cells into the blood
    3. C. It dilates cerebral vessels to drain fluid
    4. D. It lowers blood sodium to reduce edema
    Show answer

    Answer: B. It draws water out of brain cells into the blood

    A hypertonic solution raises plasma osmolarity, so water moves by osmosis out of cells, including swollen brain cells, into the vascular space. Moving water into cells would worsen edema. It does not act by dilating vessels, and it raises blood sodium rather than lowering it.

50. The blood-brain barrier is formed by:

    1. A. Fenestrated capillaries
    2. B. The pia and arachnoid mater
    3. C. Tight capillary junctions
    4. D. The skull and dura mater
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Tight capillary junctions

    It limits which substances reach brain tissue. Tight junctions between brain capillary cells form the barrier.

51. Diffusion occurs faster when:

    1. A. The membrane is thick
    2. B. Temperature is low
    3. C. The gradient is steep
    4. D. The gradient is small
    Show answer

    Answer: C. The gradient is steep

    These principles govern gas exchange in the alveoli. A short distance and large surface area also speed it.

52. Facilitated diffusion is required for substances that:

    1. A. Move against gradients
    2. B. Are lipid soluble
    3. C. Need ATP to move
    4. D. Are too large or polar
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Are too large or polar

    Glucose transport uses carrier proteins.

53. Filtration in the body is best illustrated by:

    1. A. Gas exchange in alveoli
    2. B. Glucose uptake into muscle cells
    3. C. Water absorption in the colon
    4. D. The kidney glomerulus
    Show answer

    Answer: D. The kidney glomerulus

    Pressure forces fluid across a membrane. In the glomerulus, blood pressure pushes water and small solutes out of the capillaries into the capsule. Glucose enters muscle cells by facilitated diffusion through carrier proteins, water is absorbed in the colon by osmosis, and alveolar gas exchange is diffusion; none of these is pressure-driven filtration.

54. A shocked patient's cells switch to anaerobic metabolism. What is the main consequence for cellular energy?

    1. A. More ATP is produced, along with extra lactic acid
    2. B. The same amount of ATP is produced from less glucose
    3. C. Far less ATP per glucose, so membrane pumps begin to fail
    4. D. ATP production stops completely within seconds
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Far less ATP per glucose, so membrane pumps begin to fail

    Anaerobic glycolysis yields only 2 ATP per glucose, far less than aerobic metabolism (about 30 or more). Energy-hungry processes such as the sodium-potassium pump start to fail, so cells swell, and lactic acid builds up. ATP production falls sharply but does not stop.

55. Which condition results directly from prolonged anaerobic metabolism?

    1. A. Metabolic acidosis
    2. B. Hypernatremia
    3. C. Metabolic alkalosis
    4. D. Respiratory alkalosis
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Metabolic acidosis

    Lactic acid accumulates in the blood.

56. The resting membrane potential of a cell is maintained by:

    1. A. Sodium-potassium pump activity
    2. B. Passive leakage of chloride
    3. C. Capillary hydrostatic pressure
    4. D. Osmosis of water into cells
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Sodium-potassium pump activity

    It makes nerve and muscle excitability possible. The pump keeps sodium and potassium unequally distributed by active transport.

57. Cell membranes are described as selectively permeable because they:

    1. A. Let only water and gases pass
    2. B. Sort particles by size alone
    3. C. Pass substances in one direction
    4. D. Let some pass and block others
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Let some pass and block others

    This maintains the internal environment. Permeability depends on size, charge, lipid solubility, and the channels and carriers present, not size alone. Substances cross the membrane in both directions, entering and leaving as needed.

58. A cell deprived of oxygen will first show:

    1. A. Increased protein synthesis
    2. B. Reversible cell swelling
    3. C. Increased cell division
    4. D. Immediate cell death
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Reversible cell swelling

    Restoring oxygen early can reverse them. Early changes include swelling and reduced ATP.

59. Reperfusion injury occurs when:

    1. A. Oxygen is withheld too long
    2. B. Cells divide after ischemia
    3. C. Blood flow is first blocked
    4. D. Restored flow causes damage
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Restored flow causes damage

    It complicates resuscitation from ischemia. Restored blood flow generates free radicals and inflammation that further damage tissue.

60. Which statement about cellular oxygen use is accurate?

    1. A. Cells store large oxygen reserves
    2. B. Anaerobic metabolism meets full demand
    3. C. Cells need constant oxygen supply
    4. D. Brain cells tolerate hypoxia longest
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Cells need constant oxygen supply

    This is why perfusion interruption harms so quickly. Cells hold almost no oxygen in reserve. Anaerobic metabolism yields only a small fraction of the ATP of aerobic metabolism, so it cannot meet normal demand. Brain cells are among the least tolerant of hypoxia and are injured within minutes.

61. A 70-kg adult has about 42 L of total body water. About how much of it is inside the cells?

    1. A. 14 L
    2. B. 3 L
    3. C. 28 L
    4. D. 42 L
    Show answer

    Answer: C. 28 L

    About two-thirds of body water is intracellular: 28 of 42 L. The remaining one-third (14 L) is extracellular, and about 3 L of that is plasma. This is why a liter of crystalloid spreads mostly into the interstitial space rather than staying in the vessels.

62. Which organ system has the greatest role in regulating body fluid volume?

    1. A. Integumentary
    2. B. Respiratory
    3. C. Digestive
    4. D. Urinary
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Urinary

    The kidneys adjust water and sodium excretion.

63. Insensible water loss occurs through:

    1. A. Vomiting and diarrhea
    2. B. Skin and exhaled air
    3. C. Urine and stool output
    4. D. Visible sweating only
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Skin and exhaled air

    It increases with fever and rapid breathing.

64. Which hormone directly controls water reabsorption by the kidneys?

    1. A. Aldosterone
    2. B. Cortisol
    3. C. Antidiuretic hormone
    4. D. Atrial natriuretic peptide
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Antidiuretic hormone

    It is released from the posterior pituitary.

65. Which hormone controls sodium retention?

    1. A. Calcitonin
    2. B. Glucagon
    3. C. Aldosterone
    4. D. Antidiuretic hormone
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Aldosterone

    Water follows the retained sodium.

66. A patient with severe vomiting is likely to lose which electrolytes?

    1. A. Sodium and bicarbonate
    2. B. Calcium and magnesium only
    3. C. Acid, chloride, and potassium
    4. D. Bicarbonate and potassium
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Acid, chloride, and potassium

    Metabolic alkalosis may result. Hydrogen ions, chloride, and potassium are lost, along with some sodium.

67. Excessive diarrhea most often produces:

    1. A. Respiratory acidosis
    2. B. No acid-base change
    3. C. Metabolic acidosis
    4. D. Metabolic alkalosis
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Metabolic acidosis

    Potassium is also lost. Bicarbonate is lost in the stool.

68. The osmotic effect of glucose in the bloodstream during hyperglycemia causes:

    1. A. Water drawn into cells
    2. B. No significant fluid shift
    3. C. Osmotic diuresis
    4. D. Cells swelling with water
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Osmotic diuresis

    This produces the dehydration seen in DKA. Glucose pulls water into the vascular space and it is lost in the urine.

69. Which best describes plasma?

    1. A. Serum left after clotting
    2. B. The fluid portion of blood
    3. C. Lymph from the tissues
    4. D. The cellular part of blood
    Show answer

    Answer: B. The fluid portion of blood

    It makes up roughly 55 percent of blood volume. Plasma is straw-colored and contains water, proteins, and electrolytes.

70. Albumin's most important function in fluid balance is to:

    1. A. Transporting oxygen to tissues
    2. B. Forming fibrin blood clots
    3. C. Maintaining oncotic pressure
    4. D. Buffering blood pH
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Maintaining oncotic pressure

    Low albumin produces widespread edema.

71. Third spacing describes fluid that has:

    1. A. Remained within the vascular space
    2. B. Shifted back into the cells
    3. C. Been excreted by the kidneys
    4. D. Become unavailable to circulation
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Become unavailable to circulation

    Burns and sepsis produce it.

72. Which finding suggests significant intravascular fluid loss?

    1. A. Bradycardia and flushing
    2. B. Hypertension and edema
    3. C. Tachycardia and dry mucosa
    4. D. Bounding pulse and warm skin
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Tachycardia and dry mucosa

    Orthostatic changes may appear early. Poor skin turgor is another sign.

73. The cell's genetic instructions are carried out through:

    1. A. Lysosomes copying the genes
    2. B. RNA messages to ribosomes
    3. C. DNA acting directly in cytoplasm
    4. D. Mitochondria reading DNA
    Show answer

    Answer: B. RNA messages to ribosomes

    Proteins built there determine cell function.

74. Cellular adaptation to increased workload commonly results in:

    1. A. Necrosis
    2. B. Hypertrophy
    3. C. Atrophy
    4. D. Apoptosis
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Hypertrophy

    The heart enlarges under chronic pressure load.

75. A cell that is no longer stimulated or used tends to undergo:

    1. A. Atrophy
    2. B. Hyperplasia
    3. C. Metaplasia
    4. D. Hypertrophy
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Atrophy

    Immobilized muscle shrinks quickly.

76. Which statement about apoptosis is correct?

    1. A. It occurs only with disease
    2. B. It requires no cellular energy
    3. C. It triggers local inflammation
    4. D. It is programmed cell death
    Show answer

    Answer: D. It is programmed cell death

    Necrosis, in contrast, damages neighboring tissue. It is a normal process for removing unneeded cells.