Explore topic-wise InterviewSolutions in .

This section includes InterviewSolutions, each offering curated multiple-choice questions to sharpen your knowledge and support exam preparation. Choose a topic below to get started.

1.

Which of the following can not be used to mediate the fusion of plasma membranes of two different cells?(a) electric shock(b) inactivated viruses(c) Polyethylene glycol(d) emulsifierThis question was posed to me in an interview for job.This is a very interesting question from Cellular Membranes in division Cellular Membranes of Cell Biology

Answer»

The correct choice is (d) emulsifier

For EXPLANATION: There are various techniques that can be used to fuse two different CELLS and all of these are BASICALLY used to either modify the surface of plasma membrane or attach to it (inactivated viruses). EMULSIFIERS however do NEITHER and are hence not used in cell fusion.

2.

On which of the following organisms, the research on nerve cells was first carried out?(a) Drosophila melanogaster(b) Grasshopper(c) Giant squid(d) OctopusI had been asked this question during a job interview.The query is from Cellular Membranes topic in section Cellular Membranes of Cell Biology

Answer»

Right option is (c) Giant SQUID

For explanation: The first research on ACTION potential and nerve impulses was carried on the axons of giant squid in the late 1940s and early 1950s by ALAN HODGKIN, Andrew Huxley, and Bernard KATZ.

3.

Which is the first membrane protein to have its amino acid sequence determined?(a) Glycophorin A(b) Glycophorin B(c) Glycophorin C(d) Glycophorin DThis question was addressed to me in an interview for job.This key question is from Cellular Membranes in chapter Cellular Membranes of Cell Biology

Answer»

Right answer is (a) Glycophorin A

The best I can explain: Glycophorin A is the FIRST membrane protein to have its amino acid sequence DETERMINED. Other glycophorins are present in lesser AMOUNT in the membranes. Glycophorin A has carbohydrates ATTACHED that account for 60% of its weight.

4.

Plasmolysis occurs in __________(a) Hypertonic solution(b) Hypotonic solution(c) Both hypotonic and hypertonic solution(d) Isotonic solutionThis question was posed to me during an internship interview.My question is based upon Movement of Substances Across Cell Membranes topic in division Cellular Membranes of Cell Biology

Answer» RIGHT choice is (a) Hypertonic solution

Best explanation: If a plant cell is placed in a hypertonic medium, its VOLUME shrinks as the water DIFFUSES out of the cell through the cell WALL. The plasma membrane pulls away from the surrounding cell wall. This process of loss of water is called as plasmolysis and it leads to loss of SUPPORT and wilt.
5.

Which of the following facilitates binding of positively charged amino acid residues?(a) Phosphatidyl choline (PC)(b) Phosphatidyl serine (PS)(c) Phosphatidyl ethanolamine (PE)(d) Phosphatidyl inositol(PI)I have been asked this question in an interview for internship.I need to ask this question from Chemical Composition of Membranes in division Cellular Membranes of Cell Biology

Answer»

Right OPTION is (B) Phosphatidyl serine (PS)

Easiest explanation: PS, concentrated in the inner leaflet of cell membrane, has a negative charge at physiologic pH and thus binds positively charged amino acid residues of lysine and arginine. The appearance of PS on the outer surface of aging lymphocytes marks the CELLS for destruction by MACROPHAGES. Appearance of PSon the outer surface of platelets can lead to BLOOD coagulation.

6.

The model of a lipid bilayer lined by a layer of protein molecules on both sides was put forward by _____(a) Davson and Danielli(b) Singer and Nicolson(c) Watson and Crick(d) None of the mentionedI have been asked this question in an interview for job.I'm obligated to ask this question of Chemical Composition of Membranes in portion Cellular Membranes of Cell Biology

Answer»

Right ANSWER is (a) Davson and Danielli

To explain I would say: The model of a lipid bilayer lined by a layer of PROTEIN molecules on both sides was the concept put forward by SCIENTISTS Hugh Davson and James Danielli. However, the FLUID mosaic model of CELL membrane was put forward by S. Jonathan Singer and Garth Nicolson. Watson and Crick put forward the structure of DNA double helix.

7.

Depolarization is when ___________ ions flow inside the neuron’s membrane.(a) Potassium(b) Sodium(c) Chloride(d) MagnesiumThis question was posed to me in unit test.My question is based upon Cellular Membranes topic in portion Cellular Membranes of Cell Biology

Answer»

The correct answer is (b) Sodium

The BEST explanation: DEPOLARIZATION is the flow of sodium ions into the MEMBRANE. These are positively charged and REDUCE the polarity of a cell with respect to EXTERNAL environment and are therefore cause depolarization.

8.

Halobacterium salinarium uses the following for the active transport of ions to induce purple colour.(a) Light energy(b) ATP(c) Voltage(d) Chemical energyI had been asked this question in an interview for job.I'm obligated to ask this question of Movement of Substances Across Cell Membranes in chapter Cellular Membranes of Cell Biology

Answer»

Right option is (a) LIGHT energy

To explain I WOULD say: Halobacterium salinarium is a halophilic archaebacterium, which takes on a purple colour when grown under anaerobic conditions. This is DUE to the presence of bacteriorhodopsin, a proton pump which DEPENDS on light energy. The absorption of light in the RETINAL group of bacteriorhodopsin results in conformational change and a proton from the retinal group moves to the cell exterior.

9.

Hemolysis is associated with which type of cells?(a) hepatocytes(b) germ cells(c) somatic cells(d) red blood cellsThis question was addressed to me in my homework.Enquiry is from Cellular Membranes in portion Cellular Membranes of Cell Biology

Answer»

Correct option is (d) RED blood cells

Easy explanation: Hemolysis is the phenomenon when red blood cells are placed in a dilute HYPOTONIC solution which MAKES the uptake water and RESULTANT swelling. When they swell up, they become leaky and the CONTENTS flow out of the cells.

10.

Integral proteins are also known as ____________(a) Intrinsic proteins(b) Glycosylated proteins(c) Transmembrane proteins(d) Bilayer proteinsI got this question during a job interview.I'm obligated to ask this question of Cellular Membranes in section Cellular Membranes of Cell Biology

Answer»

Right ANSWER is (c) TRANSMEMBRANE proteins

The best explanation: Integral proteins are also known as transmembrane proteins as they pass entirely through the LIPID BILAYER. Transmembrane proteins have domains that protrude both from extracellular side and CYTOPLASMIC side of the cell membrane.

11.

Hydropathy plot helps to _______________(a) Identify hydrophobic amino acids(b) Determine arrangement of amino acids in a transmembrane protein(c) Provides an average hydrophobicity of short peptide segments(d) All of the mentionedThe question was asked in quiz.This question is from Cellular Membranes topic in portion Cellular Membranes of Cell Biology

Answer»

The correct option is (d) All of the mentioned

The explanation is: A hydropathy plot is a method by which transmembrane SEGMENTS of a protein can be identified if the amino acid SEQUENCE of the protein is known. Hydropathy plot assigns each site with a value to measure the hydrophobicity of an amino acid at a site and also at its NEIGHBOURS. This HELPS to determine the arrangement of amino acid in the transmembrane domain, based on its hydrophobic character.

12.

The erythrocyte has a _________________ shape.(a) spherical(b) convex(c) concave(d) bi-concaveI had been asked this question in an online quiz.The query is from Cellular Membranes topic in chapter Cellular Membranes of Cell Biology

Answer»

Correct option is (d) bi-concave

The best I can EXPLAIN: The PERIPHERAL proteins of the PLASMA membrane of an erythrocyte are located on the internal surface and make up a fibrillar membrane skeleton, which plays a major role in DETERMINING the bi-concave SHAPE of an erythrocyte.

13.

The use of optical tweezers in membrane biology was done to confirm the ________________ nature of membranes.(a) self-replicating(b) elastic(c) inelastic(d) photo-responsiveI got this question during an online interview.This intriguing question comes from Cellular Membranes topic in division Cellular Membranes of Cell Biology

Answer»

Correct choice is (b) elastic

The best I can explain: The INTEGRAL membrane proteins are tagged with antibody-coated beads that PROVIDE for HANDLES that can be GRIPPED by laser beam. The experiments concluded that membrane barriers are elastic in NATURE.

14.

GPI- anchored proteins show particular affinity towards ________(a) Cholesterol(b) Hydrophobic tail(c) Lipid rafts(d) PhosphatidylserineThis question was posed to me during an online interview.The question is from Cellular Membranes in division Cellular Membranes of Cell Biology

Answer»

The correct choice is (c) Lipid rafts

The explanation is: CHOLESTEROL and sphingolipids tend to self-assemble into microdomains highly ordered than surrounding lipid of cell membrane. Microdomains float within the fluid environment and are known as lipid rafts. Some proteins tend to BECOME CONCENTRATED in the ordered microdomains and others remain outside the boundaries. GPI- anchored PROTEIN SHOW particular fondness towards the microdomains.

15.

Transmembrane domain of a transmembrane protein is present as_______________(a) Alpha-helix(b) Beta-sheet(c) Triple beta-sheet(d) None of the mentionedI had been asked this question in class test.I want to ask this question from Cellular Membranes topic in section Cellular Membranes of Cell Biology

Answer»

Right ANSWER is (a) Alpha-helix

To explain I WOULD say: TRANSMEMBRANE proteins extend on both sides of the membrane and are present mostly as alpha helices and clusters of helices CALLED the Helical bundle. Some proteins are also present as beta barrel. They are made up of beta sheets that ROLLS up into a tube like shape.

16.

Which part of cholesterol molecule is not embedded in the lipid bilayer?(a) Hydroxyl end of cholesterol(b) Entire molecule of cholesterol(c) Hydrophobic rings(d) Hydroxyl end and ^1⁄4th of the hydrophobic ringsI have been asked this question by my college professor while I was bunking the class.My query is from Chemical Composition of Membranes topic in section Cellular Membranes of Cell Biology

Answer»

Correct ANSWER is (a) Hydroxyl end of cholesterol

The best explanation: Cholesterol MOLECULES are oriented with their SMALL hydrophilic hydroxyl groups TOWARD the membrane surface and the remainder of molecule embedded in LIPID bilayer. The hydrophilic rings of a cholesterol molecule are flat and rigid and interfere with the fatty acid tails of phospholipids.

17.

Glycophorin is involved in which of the following disease?(a) viral fever(b) common cold(c) asthma(d) malariaThis question was posed to me during an interview for a job.This intriguing question comes from Cellular Membranes topic in section Cellular Membranes of Cell Biology

Answer»

The correct option is (d) malaria

Easiest explanation: Glycophorin is the receptor utilized by the protozoan that causes malaria, PROVIDING a PATH for entry into the blood cells. Consequently, those who LACK glycophorin A and B are immune against the DISEASE.

18.

FRAP is a technique to detect ___________(a) Membrane proteins(b) Transporting ions(c) Cholesterol patches(d) Cannot be determinedI got this question in a national level competition.I want to ask this question from Cellular Membranes topic in section Cellular Membranes of Cell Biology

Answer»

Right CHOICE is (a) Membrane proteins

Easy explanation: Fluorescence recovery after photo bleaching (FRAP) is a process by which researchers follow the movement of proteins in cell membranes. A particular membrane protein can be LABELED USING a specific probe, such as a fluorescent antibody. If the labeled proteins are MOBILE, RANDOM movement of these molecules produce a gradual reappearance of fluorescence in an irradiated circle.

19.

The phosphoglycerides in cell membrane are of the _________ type.(a) Triglyceride(b) Diglyceride(c) Monoglyceride(d) PolyglycerideThis question was addressed to me in an internship interview.This intriguing question comes from Chemical Composition of Membranes topic in chapter Cellular Membranes of Cell Biology

Answer»

The correct option is (b) Diglyceride

To ELABORATE: Membrane glycerides, which CONTAIN a phosphate GROUP has two fatty ACIDS. Therefore, they are phosphor-diglycerides. Only two of the hydroxyl groups of the glycerol are esterified to a hydrophilic phosphate group.

20.

Antibody -coated gold particles are used in_______________(a) FRAP(b) SPT(c) X-ray crystallography(d) Cannot be determinedThis question was addressed to me during an online interview.I'm obligated to ask this question of Cellular Membranes in chapter Cellular Membranes of Cell Biology

Answer»

Correct answer is (b) SPT

The explanation is: Single particle tracking or SPT is a method by which individual membrane protein molecules are labeled. Proteins are labeled with antibody-coated gold particles (approximately 40 nm in size). The MOVEMENT of the labeled molecules is FOLLOWED on computer-enhanced VIDEO microscopy.

21.

A neuron fires when _____________________(a) action potential is achieved(b) apoptosis is induced(c) re-stimulation occurs(d) stimulation ceasesI got this question in class test.I would like to ask this question from Cellular Membranes in chapter Cellular Membranes of Cell Biology

Answer» CORRECT answer is (a) ACTION potential is achieved

Easy EXPLANATION: When the external stimulation is strong enough to reach the threshold VALUE which is around -50 mV, the action potential is generated, and firing of the neurons occurs. This is actually the RESPONSE to stimulus.
22.

Membrane potential is present only in nerve cells.(a) True(b) FalseThis question was addressed to me in an online quiz.My query is from Cellular Membranes in portion Cellular Membranes of Cell Biology

Answer»

Right option is (b) False

Easiest explanation: A membrane potential of -70 mV is PRESENT in NEURONS. However this phenomena is not specific to neurons, membrane potential exists in other types of cells as WELL from anywhere between -15 to -100 mV.

23.

Which part of a neuron receives information from other neurons?(a) cell body(b) axon(c) dendrites(d) myelin sheathThis question was addressed to me in an online interview.The origin of the question is Cellular Membranes topic in section Cellular Membranes of Cell Biology

Answer»

The correct answer is (c) DENDRITES

Explanation: The FINE extensions from cell body of the NEURONS are called dendrites which receive information from external sources, USUALLY other neighboring neurons.

24.

The information is forwarded from the neuron through which part?(a) axon(b) soma(c) dendrites(d) nucleusThis question was posed to me in a national level competition.This intriguing question originated from Cellular Membranes topic in chapter Cellular Membranes of Cell Biology

Answer»

Right option is (a) axon

The explanation is: Axon is a single prominent extension that EMERGES from the cell BODY and is RESPONSIBLE for conducting outgoing impulses AWAY from the cell and towards other cells.

25.

Which material was used by Overton in his experiments to conclude the lipid nature of plasma membrane?(a) bacteria(b) yeast(c) plant root hair(d) animal root hairThis question was posed to me in semester exam.This interesting question is from Cellular Membranes in portion Cellular Membranes of Cell Biology

Answer»

The correct ANSWER is (C) plant root hair

Best explanation: Overton placed plant root hair in different solutions containing different solutes.He concluded that more lipid-soluble the solute, more rapidly it would ENTER the root hair cells.

26.

The specific molecules that bind to receptors are _____________(a) Ligands(b) Co-enzymes(c) Substrates(d) EnzymesThis question was posed to me by my school principal while I was bunking the class.Query is from Cellular Membranes topic in portion Cellular Membranes of Cell Biology

Answer»

The correct choice is (a) LIGANDS

To explain: Receptors present on the cellular membrane are responsible for RECEIVING the SIGNALS that come from extracellular environment. These signals are received and the corresponding action is GENERATED upon binding of specific MOLECULES called ligands on the receptors. The ligands have complementary structure with the receptors.

27.

One of the main functions of plasma membranes is to enclose the contents of _____________(a) cell(b) organism(c) bones(d) tissueThe question was asked at a job interview.This question is from Cellular Membranes topic in chapter Cellular Membranes of Cell Biology

Answer»

Right choice is (a) CELL

Best explanation: The main function of the plasma membrane is compartmentalization, to enclose all the ORGANELLES of the cell and thereby SEPARATE them from external HYDROPHILIC environment.

28.

The ratio of Na^+ and K^+ transported by Na^+/K^+-ATPase pump is ___________(a) 1:1(b) 2:1(c) 2:3(d) 3:2The question was posed to me during a job interview.My doubt stems from Movement of Substances Across Cell Membranes in section Cellular Membranes of Cell Biology

Answer»

Correct answer is (d) 3:2

Best explanation: The sodium potassium pump is an active TRANSPORTER that USES ATP to TRANSPORT Na and K ions across a membrane. With each ATP used the pump exports 3 Sodium ions while it imports 2 Potassium ions into the cell.

29.

The ion most abundant in cells and most permeable to cell membrane is ____________(a) K^+(b) Ca^2+(c) Na^+(d) H^+I got this question in semester exam.This is a very interesting question from Movement of Substances Across Cell Membranes in portion Cellular Membranes of Cell Biology

Answer»

Correct choice is (a) K^+

The explanation is: K^+ is the ion that is found in most abundance in cells. It also has the GREATEST PERMEABILITY through cell membrane and as a result, it is PUMPED FASTER than any other ion through the cell membrane by active or passive transport.

30.

Cell fusion can be performed on two cells from different species.(a) True(b) FalseThis question was addressed to me in my homework.I want to ask this question from Cellular Membranes in section Cellular Membranes of Cell Biology

Answer»

Right OPTION is (a) True

Explanation: Cell fusion is a technique to FUSE two cells from different species to FORM ONE cytoplasm and one single CONTINUOUS plasma membrane.

31.

Which of the following exists in nerve and muscle cells?(a) resting potential(b) membrane potential(c) potassium equilibrium potential(d) sodium equilibrium potentialThe question was posed to me by my school principal while I was bunking the class.I'd like to ask this question from Cellular Membranes in division Cellular Membranes of Cell Biology

Answer» CORRECT choice is (a) resting potential

To explain I would say: Nerve and muscle cells are the only excitable cells in the body; the potential difference that exists between extracellular and intracellular environments is TERMED as resting potential. HOWEVER in other cells this VOLTAGE is termed as MEMBRANE potential.
32.

Which type of molecules are involved in responding to external signals received by the cell?(a) Enzymes(b) Nucleic acids(c) Genes(d) ReceptorsI got this question during an online exam.My query is from Cellular Membranes in chapter Cellular Membranes of Cell Biology

Answer»

Right OPTION is (d) Receptors

The best I can explain: Receptors present on the plasma membrane face OUTWARDS in the extracellular environment and are RESPONSIBLE for RESPONDING to signals received by cell. These signals are received in the form of small molecules that bind to the receptor consequently generating an orchestration of intracellular action.

33.

Facilitative transporter ___________(a) Helps in facilitated diffusion(b) Changes conformation(c) Transports molecules passively(d) Changes conformation, transports molecules and facilitated diffusionI got this question in an interview for internship.This is a very interesting question from Movement of Substances Across Cell Membranes topic in chapter Cellular Membranes of Cell Biology

Answer»

The correct answer is (d) Changes conformation, TRANSPORTS molecules and facilitated diffusion

Easy explanation: Facilitated diffusion is a method by which molecules are diffused across the cell MEMBRANE with the help of an intermediate protein called facilitative transporter. The DIFFUSING substance binds selectively to this membrane-spanning protein that facilitates in diffusion PROCESS. It undergoes conformational change, exposing the solute to the other surface of the membrane.

34.

The channel in a membrane protein by which an ion or molecule can be transported in and out of the cell membrane is known as ___________(a) Permeation pathway(b) Permeate channel(c) Permeation channel(d) Channel pathwayI had been asked this question during an interview.This key question is from Cellular Membranes in portion Cellular Membranes of Cell Biology

Answer»

The correct answer is (a) PERMEATION pathway

To explain I would say: Transmembrane PROTEINS act as CHANNELS from the intracellular and extracellular transport of ions and molecules. The CHANNEL through which the transport is done is called permeation pathway as it helps in the permeation of solutes and ions through the membrane.

35.

Which of the following is exoplasmic?(a) Phosphatidyl choline(b) Phosphatidyl serine(c) Phosphatidyl ethanolamine(d) Phosphatidyl inositolI have been asked this question in quiz.Question is taken from Chemical Composition of Membranes topic in portion Cellular Membranes of Cell Biology

Answer»

The correct ANSWER is (a) PHOSPHATIDYL choline

For explanation I would say: The phospholipids of cell membrane are composed of phosphatidyl choline (PC), phosphatidyl serine (PS), phosphatidyl ethanolamine (PE) and phosphatidyl inositol (PI). PC is exoplasmic and present towards the extracellular FLUID. PS, PE and Pi are CYTOSOLIC and located towards the cytoplasm.

36.

FRAP can be used to analyze living cells.(a) True(b) FalseThe question was asked in homework.I want to ask this question from Cellular Membranes in chapter Cellular Membranes of Cell Biology

Answer»

The CORRECT option is (a) True

The best I can explain: FRAP is a technique that can be used to monitor the MOVEMENTS of MOLECULES across the plasma membranes of a living cell under a light MICROSCOPE.

37.

Myelin sheath is composed mainly of _____________(a) proteins(b) lipids(c) nucleic acids(d) cholesterolThis question was posed to me by my school principal while I was bunking the class.My question comes from Cellular Membranes in chapter Cellular Membranes of Cell Biology

Answer»

Right ANSWER is (b) lipids

The explanation: Myelin sheath surrounds the axon which EXTENDS from the soma of a NEURON. Myelin sheath is composed mainly of lipids and their function is to PREVENT loss of impulses.

38.

Which phenomena are made use of in the technique FRAP?(a) electrostatic(b) photothermal(c) hybridization(d) fluorescenceThis question was addressed to me by my college professor while I was bunking the class.Question is from Cellular Membranes topic in division Cellular Membranes of Cell Biology

Answer» CORRECT choice is (d) fluorescence

To explain I would say: Fluorescence RECOVERY after photobleaching (FRAP) is a technique in which integral membrane proteins are labeled with a FLUORESCENT dye, after which they are IRRADIATED by a laser beam.
39.

Which of the following promote curvature of cell membrane?(a) Phosphatidyl choline (PC)(b) Phosphatidyl serine (PS)(c) Phosphatidyl ethanolamine (PE)(d) Phosphatidyl inositol(PI)I have been asked this question in quiz.The query is from Chemical Composition of Membranes in section Cellular Membranes of Cell Biology

Answer»

Correct option is (c) PHOSPHATIDYL ethanolamine (PE)

Easy explanation: PE PROMOTES the curvature of CELL membrane. This is important in the budding and FUSION of cell membranes during maturation.

40.

The concept of transmembrane proteins was obtained from the results of which technique?(a) Freeze-fraction replication(b) Freeze-fracture replication(c) Fraction replication(d) None of the mentionedThis question was posed to me in a national level competition.My question is from Cellular Membranes topic in portion Cellular Membranes of Cell Biology

Answer»

The correct option is (b) Freeze-fracture REPLICATION

The explanation: The concept that transmembrane proteins PENETRATE through the membrane was obtained from the results of freeze-fracture replication. In this procedure, a FROZEN solid tissue is fractured with a knife blade and metals are deposited on their exposed surfaces to form shadowed REPLICA. This is viewed under ELECTRON microscope and it looks like a path strewn with pebbles, called as membrane-associated particles.

41.

Which of the following is covalently attached to a lipid molecule in cell membrane?(a) Integral protein(b) Transmembrane protein(c) Peripheral protein(d) Lipid-anchored proteinThe question was asked in quiz.Question is taken from Cellular Membranes in division Cellular Membranes of Cell Biology

Answer»

Correct option is (d) Lipid-anchored protein

Explanation: Lipid-anchored PROTEINS are located outside the lipid bilayer on EITHER the extracellular or CYTOPLASMIC SURFACE. They are covalently linked to lipid molecules in the CELL membrane. Peripheral proteins are associated to the cell membrane surface by non-covalent bonds.

42.

In animals, the amount of cholesterol present in cell membrane is ___________(a) 20%(b) 15%(c) 50%(d) 33.33%I had been asked this question in quiz.Query is from Chemical Composition of Membranes in chapter Cellular Membranes of Cell Biology

Answer»

Correct ANSWER is (d) 33.33%

EXPLANATION: Animal cell membrane is made up of 50% PROTEIN and 50% Lipids. 60% of all lipids in the membrane are cholesterol molecules. About one THIRD of the cell membrane is made up of cholesterol(1/3rd of 100%= 33.33%).

43.

Two cells can be operated in such a way that leads to a common continuous plasma membrane of both.(a) True(b) FalseThe question was asked in my homework.The question is from Cellular Membranes in division Cellular Membranes of Cell Biology

Answer» RIGHT OPTION is (a) True

The explanation: In a technique called cell fusion, two cells from different species can be fused to have a common cytoplasm and a single CONTINUOUS MEMBRANE.
44.

Saltatory conduction occurs due to _______________(a) axon hillock(b) soma(c) myelin sheath(d) nodes of ranvierI got this question in an interview.Query is from Cellular Membranes topic in chapter Cellular Membranes of Cell Biology

Answer»

Correct option is (c) myelin SHEATH

For explanation: Saltatory conduction OCCURS due to the PRESENCE of lipid-rich myelin sheath on the length of the axon. Due to this the action potential jumps from one NODE to the other, resulting in faster action potential TRANSMISSION.

45.

How many H^+ ions are transported by the vacuole H+-ATPase pump and the vacuole H+-phosphatase pump per hydrolysis of ATP and pyrophosphate respectively?(a) 1, 1(b) 1, 2(c) 2, 1(d) 2, 2This question was addressed to me in an interview.This is a very interesting question from Movement of Substances Across Cell Membranes in chapter Cellular Membranes of Cell Biology

Answer»

The correct option is (C) 2, 1

The explanation is: The VACUOLE H+-ATPase pump and the vacuole H^+-phosphatase pump are membrane proteins on the vacuole membrane that helps in the active transport of H^+ IONS inside the vacuole. With the HYDROLYSIS of one ATP molecule, two H^+ ions can pass through the H^+-ATPase pump. HOWEVER, with the hydrolysis of one pyrophosphate molecule, one H^+ ion can pass through the H+-pyrophospatase pump.

46.

Lipid rafts are ___________(a) Patches of glycoproteins in the lipid bilayer(b) Patches of cholesterol and sphingolipids in lipid bilayer(c) Patches of only cholesterol in lipid bilayers(d) Detached patches of proteins floating on the lipid bilayerThe question was asked at a job interview.This is a very interesting question from Chemical Composition of Membranes in division Cellular Membranes of Cell Biology

Answer»

Right option is (b) PATCHES of cholesterol and sphingolipids in lipid bilayer

Explanation: When MEMBRANE LIPIDS are extracted from cell and used to produce artificial lipid bilayers, cholesterol and sphingolipids tend to self-assemble into microdomains HIGHLY ordered than surrounding lipid. Microdomains float within the fluid environment and are known as lipid rafts.

47.

Which of the following has the highest permeability in a resting nerve cell?(a) Na^+(b) Cl^–(c) I^–(d) K^+I have been asked this question during an internship interview.This intriguing question comes from Cellular Membranes in chapter Cellular Membranes of Cell Biology

Answer»

Correct answer is (d) K^+

The best I can explain: K^+ has the HIGHEST permeability in RESTING nerve cells. Most of the ion channels open in the membrane of a resting nerve cell are selective for potassium, REFERRED to as potassium leak channels.

48.

The fluid mosaic model was proposed in the year __________(a) 1942(b) 1972(c) 2002(d) 1872I have been asked this question by my school teacher while I was bunking the class.The origin of the question is Cellular Membranes in chapter Cellular Membranes of Cell Biology

Answer»

Right option is (b) 1972

To elaborate: The FLUID mosaic model proposed in 1972 by S. Jonathan SINGER and Garth Nicolson of the University of California, San Diego. This model has served as the CENTRAL DOGMA of membrane BIOLOGY for over three decades.

49.

Which of the following channels depend on forces such as stretch tension applied on the membrane?(a) Voltage-gated channels(b) Mechano-gated channels(c) Ligand-gated channels(d) Tension-gated channelsThis question was addressed to me during an interview for a job.I'm obligated to ask this question of Movement of Substances Across Cell Membranes in section Cellular Membranes of Cell Biology

Answer»

Right option is (b) Mechano-gated channels

Explanation: The conformational CHANGE of mechano- gated channels DEPEND on mechanical forces that are applied to the membrane. These mechanical forces such as STRETCH tension forces the CHANNEL to open the pathway for the transport of ions and SOLUTES.

50.

Carbohydrates present in cell membrane are generally ___________(a) Monosaccharides(b) Disachharides(c) Oligosaccharides(d) PolysaccharidesThis question was addressed to me during a job interview.This key question is from Chemical Composition of Membranes topic in division Cellular Membranes of Cell Biology

Answer»

Correct OPTION is (c) Oligosaccharides

To elaborate: The modification of membrane proteins by addition of CARBOHYDRATES occurs by a PROCESS called glycosylation. The carbohydrate of glycoproteins is present as short, branched hydrophilic oligosaccharides. In contrast to long-chained polysaccharides, they only have upto 15 sugars PER CHAIN.