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NSG 530 EXAM 1: ADVANCED
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Complete Questions & Answers (A+ Graded 100%
Verified)
With Detailed Rationales | 2026-2027 Edition
Wilkes University
Topic 1: Cellular Biology and Function (Questions 1-15)
Question 1
Which of the following are the three major components of eukaryotic
cells?
A) Nucleus, ribosomes, and cell membrane
B) Nucleus, cytoplasm, and mitochondria
C) Nucleus, cytoplasm, and cell membrane
D) Cell membrane, mitochondria, and Golgi apparatus
Correct Answer: C) Nucleus, cytoplasm, and cell membrane
Rationale: The three major components of eukaryotic cells are
the nucleus (control center containing DNA), cytoplasm (contains
water, electrolytes, proteins, and fats), and cell
membrane (semipermeable phospholipid bilayer with protein receptor
sites) . Ribosomes and mitochondria are organelles found within the
cytoplasm, not primary cellular components.
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Question 2
Which organelle is responsible for creating ATP and is known as the
"powerhouse of the cell"?
A) Ribosomes
B) Golgi apparatus
C) Lysosomes
D) Mitochondria
Correct Answer: D) Mitochondria
Rationale: Mitochondria are responsible for cellular respiration and ATP
(adenosine triphosphate) production through oxidative phosphorylation .
Ribosomes synthesize proteins, the Golgi apparatus packages substances
for excretion, and lysosomes break down substances for reuse.
Question 3
During which phase of the cell cycle does DNA replication occur?
A) Prophase
B) G1 phase
C) S phase
D) Telophase
Correct Answer: C) S phase
Rationale: The S phase (synthesis phase) of interphase is when DNA
replication occurs, duplicating the genetic material in preparation for cell
division . During G1, the cell grows and performs normal functions;
during G2, it prepares for mitosis. Prophase and telophase are stages of
mitosis where chromosomes condense and nuclear membranes reform,
respectively.
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Question 4
A cell is placed in a hypertonic solution. What will happen to the cell?
A) It will swell and potentially burst
B) It will shrink due to water loss
C) It will remain unchanged
D) It will undergo mitosis
Correct Answer: B) It will shrink due to water loss
Rationale: In a hypertonic solution, the solute concentration outside the
cell is higher than inside, causing water to move out of the cell by
osmosis . This leads to cell shrinkage (crenation). A hypotonic solution
would cause swelling and potential lysis.
Question 5
The sodium-potassium pump is an example of which type of cellular
transport?
A) Passive transport
B) Facilitated diffusion
C) Active transport
D) Osmosis
Correct Answer: C) Active transport
Rationale: The sodium-potassium pump is an active transport
mechanism that uses ATP (energy) to move three sodium ions out of the
cell and two potassium ions into the cell against their concentration
gradients . Passive transport (including facilitated diffusion and osmosis)
requires no energy.
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Question 6
What is the function of lysosomes within the cell?
A) Protein synthesis
B) Energy production
C) Breakdown of substances to be used again
D) Packaging of excreted substances
Correct Answer: C) Breakdown of substances to be used again
Rationale: Lysosomes contain hydrolytic enzymes that break down
cellular waste, damaged organelles, and foreign materials through
phagocytosis and autophagy . They recycle cellular components for
reuse. Ribosomes handle protein synthesis, mitochondria handle energy
production, and the Golgi apparatus handles packaging.
Question 7
Ribosomes are the site of:
A) ATP production
B) Protein synthesis
C) Lipid synthesis
D) DNA replication
Correct Answer: B) Protein synthesis
Rationale: Ribosomes, composed of rRNA and protein, translate
messenger RNA (mRNA) sequences into polypeptide chains during
protein synthesis . Free ribosomes synthesize intracellular proteins,
while rough ER-bound ribosomes synthesize proteins for secretion or
membrane incorporation.
NSG 530 EXAM 1: ADVANCED
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Complete Questions & Answers (A+ Graded 100%
Verified)
With Detailed Rationales | 2026-2027 Edition
Wilkes University
Topic 1: Cellular Biology and Function (Questions 1-15)
Question 1
Which of the following are the three major components of eukaryotic
cells?
A) Nucleus, ribosomes, and cell membrane
B) Nucleus, cytoplasm, and mitochondria
C) Nucleus, cytoplasm, and cell membrane
D) Cell membrane, mitochondria, and Golgi apparatus
Correct Answer: C) Nucleus, cytoplasm, and cell membrane
Rationale: The three major components of eukaryotic cells are
the nucleus (control center containing DNA), cytoplasm (contains
water, electrolytes, proteins, and fats), and cell
membrane (semipermeable phospholipid bilayer with protein receptor
sites) . Ribosomes and mitochondria are organelles found within the
cytoplasm, not primary cellular components.
,2|Page
Question 2
Which organelle is responsible for creating ATP and is known as the
"powerhouse of the cell"?
A) Ribosomes
B) Golgi apparatus
C) Lysosomes
D) Mitochondria
Correct Answer: D) Mitochondria
Rationale: Mitochondria are responsible for cellular respiration and ATP
(adenosine triphosphate) production through oxidative phosphorylation .
Ribosomes synthesize proteins, the Golgi apparatus packages substances
for excretion, and lysosomes break down substances for reuse.
Question 3
During which phase of the cell cycle does DNA replication occur?
A) Prophase
B) G1 phase
C) S phase
D) Telophase
Correct Answer: C) S phase
Rationale: The S phase (synthesis phase) of interphase is when DNA
replication occurs, duplicating the genetic material in preparation for cell
division . During G1, the cell grows and performs normal functions;
during G2, it prepares for mitosis. Prophase and telophase are stages of
mitosis where chromosomes condense and nuclear membranes reform,
respectively.
,3|Page
Question 4
A cell is placed in a hypertonic solution. What will happen to the cell?
A) It will swell and potentially burst
B) It will shrink due to water loss
C) It will remain unchanged
D) It will undergo mitosis
Correct Answer: B) It will shrink due to water loss
Rationale: In a hypertonic solution, the solute concentration outside the
cell is higher than inside, causing water to move out of the cell by
osmosis . This leads to cell shrinkage (crenation). A hypotonic solution
would cause swelling and potential lysis.
Question 5
The sodium-potassium pump is an example of which type of cellular
transport?
A) Passive transport
B) Facilitated diffusion
C) Active transport
D) Osmosis
Correct Answer: C) Active transport
Rationale: The sodium-potassium pump is an active transport
mechanism that uses ATP (energy) to move three sodium ions out of the
cell and two potassium ions into the cell against their concentration
gradients . Passive transport (including facilitated diffusion and osmosis)
requires no energy.
, 4|Page
Question 6
What is the function of lysosomes within the cell?
A) Protein synthesis
B) Energy production
C) Breakdown of substances to be used again
D) Packaging of excreted substances
Correct Answer: C) Breakdown of substances to be used again
Rationale: Lysosomes contain hydrolytic enzymes that break down
cellular waste, damaged organelles, and foreign materials through
phagocytosis and autophagy . They recycle cellular components for
reuse. Ribosomes handle protein synthesis, mitochondria handle energy
production, and the Golgi apparatus handles packaging.
Question 7
Ribosomes are the site of:
A) ATP production
B) Protein synthesis
C) Lipid synthesis
D) DNA replication
Correct Answer: B) Protein synthesis
Rationale: Ribosomes, composed of rRNA and protein, translate
messenger RNA (mRNA) sequences into polypeptide chains during
protein synthesis . Free ribosomes synthesize intracellular proteins,
while rough ER-bound ribosomes synthesize proteins for secretion or
membrane incorporation.
