Cell structure and organelles US Medical PG Practice Questions and MCQs
Practice US Medical PG questions for Cell structure and organelles. These multiple choice questions (MCQs) cover important concepts and help you prepare for your exams.
Cell structure and organelles US Medical PG Question 1: An investigator is developing a drug that selectively inhibits the retrograde axonal transport of rabies virus towards the central nervous system. To achieve this effect, this drug must target which of the following?
- A. Dynein (Correct Answer)
- B. Tubulin
- C. Nidogen
- D. Kinesin
- E. Acetylcholine
Cell structure and organelles Explanation: ***Dynein***
- **Dynein** is a microtubule-dependent motor protein responsible for **retrograde axonal transport**, moving cargo (like rabies virus) away from the axon terminals towards the cell body and ultimately the central nervous system.
- Inhibiting dynein would therefore prevent the **rabies virus** from traveling from the site of infection (e.g., muscle cell) to the central nervous system.
*Tubulin*
- **Tubulin** is the primary protein subunit that polymerizes to form **microtubules**, which serve as the tracks for axonal transport.
- Inhibiting tubulin polymerization would disrupt both **anterograde** and **retrograde transport** nonspecifically, leading to severe neurotoxicity rather than selective inhibition of rabies virus transport.
*Nidogen*
- **Nidogen** (also known as entactin) is a glycoprotein component of the **basal lamina**, an extracellular matrix structure.
- It plays a role in cell adhesion and tissue organization but is not directly involved in the intracellular motor processes of axonal transport.
*Kinesin*
- **Kinesin** is a microtubule-dependent motor protein primarily responsible for **anterograde axonal transport**, moving cargo from the cell body towards the axon terminals.
- Inhibiting kinesin would disrupt the outward movement of vesicles and organelles, but would not prevent the **inward retrograde transport** of the rabies virus.
*Acetylcholine*
- **Acetylcholine** is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in synaptic transmission in both the peripheral and central nervous systems.
- While rabies virus can affect neuronal function, acetylcholine itself is not a motor protein or a structural component directly involved in the physical process of **axonal transport**.
Cell structure and organelles US Medical PG Question 2: An investigator is studying the function of the endoplasmic reticulum in genetically modified lymphocytes. A gene is removed that facilitates the binding of ribosomes to the endoplasmic reticulum. Which of the following processes is most likely to be impaired as a result of this genetic modification?
- A. Production of secretory proteins (Correct Answer)
- B. Neutralization of toxins
- C. Ubiquitination of proteins
- D. α-Oxidation of fatty acids
- E. Synthesis of ketone bodies
Cell structure and organelles Explanation: ***Production of secretory proteins***
- Ribosomes bound to the **rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER)** are responsible for synthesizing proteins destined for secretion, insertion into membranes, or delivery to organelles like lysosomes.
- If ribosomes cannot bind to the ER, these proteins will be synthesized in the **cytosol** and lack the proper signals and processing for their intended destination and function.
*Neutralization of toxins*
- The **smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER)**, not the RER, is primarily involved in **detoxification** processes, particularly drug metabolism and neutralization of toxins.
- This function relies on enzymes embedded within the SER membrane and is largely independent of ribosome binding.
*Ubiquitination of proteins*
- **Ubiquitination** is a post-translational modification that tags proteins for degradation by the **proteasome** or for trafficking to specific cellular compartments.
- This process occurs primarily in the **cytosol** and does not directly rely on ribosome binding to the ER for protein synthesis.
*α-Oxidation of fatty acids*
- **α-oxidation of fatty acids** is a metabolic pathway that occurs primarily in the **peroxisomes**.
- It is distinct from protein synthesis on the ER and would not be directly impacted by the inability of ribosomes to bind to the ER.
*Synthesis of ketone bodies*
- The **synthesis of ketone bodies** (ketogenesis) primarily occurs in the **mitochondria** of liver cells.
- This metabolic pathway is not directly dependent on ribosome binding to the endoplasmic reticulum for its function.
Cell structure and organelles US Medical PG Question 3: An 11-month-old boy is brought to a pediatrician by his parents with a recurrent cough, which he has had since the age of 2 months. He has required 3 hospitalizations for severe wheezing episodes. His mother also mentions that he often has diarrhea. The boy’s detailed history reveals that he required hospitalization for meconium ileus during the neonatal period. Upon physical examination, his temperature is 37.0°C (98.6ºF), pulse rate is 104/min, respiratory rate is 40/min, and blood pressure is 55/33 mm Hg. An examination of the boy’s respiratory system reveals the presence of bilateral wheezing and scattered crepitations. An examination of his cardiovascular system does not reveal any abnormality. His length is 67.3 cm (26.5 in) and weight is 15 kg (33 lbs). His sweat chloride level is 74 mmol/L. His genetic evaluation confirms that he has an autosomal recessive disorder resulting in a dysfunctional membrane-bound protein. Which of the following best describes the mechanism associated with the most common mutation that causes this disorder?
- A. Decreased chloride transport through the protein
- B. Disordered regulation of the protein
- C. Decreased transcription of the protein due to splicing defect
- D. Complete absence of the protein
- E. Defective maturation and early degradation of the protein (Correct Answer)
Cell structure and organelles Explanation: ***Defective maturation and early degradation of the protein***
- The clinical picture (recurrent cough, wheezing, diarrhea, meconium ileus, elevated sweat chloride, autosomal recessive inheritance) strongly points to **cystic fibrosis (CF)**. The most common mutation in CF is **F508del**, which leads to misfolding of the **CFTR protein**, causing retention in the endoplasmic reticulum and subsequent degradation before reaching the cell membrane.
- This **defective processing and early degradation** result in a significant reduction or absence of functional CFTR protein at the cell surface, leading to impaired chloride transport.
*Decreased chloride transport through the protein*
- While **decreased chloride transport** is the ultimate functional consequence of cystic fibrosis, it is not the direct mechanism associated with the **F508del mutation's impact** on the CFTR protein itself.
- This option describes the **physiological result** of the protein defect, not the cellular/molecular mechanism of the most common mutation.
*Disordered regulation of the protein*
- **Disordered regulation** could be a potential mechanism for some CFTR mutations (Class IV mutations), affecting how the channel opens and closes or responds to signaling.
- However, for the **F508del mutation** (Class II mutation), the primary issue is the **lack of properly localized protein** due to misfolding and degradation, rather than a problem with the regulation or gating of the protein once it reaches the membrane.
*Decreased transcription of the protein due to splicing defect*
- **Decreased transcription** or **splicing defects** (Class I and V mutations) would result in reduced mRNA levels or incorrectly formed mRNA, leading to less protein synthesis.
- The **F508del mutation** involves a deletion of three nucleotides in exon 10, leading to a missing phenylalanine at position 508. Importantly, **transcription and splicing occur normally**; the mRNA is produced correctly. The problem arises at the **post-translational level** with protein folding, not at the transcriptional or splicing level.
*Complete absence of the protein*
- While functional CFTR protein is largely absent at the cell surface in F508del, the protein is **initially synthesized** in the endoplasmic reticulum.
- The problem is its **misfolding and rapid degradation**, preventing it from reaching the membrane, rather than a complete failure of protein synthesis from the outset (which would be seen in nonsense or frameshift mutations causing Class I defects).
Cell structure and organelles US Medical PG Question 4: An investigator is studying human genetics and cell division. A molecule is used to inhibit the exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes. Which of the following phases of the cell cycle does the molecule target?
- A. Prophase II
- B. Prophase I (Correct Answer)
- C. Metaphase II
- D. Telophase I
- E. Anaphase I
Cell structure and organelles Explanation: ***Prophase I***
- **Crossing over** (genetic recombination) occurs specifically during **Prophase I** of meiosis, particularly during the pachytene stage
- During this phase, homologous chromosomes pair up (synapsis) and exchange genetic material through recombination
- Inhibiting this exchange means targeting the phase where this critical genetic recombination takes place
*Prophase II*
- Prophase II is a stage in meiosis II where chromosomes condense again after a brief interkinesis
- **Crossing over does not occur** in Prophase II - genetic recombination has already been completed in Prophase I
- Homologous chromosomes are no longer paired at this stage
*Metaphase II*
- During Metaphase II, individual chromosomes (not homologous pairs) align along the metaphase plate
- There is **no exchange of genetic material** between homologous chromosomes at this stage
- This phase prepares for the separation of sister chromatids
*Telophase I*
- Telophase I involves decondensation of chromosomes and reformation of nuclear envelopes around the separated homologous chromosomes
- This marks the end of meiosis I, **after** genetic exchange has already occurred in Prophase I
- No crossing over occurs during this phase
*Anaphase I*
- In Anaphase I, **homologous chromosomes separate** and move to opposite poles of the cell
- This phase is characterized by segregation of chromosomes, **not genetic exchange**
- Crossing over has already been completed by this stage
Cell structure and organelles US Medical PG Question 5: A newborn is found to have cystic fibrosis during routine newborn screening. The parents, both biochemists, are curious about the biochemical basis of their newborn's condition. The pediatrician explains that the mutation causing cystic fibrosis affects the CFTR gene which codes for the CFTR channel. Which of the following correctly describes the pathogenesis of the most common CFTR mutation?
- A. Insufficient CFTR channel production (Correct Answer)
- B. Excess CFTR channel production
- C. Defective post-translational hydroxylation of the CFTR channel
- D. Defective post-translational phosphorylation of the CFTR channel
- E. Defective post-translational glycosylation of the CFTR channel
Cell structure and organelles Explanation: ***Insufficient CFTR channel production***
- The most common CFTR gene mutation, **delta F508**, leads to the production of a misfolded CFTR protein that is retained in the endoplasmic reticulum and subsequently **degraded**, significantly reducing the number of functional channels reaching the cell surface.
- This **protein misfolding** and degradation results in insufficient delivery of CFTR channels to the apical membrane of epithelial cells, causing the characteristic electrolyte and fluid transport defects.
*Excess CFTR channel production*
- Cystic fibrosis is characterized by a *deficiency* in functional CFTR channels, not an excess.
- An overproduction of functional CFTR channels would lead to excessive chloride transport, which is the opposite of what is observed in CF.
*Defective post-translational hydroxylation of the CFTR channel*
- **Hydroxylation** is a common post-translational modification, but it is not the primary defect responsible for the pathogenesis of the most common CFTR mutation.
- Defects in hydroxylation are more typically associated with conditions like **scurvy** (collagen hydroxylation) or issues with protein stability mediated by hydroxylases.
*Defective post-translational phosphorylation of the CFTR channel*
- While CFTR channel activity is regulated by **phosphorylation** by protein kinase A, the primary defect in **delta F508 CFTR** is not a failure of phosphorylation itself.
- The problem is that the misfolded protein never reaches the cell surface to be properly phosphorylated and activated, making phosphorylation a secondary issue rather than the root cause of the channel deficiency.
*Defective post-translational glycosylation of the CFTR channel*
- **Glycosylation** is an important aspect of CFTR protein maturation, occurring in the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi.
- In the case of the **delta F508 mutation**, the misfolded protein is largely *prevented* from reaching the Golgi, where it would undergo complex glycosylation, so the defect is more fundamental (misfolding and degradation) rather than an error in the glycosylation process itself.
Cell structure and organelles US Medical PG Question 6: A 12-month-old child passed away after suffering from craniofacial abnormalities, neurologic dysfunction, and hepatomegaly. Analysis of the child’s blood plasma shows an increase in very long chain fatty acids. The cellular analysis demonstrates dysfunction of an organelle responsible for the breakdown of these fatty acids within the cell. Postmortem, the child is diagnosed with Zellweger syndrome. The family is informed about the autosomal recessive inheritance pattern of the disease and their carrier status. Which of the following processes is deficient in the dysfunctional organelle in this disease?
- A. Transcription
- B. Phosphorylation
- C. Translation
- D. Ubiquitination
- E. Beta-oxidation (Correct Answer)
Cell structure and organelles Explanation: ***Beta-oxidation***
- Zellweger syndrome is a **peroxisomal disorder** where the peroxisomes are either absent or dysfunctional.
- Peroxisomes are primarily responsible for the **beta-oxidation** of very long chain fatty acids (VLCFAs, >C22) and branched-chain fatty acids.
- Mitochondria handle shorter chain fatty acids, but **only peroxisomes can initiate breakdown of VLCFAs**, which explains why these fatty acids accumulate in the blood when peroxisomes are defective.
*Transcription*
- **Transcription** is the process of synthesizing RNA from a DNA template in the nucleus.
- This process is not directly affected in Zellweger syndrome, which involves organelle dysfunction, not gene expression at the mRNA level.
*Phosphorylation*
- **Phosphorylation** is the addition of a phosphate group to a molecule, a common post-translational modification or energy transfer mechanism.
- While essential for many metabolic pathways, it is not the primary enzymatic process deficient in peroxisomes in Zellweger syndrome.
*Translation*
- **Translation** is the process by which ribosomes synthesize proteins from mRNA in the cytoplasm.
- This cellular process is not the direct cause of the accumulation of very long chain fatty acids in Zellweger syndrome.
*Ubiquitination*
- **Ubiquitination** is a process that tags proteins for degradation by the proteasome.
- While critical for protein turnover, it is not the deficient metabolic pathway within peroxisomes in Zellweger syndrome.
Cell structure and organelles US Medical PG Question 7: A 32-year-old man presents to the emergency room for a generalized tonic-clonic seizure. After stabilizing the patient, a full radiologic evaluation reveals multiple contrast-enhancing lesions in the brain, lungs, and liver. According to his wife, he lost several pounds in the last few months. The medical history is relevant for cryptorchidism, with abdominal testes that were surgically transferred to the scrotum just before he turned 1-year old. His lab investigation reveals:
α-fetoprotein:
9 ng/mL (normal values < 10 ng/mL)
Human chorionic gonadotropin:
1,895 IU/L (normal values < 0.5 IU/L)
Which of the following microscopic features best describes the lesions seen in this patient's imaging study?
- A. Germ cells with well-defined borders, central nuclei, prominent nucleoli, and clear cytoplasm
- B. Mixture of primitive neuroectoderm, loose mesenchyme, and primitive glandular structures
- C. Intimate association of syncytiotrophoblast and cytotrophoblast cells (Correct Answer)
- D. Glomerulus-like structure with a mesoderm core, a central capillary, and lined with germ cells
- E. Cells with hyaline-like globules
Cell structure and organelles Explanation: ***Intimate association of syncytiotrophoblast and cytotrophoblast cells***
- The combination of a **generalized tonic-clonic seizure** (suggesting brain metastasis), **multiple contrast-enhancing lesions** in brain, lungs, and liver, weight loss, history of **cryptorchidism**, and significantly **elevated human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)** (1,895 IU/L, normal < 0.5 IU/L) despite normal AFP, is highly indicative of a **choriocarcinoma**.
- **Choriocarcinomas** are characterized microscopically by an intimate admixture of **syncytiotrophoblast** and **cytotrophoblast cells** lacking chorionic villi. These tumors are highly aggressive and prone to widespread metastasis, particularly to the lungs, brain, and liver.
*Germ cells with well-defined borders, central nuclei, prominent nucleoli, and clear cytoplasm*
- This description is characteristic of **seminoma**, the most common germ cell tumor.
- While seminomas can spread, the extremely high hCG levels without elevated AFP and the rapid, widespread metastasis depicted are more typical of choriocarcinoma.
*Mixture of primitive neuroectoderm, loose mesenchyme, and primitive glandular structures*
- This description refers to the microscopic features of an **immature teratoma**.
- While immature teratomas can arise from germ cells, they typically do not produce such high levels of hCG, and their metastatic pattern is often different.
*Glomerulus-like structure with a mesoderm core, a central capillary, and lined with germ cells*
- This is the classic description of a **Schiller-Duval body**, which is pathognomonic for a **yolk sac tumor** (also known as endodermal sinus tumor).
- Yolk sac tumors are associated with elevated **alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)**, which is normal in this patient.
*Cells with hyaline-like globules*
- The presence of **hyaline-like globules** (containing AFP and/or alpha-1-antitrypsin) is also a feature seen in **yolk sac tumors**.
- As mentioned, the normal AFP level in this patient makes a yolk sac tumor less likely.
Cell structure and organelles US Medical PG Question 8: An investigator is conducting a study to document the histological changes in the respiratory tree of a chronic smoker. He obtains multiple biopsy samples from the respiratory system of a previously healthy 28-year-old man. Histopathological examination of one sample shows simple cuboidal cells with a surrounding layer of smooth muscle. Chondrocytes and goblet cells are absent. This specimen was most likely obtained from which of the following parts of the respiratory system?
- A. Terminal bronchiole (Correct Answer)
- B. Alveolar sac
- C. Main stem bronchus
- D. Bronchiole
- E. Respiratory bronchiole
Cell structure and organelles Explanation: ***Terminal bronchiole***
- Terminal bronchioles are lined by **simple cuboidal epithelium** and contain surrounding **smooth muscle** but lack cartilage (chondrocytes) and goblet cells, matching the histological description.
- They represent the most distal purely conducting airways before respiratory bronchioles, where gas exchange begins.
*Alveolar sac*
- Alveolar sacs are primarily composed of **Type I and Type II pneumocytes** for gas exchange, and would not have a prominent smooth muscle layer or cuboidal cells in this described pattern.
- They are the terminal structures of the respiratory tree where gas exchange occurs, defined by very thin walls lacking cartilage and goblet cells.
*Main stem bronchus*
- The main stem bronchi are characterized by **pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium** with abundant **goblet cells** and contain **hyaline cartilage** (chondrocytes) in their walls.
- The presence of goblet cells and cartilage (chondrocytes) makes this option inconsistent with the given histological findings.
*Bronchiole*
- Bronchioles are generally lined by **ciliated columnar to cuboidal epithelium** with scattered goblet cells in larger ones, and they possess smooth muscle but lack cartilage.
- While they share some features with terminal bronchioles, the presence of goblet cells (even if sparse) distinguishes bronchioles from terminal bronchioles.
*Respiratory bronchiole*
- Respiratory bronchioles are distinguished by their walls having occasional **alveoli**, indicating the beginning of gas exchange. Their epithelium is cuboidal.
- They would not be described as having a "surrounding layer of smooth muscle" in isolation as clearly as a terminal bronchiole, and the presence of alveoli would be a key distinguishing feature.
Cell structure and organelles US Medical PG Question 9: A 38-year-old man comes to the physician because of a 6-month history of chest discomfort and progressive dyspnea. He cannot do daily chores without feeling out of breath. He was diagnosed in childhood with a milder X-linked dystrophinopathy that has caused progressive proximal muscle weakness and gait abnormalities over the years. Physical examination shows a waddling gait and weak patellar reflexes. Cardiovascular examination shows a holosystolic murmur, displaced point of maximal impulse, and bilateral pitting edema of the ankles. Laboratory studies show elevated levels of brain natriuretic peptide. Which of the following is the most likely underlying cause of this patient's muscle weakness?
- A. Increased number of CTG repeats in the DMPK gene
- B. Interruption of microtubule depolymerization through stabilization of GDP-tubulin
- C. Impaired connection of cytoskeletal actin filaments to membrane-bound dystroglycan (Correct Answer)
- D. Cell–mediated cytotoxicity against skeletal muscle antigens in the endomysium
- E. Defective lysine-hydroxylysine crosslinking of tropocollagen
Cell structure and organelles Explanation: ***Impaired connection of cytoskeletal actin filaments to membrane-bound dystroglycan***
- The description of a **milder X-linked dystrophinopathy** with progressive muscle weakness and gait abnormalities, coupled with cardiac manifestations like a **holosystolic murmur** and elevated **BNP**, is characteristic of a **dystrophinopathy**, such as **Becker muscular dystrophy**.
- **Dystrophin** is a critical protein that links the **cytoskeletal actin filaments** to the **dystroglycan complex** at the sarcolemma, providing mechanical stability to muscle fibers. Impaired connection leads to muscle fragility and degeneration.
*Increased number of CTG repeats in the DMPK gene*
- This describes **myotonic dystrophy type 1**, which is an autosomal dominant condition, not X-linked.
- While it causes muscle weakness, it is also associated with **myotonia**, testicular atrophy, and cataracts, which are not mentioned.
*Interruption of microtubule depolymerization through stabilization of GDP-tubulin*
- This mechanism is associated with **chemotherapeutic agents** like taxanes (e.g., paclitaxel, docetaxel), which interfere with cell division.
- It does not explain a genetic, progressive muscle weakness disorder.
*Cell–mediated cytotoxicity against skeletal muscle antigens in the endomysium*
- This describes the pathophysiology of **polymyositis**, an **inflammatory myopathy**.
- Polymyositis is an autoimmune condition and does not typically present as an X-linked inherited disorder diagnosed in childhood.
*Defective lysine-hydroxylysine crosslinking of tropocollagen*
- This mechanism is characteristic of disorders affecting **collagen synthesis** and cross-linking, such as **Ehlers-Danlos syndrome**.
- These conditions primarily affect connective tissue, leading to joint hypermobility, skin hyperextensibility, and tissue fragility, not primarily progressive muscle weakness due to dystrophin deficiency.
Cell structure and organelles US Medical PG Question 10: An investigator is examining tissue samples from various muscle tissue throughout the body. She notices that biopsies collected from a specific site have a high concentration of sarcoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, and myoglobin; they also stain poorly for ATPase. Additionally, the cell surface membranes of the myocytes in the specimen lack voltage-gated calcium channels. These myocytes are found in the greatest concentration at which of the following sites?
- A. Ventricular myocardium
- B. Tunica media
- C. Lateral rectus muscle
- D. Glandular myoepithelium
- E. Semispinalis muscle (Correct Answer)
Cell structure and organelles Explanation: ***Semispinalis muscle***
- The described characteristics—**high concentration of sarcoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, and myoglobin** with **poor ATPase staining**—are hallmarks of **Type I (slow-twitch oxidative) skeletal muscle fibers**.
- Postural muscles like the **semispinalis** (part of the erector spinae group) are predominantly composed of Type I fibers adapted for sustained, aerobic contraction to maintain posture.
- These fibers appear **red** due to high myoglobin content, have abundant mitochondria for aerobic metabolism, and stain **poorly for ATPase** (distinguishing them from Type II fast-twitch fibers).
- While all skeletal muscle does possess voltage-gated calcium channels for excitation-contraction coupling, the overall profile best matches slow-twitch postural muscles.
*Ventricular myocardium*
- While cardiac muscle has high mitochondria, myoglobin, and sarcoplasmic reticulum, it **does possess L-type voltage-gated calcium channels** on the sarcolemma, which are essential for cardiac excitation-contraction coupling.
- Cardiac muscle relies on **both** extracellular Ca²⁺ influx through these channels and calcium-induced calcium release from the SR.
- Cardiac muscle typically stains **strongly for ATPase**, not poorly.
*Tunica media*
- Composed of **vascular smooth muscle** with poorly developed sarcoplasmic reticulum and relatively few mitochondria compared to skeletal or cardiac muscle.
- Smooth muscle relies heavily on **extracellular calcium influx** and the calmodulin pathway for contraction.
- Not characterized by high myoglobin content.
*Lateral rectus muscle*
- This extraocular muscle contains predominantly **Type IIb fast-twitch glycolytic fibers** adapted for rapid, precise eye movements.
- These fibers have **low myoglobin** (white muscle), fewer mitochondria, and stain **strongly for ATPase**.
- Opposite profile from the described tissue.
*Glandular myoepithelium*
- Myoepithelial cells are specialized contractile cells in secretory glands with minimal sarcoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria.
- Function is brief contraction for secretion expulsion, not sustained aerobic work.
- Do not exhibit the high oxidative capacity described.
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