ITEC Questions on the Cell – Tips to Help Pass Your Exams

The cells are the basic units of all living organisms and are the building blocks of the human body. Therefore to understand the ITEC Anatomy and Physiology syllabus it is crucial that you have a thorough understanding of this area. Having a good range of ITEC questions on the cell will play a vital role in gaining this understanding.

Before I give you some example questions let’s take a look at the different parts of the cell that you will need to learn.

The cell is broken down into the following sections;

1. The structure of the cell, for example, cytoplasm, nucleus, ribosomes, endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria.

2. The functions of the cell including growth, secretion, movement and respiration.

3. The movement of substances in and out of the cell – diffusion, dissolution, osmosis, active transport and filtration.

4. Mitosis and its 4 active stages – prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase.

5. Types of tissues – epithelial, connective, nervous, muscular, blood, bone, cartilage.

This is only a short sample of the syllabus, it is much more detailed and challenging in its entirety. There are several ways to learn the various sections of the cell, such as;

1. Word Association – Associate a cell term with something that you know. So for example, the function of Ribosomes is to produce protein. Pork Ribs contain protein. I bet you won’t forget this now!

2. Acronyms – This is a word formed from the first letters of a number of terms. The active stages of mitosis in order are, Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase (PMAT) – Peter Makes Apple Tarts. It might sound silly but it is a very effective way to learn.

3. Multiple Choice Questions – As ITEC offer multiple choice questions on their exam papers it is very important to use this format of questions when you are revising.

Examples of ITEC questions on the cell include:

01. DNA can be found in:
a) Mitochondria
b) Cytoplasm
c) Nucleus – Answer
d) Golgi Apparatus

02. What is the function of hyaline cartilage?
a) Helps to maintain the shape of an area
b) Flexibility & support – Answer
c) To add nutrients to articulating surfaces
d) Stretch & recoil

03. What process of metabolism releases energy?
a) Catabolism – Answer
b) Homeostasis
c) Phagocytosis
d) Anabolism

04. An area of cytoplasm which contains the centrioles is called?
a) Chromatid
b) Centromere
c) Chromosome
d) Centrosome – Answer

Learning the cell doesn’t have to be difficult. Once you have a structured plan in place with plenty of revision questions and puzzles, it will become less stressful and you might even have some fun!