AP Biology : AP Biology

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Biology

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Example Questions

Example Question #41 : Understanding The Electron Transport Chain

Why does FADH2 produce less ATP then NADH? 

Possible Answers:

FADH2 produces less ATP then NADH because NADH has more energetic electrons. 

FADH2 produces less ATP then NADH because NADH is reduced more.

FADH2 produces less ATP then NADH because FADH2 produces a larger proton gradient. 

FADH2 produces less ATP then NADH because the electrons for FADH2 are dropped off at the second protein of the electron transport chain.

FADH2 produces less ATP then NADH because FADH2 is reduced more.

Correct answer:

FADH2 produces less ATP then NADH because the electrons for FADH2 are dropped off at the second protein of the electron transport chain.

Explanation:

FADH2 is directly attached onto the second protein of the electron transport chain and therefore the electrons of FADH2 (electron carrier) are dropped off at the second protein not the first. As a result, the electrons from FADH2 do not pump as much electrons across the membrane as NADH. This results in a lower proton gradient created from FADH2 then NADH and therefore less ATP production from FADH2. 

Example Question #41 : Understanding The Electron Transport Chain

What driving force creates most of the ATP in cellular respiration? 

Possible Answers:

the movement of NADH down its concentration gradient

the movement of electrons through the electron transport chain

the movement of protons down its concentration gradient

the movement of sodium down its concentration gradient

the movement of FADH2 down its concentration gradient

Correct answer:

the movement of protons down its concentration gradient

Explanation:

Remember that NADH and FADH2 are electron carriers and do not directly create any energy. The movement of the electrons through the electron transport chain also does not create energy directly, but does create a proton gradient that is later used to create energy. The movement of protons down its proton gradient through ATP synthase does, however, generate energy. It actually generates around 30 ATP molecules per one glucose. 

Example Question #121 : Cellular Respiration

Which process occurs in both cellular respiration and photosynthesis?

Possible Answers:

chemiosmosis

lactic acid fermentation

Oxidation of Glucose

glycolysis

Calvin Cycle

Correct answer:

chemiosmosis

Explanation:

In both cellular respiration and photosynthesis, chemiosmosis occurs. Chemiosmosis is the process in which the creation of a proton gradient leads to the transport of proton down its concentration gradient to produce ATP. This occurs in the electron transport chain in both mitochondrias and chloroplast. In the photosynthesis it occurs when the electron is transported from photosystem II to photosystem I. 

Example Question #1 : Understanding The Cell Cycle

When a cell's DNA has become damaged beyond repair, the cell undergoes which of the following processes?

Possible Answers:

Apoptosis

Glycolysis

Exocytosis

Endocytosis

Photosynthesis

Correct answer:

Apoptosis

Explanation:

Apoptosis is programmed cell death, and it usually occurs when the DNA of the cell is damaged beyond repair.

Photosynthesis and glycolysis are normal metabolic processes of the cell, and would not result from irreversible damage. Endocytosis and exocytosis are also normal cell processes or taking up substances into the cell (endocytosis) or expelling them (exocytosis) in the form of vesicles.

Example Question #2 : Cellular Division

During what stage of the cell cycle would you expect to have the lowest amount of cellular growth and synthesis taking place? 

Possible Answers:

The S phase

The M phase

The G1 phase

The G2 phase

Correct answer:

The M phase

Explanation:

The M phase is also known as mitosis, and is the time where the cell is ready to divide. At this time, the cell has synthesized enough proteins and has successfully replicated its DNA, so growth and synthesis are not priorities.

Remember that G1, S, and G2 are all divisions of interphase. In interphase, the cell is preparing to divide by synthesizing proteins and replicating DNA, so these three phases place a heavy emphasis on growth and protein synthesis.

Example Question #3 : Cellular Division

Which of the following describes cell activity during the G1 phase of the cell cycle?

Possible Answers:

The cell increases in size and produces new organelles

DNA is replicated

The cell undergoes mitosis

The cell is in a resting phase

Correct answer:

The cell increases in size and produces new organelles

Explanation:

During G1, the cell undergoes growth as it increases in size and produces organelles. This is followed by DNA replication is S phase, further growth in G2, and mitosis in M phase.

Example Question #2 : Understanding The Cell Cycle

Which of the following phases of the cell cycle make up what is known as interphase?

Possible Answers:

G1, S, and G2

G1, S, and M

G1, G2, and M

M, S, and G2

Correct answer:

G1, S, and G2

Explanation:

Interphase in the cell cycle encompasses the G1, S, and G2 phases, as it shows the period of growth and DNA replication that a cell must go through to prepare for mitosis. Cell division, which occurs during the M phase, is the only portion of the cell cycle that is not included in interphase.

Example Question #3 : Understanding The Cell Cycle

Central nervous system nerve cells spend most of their lives in which of the following phases of the cell cycle?

Possible Answers:

G2

S

G1

G0

Correct answer:

G0

Explanation:

Because they do not divide, central nervous system nerve cells do not need to experience growth (G1 and G2 phases), DNA replication (S phase), or mitosis (M phase). As a result, they spend most of their lives arrested in G0, a resting phase.

Example Question #6 : Cellular Division

The checkpoint at the end of which phase is considered the most important aspect of cell cycle regulation, as any potential problems with it can lead to cancer?

Possible Answers:

M

S

G1

G2

Correct answer:

G2

Explanation:

Cancer can often be the result of a problem with the checkpoint at the end of the Gphase, as this is the last stop for regulation before the cell undergoes division.

If this checkpoint is not functioning effectively, cells can undergo rapid and unregulated division, resulting in cancer. p53, a cancer suppressor gene, plays a key role in this checkpoint, and is commonly found to be mutated in cancer patients.

Example Question #4 : Understanding The Cell Cycle

Which phase of the cell cycle involves DNA replication?

Possible Answers:

The G2 phase

The G1 phase

The M phase

The S phase

Correct answer:

The S phase

Explanation:

The S phase is when the cell replicates its DNA, resulting in chromatid pairs that will split apart during mitosis. The G phases are mainly dedicated to protein synthesis and cell growth. The M phase is the act of mitosis.

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