AP Biology : AP Biology

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Biology

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Example Questions

Example Question #521 : Ap Biology

Which of the following is true regarding the transitional epithelial cells?

Possible Answers:

They are the same as pseudostratified epithelial cells

They merge into the basement membrane

They can transition among morphologies due to degree of tension

They are located in between layers of stratified epithelium

Correct answer:

They can transition among morphologies due to degree of tension

Explanation:

Transitional epithelial cells are able to expand and contract based on the degree of tension. This transition to a different morphology depends on the cell layer in which the transitional cells are located.

Example Question #522 : Ap Biology

Which of the following best describes pseudostratified epithelial cells?

Possible Answers:

They can be easily confused with stratified epithelia

They may change morphology based on tension

Nuclei may be at different heights

They are layers of squamous cells

Correct answer:

Nuclei may be at different heights

Explanation:

Pseudostratified epithelial cells are single layers of cells—simple epithelium—that may be easily confused as a stratified epithelium. This confusion arises from the cross section, which shows nuclei located at different heights. As a result, it appears as if pseudostratified epithelial cells are multiple cell layers.

Example Question #523 : Ap Biology

Which of the following is true regarding simple epithelia?

Possible Answers:

Only cuboidal cells can be present in simple epithelia

Not all cells have contact with the basement membrane

Simple epithelia are only one cell layer thick

Simple epithelia change morphology based on tension

Correct answer:

Simple epithelia are only one cell layer thick

Explanation:

Simple epithelia are epithelial tissue that is only one cell layer thick; therefore, each cell has direct contact with the basement membrane. All epithelial cell morphologies can be found in simple epithelia.

Example Question #524 : Ap Biology

Which of the following is true regarding the structure of stratified epithelia?

Possible Answers:

Stratified epithelia are layers of cuboidal cells

It is a single layer of epithelial cells

It is a layer of cells made of epithelial cells of multiple morphologies

It is composed of two or more layers of epithelial cells

Correct answer:

It is composed of two or more layers of epithelial cells

Explanation:

Stratified epithelia consist of two or more layers of epithelial cells. They plan an important role in protection from chemical and mechanical forces. Stratified epithelia are specialized into keratinized and transitional layers.

Example Question #11 : Types Of Cells And Tissues

Which of the following best describes the main functions of simple epithelium?

Possible Answers:

Absorption and filtration

Protection from mechanical forces

Protection from chemical forces

None of these

Correct answer:

Absorption and filtration

Explanation:

Simple epithelia are layers of epithelial cells that are one cell thick. Simple epithelia are only composed of a monolayer of cells; therefore, their main functions are absorption and filtration.

Example Question #525 : Ap Biology

Which of the following best describes the order of the tissues associated with the basement membrane?

Possible Answers:

Outer tissue, basement membrane, connective tissue

Basement membrane, connective tissue, outer tissue

Basement membrane, outer tissue, bone

Basement membrane, outer tissue, connective tissue

Correct answer:

Outer tissue, basement membrane, connective tissue

Explanation:

The basement membrane is a matrix of cells that separates the outer tissue from the connective tissue. It functions as a barrier to prevent deep penetration and also anchors down the outer tissues (e.g. the epithelium).

Example Question #521 : Ap Biology

In which of the following structures of the human body can transitional stratified epithelia be found?

Possible Answers:

Ureter

Skin

Urethra

Bladder

Correct answer:

Skin

Explanation:

Transitional epithelia are specialized stratified epithelial cell layers that are present in tissues that need to stretch; therefore, transitional epithelia are located in the urethra, ureter, and bladder.

Example Question #526 : Ap Biology

Which of the following best describes where epithelial tissue is found in the human body?

Possible Answers:

All of these

Surface of organs

Lining of body cavities

Surface of blood vessels

Correct answer:

All of these

Explanation:

Epithelial tissue is one of the major types of tissues in the human body. Epithelial cells function in secretion, absorption, protection, and transport. As a result, epithelial tissue is located at the interface of structures and tissues including the lining of body cavities, the surface of blood vessels, and the surface of organs.

Example Question #521 : Ap Biology

Which of the following best describes the role of cell junctions in epithelial tissue?

Possible Answers:

Facilitate the transport of chemical signals

Prevents absorption of toxins

Maintains cell structure and rigidity

Allows for contact between neighboring cells

Correct answer:

Allows for contact between neighboring cells

Explanation:

Cell junctions are common in epithelial tissue because they allow for communication and contact between neighboring cells.

Example Question #22 : Types Of Cells And Tissues

During embryogenesis, epithelial tissue originates from which of the following germ layers?

Possible Answers:

Ectoderm

Mesoderm

Endoderm

All of these 

Correct answer:

All of these 

Explanation:

During embryological development, epithelial tissue develops from all three germ layers (endoderm, mesoderm, and ectoderm).

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