AP Biology : Cell Functions

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Biology

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Example Questions

Example Question #291 : Ap Biology

Which process occurs in both cellular respiration and photosynthesis?

Possible Answers:

lactic acid fermentation

chemiosmosis

glycolysis

Oxidation of Glucose

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

Exocytosis

Photosynthesis

Glycolysis

Endocytosis

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 #1 : Understanding The Cell Cycle

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 G2 phase

The M phase

The G1 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 #1 : Understanding The Cell Cycle

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

Possible Answers:

The cell undergoes mitosis

The cell is in a resting phase

The cell increases in size and produces new organelles

DNA is replicated

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 #1 : Cellular Division

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

Possible Answers:

G1, S, and G2

G1, G2, and M

G1, S, 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 #1 : Cellular Division

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

Possible Answers:

G0

S

G1

G2

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 #1 : Understanding The Cell Cycle

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:

S

M

G2

G1

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 #1 : Understanding The Cell Cycle

Which phase of the cell cycle involves DNA replication?

Possible Answers:

The S phase

The M phase

The G2 phase

The G1 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.

Example Question #301 : Ap Biology

What is the purpose of the G1 phase of the cell cycle?

Possible Answers:

Growth and replication of the organelles

DNA Synthesis

No purpose has yet been characterized

Formation of the mitotic spindle

Correct answer:

Growth and replication of the organelles

Explanation:

The G1 phase of the cell cycle serves the important function of giving the cell time to grow and replicate organelles. Formation of the mitotic spindle does not occur until prophase of mitosis, and DNA synthesis takes place during the S phase of the cell cycle. The G1 phase ensures that both daughter cells have adequate cellular machinery and organelles to survive after mitosis.

Example Question #302 : Ap Biology

How many chromosomes are present in a human somatic cell during the G2 phase?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

The key to this question is to remember the difference between chromosomes and sister chromatids. During the G2 phase the cell has already undergone DNA replication (in the S phase). Each of the chromosomes will therefore have identical sister chromatids. There will be 92 sister chromatids, but only 46 chromosomes. A chromosome is one entity that consists of the two sister chromatids bound together at the centromere.

During the G1 phase, DNA has not yet been replicated and there is only one copy of genetic information. The cell, however, is still diploid and contains information for 46 chromosomes, but only 46 chromatids. The S phase accounts for the duplication of chromatids, but does not change the total number of chromosomes.

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