AP Biology : Cell Functions

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Biology

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Example Questions

Example Question #11 : Cellular Division

In the cell cycle, what happens if the cell contains cyclin proteins at the G1 checkpoint? 

Possible Answers:

The cell goes into the G0 phase

The cell goes into the M phase

The cell goes into the S phase

The cell stays in the G1 phase

The cell goes into the G1 phase

Correct answer:

The cell goes into the S phase

Explanation:

The G1 phase is the first stage of interphase. During this period, the cell grows and develops. In order to proceed to the next phase of interphase, the cell must pass the G1 checkpoint. In order for this to happen, cyclin proteins must be present and the proper cellular conditions must occur. If the cell passes the checkpoint it will proceed to the S phase, during which DNA replication occurs. If the cell fails to pass the checkpoint it can enter the G0 phase and become quiescent.

The G2 phase follows the S phase and ends with the G2 checkpoint. This checkpoint determines if the cell will enter mitosis, the M phase.

Example Question #21 : Understanding The Cell Cycle

Which of the following occurs during interphase?

I. Cellular growth

II. Replication of DNA

III. Formation of chromosomes

IV. Separation of sister chromatids

Possible Answers:

III and IV

II and III

I only

I, II, and III

I and II

Correct answer:

I and II

Explanation:

Interphase is the entirety of the cell cycle with the exception of mitosis. During the G1 period of interphase, the cell grows and produces many protein products to replicate organelles. G1 is followed by the S phase, during which DNA replication occurs. This is followed by the G2 phase, which prepares the cell for division.

The cell then enters prophase of mitosis, the M phase, during which chromosomes condense. Later in mitosis the sister chromatids are separated during anaphase. The G1 phase, S phase, and G2 phase are all portions of interphase, while the M phase corresponds to mitotic division.

Example Question #22 : Understanding The Cell Cycle

Which of the following terms refers to all of the changes that occur within a cell?

Possible Answers:

Homeostasis

Replication

Synthesis

Biochemistry

Metabolism

Correct answer:

Metabolism

Explanation:

Metabolism is the sum of all of the chemical and physical processes in a cell. Cell metabolism refers to any change in the cell.

Homeostasis is the resistance of the cell to change, and is responsible for maintaining a stable environment within the cell and body. Biochemistry is the sum of the chemical processes in the body. 

Example Question #22 : Cellular Division

What stage is not a part of interphase?

Possible Answers:

Cytokinesis

S

Correct answer:

Cytokinesis

Explanation:

Interphase is the part of the cell cycle during which the cell grows, undergoes genome replication, and increases protein synthesis. Interphase includes three stages: gap 1 , synthesis (S), and gap 2 . During , the cell continually grows and is metabolically active. The synthesis stage is characterized by the replication of the genome.  features continued growth and the synthesis of proteins needed for mitosis, and DNA damage repair, if necessary. Following interphase, the cell enters mitosis and then cytokinesis to produce two identical daughter cells.

Example Question #24 : Understanding The Cell Cycle

In what stage of the cell cycle is a cell’s genetic material replicated?

Possible Answers:

Gstage

S stage

Gstage

Mitosis

Correct answer:

S stage

Explanation:

The genetic material of a cell is replicated during the S stage of interphase. The proper DNA replication is crucial to produce two identical daughter cells and to prevent genetic irregularities and disease. Any mistakes in DNA replication are fixed during the S stage as well. The S stage takes place between the G1 and G2 stages of interphase.

Example Question #25 : Understanding The Cell Cycle

What is the phase of cell division that divides the cytoplasm?

Possible Answers:

Telophase

Prophase

Metaphase

Cytokinesis

Nuclear division

Correct answer:

Cytokinesis

Explanation:

Cell division has two phases, nuclear division and division of the cytoplasm. The nuclear division, also known as karyokinesis, involves division of genetic material, involving the phases prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. Cytokensis begins during late anaphase and is the phase during which the cytoplasm divides.

Example Question #26 : Understanding The Cell Cycle

During which of the following periods of the cell cycle is the cell not dividing?

Possible Answers:

Cytokinesis

Telophase

Meiosis

Mitosis

Interphase

Correct answer:

Interphase

Explanation:

During interphase, the cell is not dividing because the chromatin is enclosed within a nuclear envelope. Mitosis and meiosis are the phases in the cell cycle during which the cell is dividing. Last cellular and cytoplasmic division takes place during telophase and cytokinesis, respectively.

Example Question #27 : Understanding The Cell Cycle

The division of a cell's cytoplasm is called __________.

Possible Answers:

cytokinesis

karyokinesis

cytoplasmic separation

cellular cleaving 

mitosis

Correct answer:

cytokinesis

Explanation:

Cytokinesis is the division of the cytoplasm. Mitosis, also known as karyokinesis, is the division of the nucleus. Note that cytokinesis follows mitosis, and begins during late anaphase.

Example Question #28 : Understanding The Cell Cycle

Which of the following is the shortest part of the cell cycle?

Possible Answers:

G0 phase

Interphase

Mitosis

S phase

G1 phase

Correct answer:

Mitosis

Explanation:

Mitosis is the shortest part of the cell cycle. The cell spends most of its time growing in interphase which includes G1, S, and G2 phases. G0 phase involves cells that either very rarely divide, or do not divide at all. An example of a cell type in G0 phase is a neuron.

Example Question #29 : Understanding The Cell Cycle

Interphase is divided in which of the following subphases? 

Possible Answers:

S1 phase and S2 phase

G1 phase and G2 phase

G1 phase, G2 phase, and G3 phase

G1 phase, S phase, and G2 phase

None of these

Correct answer:

G1 phase, S phase, and G2 phase

Explanation:

Interphase is divided into G1, S, and G2 phases. It is during interphase that the cell grows by making proteins and cytoplasmic organelles. During S phase, the DNA is replicated, yielding sister chromatids. G2 involves the last bit of growth, and also, DNA proofreading and repair. 

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