AP Biology : Cellular Biology

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Biology

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Example Questions

Example Question #631 : Cellular Biology

What is the process by which a cell intakes extracellular fluid in "gulps" via tiny vesicles?

Possible Answers:

Exocytosis

Phagocytosis

Pinocytosis

Simple diffusion

Correct answer:

Pinocytosis

Explanation:

Pinocytosis is the uptake of extracellular fluids. The cell accomplishes this by creating vesicles from the cell membrane around droplets of extracellular fluid and carrying them inside the cell. This process is unspecific in which substances it carries into the cell (not receptor-mediated). Exocytosis involves the same concept, but in the other direction (from inside the cell out). Simple diffusion does not involve the creation of vesicles, rather it involves substances freely diffusing through the plasma membrane from areas of high concentration to areas of low concentration without the net input of energy.    

Example Question #632 : Cellular Biology

In eukaryotes the organelles that convert energy to forms the cells can use for work are __________.

Possible Answers:

mitochondria only

chloroplasts only

both mitochondria and chloroplasts

rough endoplasmic reticulum only

Correct answer:

both mitochondria and chloroplasts

Explanation:

Both mitochondria and chloroplasts convert energy to work in eukaryotes. Mitochondria are the sites for the catabolic process that creates ATP in animals. In plants, chloroplasts are the sites of photosynthesis where solar energy is converted to chemical energy.  

Example Question #633 : Cellular Biology

Cristae are located in __________.

Possible Answers:

chloroplasts

mitochondria

the plasma membrane

the stroma

Correct answer:

mitochondria

Explanation:

Cristae are found in mitochondria. Mitochondria are enclosed by an envelope of two membranes. The inner membrane is convoluted with infoldings called cristae. This is an adaption that increases the surface area of the inner membrane of the mitochondria so that ATP synthesis can be maximized. The chloroplast equivalent of cristea are the thylakoid membranes. The stroma is the matrix equivalent of the chloroplast. The plasma membrane is not nearly as convoluted as the inner mitochondrial membrane.

Example Question #634 : Cellular Biology

What are the distinct, threadlike structures that contain the genetic information that is passed from one generation of cells to the next?

Possible Answers:

Rough endoplasmic reticulum

Golgi apparatus

Smooth endoplasmic reticulum

Chromosomes

Correct answer:

Chromosomes

Explanation:

The chromosomes are the threadlike structures that contain genetic information.  Rough endoplasmic reticulum is involved in protein synthesis.  Smooth endoplasmic reticulum is involved in lipid synthesis.  The Golgi apparatus is involved in modification and delivering of proteins within the cell and for secretion outside the cell.

Example Question #635 : Cellular Biology

Eukaryotic cells have this structure that is a network of protein filaments that helps the cell to maintain its shape.

Possible Answers:

Smooth endoplasmic reticulum

RNA

DNA

Cytoskeleton

Correct answer:

Cytoskeleton

Explanation:

The cytoskeleton is a network of protein filaments in eukaryotic cells that helps the cell to maintain its shape.  Smooth endoplasmic reticulum is involved in lipid synthesis.  DNA is the genetic code molecules in the nucleus.  RNA is involved in protein synthesis.

Example Question #636 : Cellular Biology

Which of the following is true regarding active transport?

Possible Answers:

The cell uses energy to bond molecules to the phosphate heads.

Osmosis occurs across the lipid bilayer.

The cell does not use energy and diffusion occurs.

The cell uses energy and protein pumps to move molecules across the membrane.

Correct answer:

The cell uses energy and protein pumps to move molecules across the membrane.

Explanation:

In active transport, the cell uses energy (ATP) through the protein pumps to move molecules across the membrane.  This process does not involve osmosis, which is a form of passive transport.

Example Question #637 : Cellular Biology

Circular DNA can be found in all of the following except __________.

Possible Answers:

Viruses

All of these contain circular DNA

Plasmids

Bacteria

Mitochondria

Correct answer:

All of these contain circular DNA

Explanation:

Circular DNA is found in all of listed answer choices. Viruses contain short, linear or circular genomes (either RNA or DNA). Recall that mitochondria and chloroplasts have their own circular DNA, which is evidence supporting the endosymbiotic theory of evolution in which these organelles were once independent prokaryotic organisms. A plasmid itself is a circular piece of DNA.

Example Question #151 : Cell Structures

Ribosomes are macromolecular structures composed of both proteins and RNAs. Where are the ribosomal RNAs synthesized in eukaryotic cells?

Possible Answers:

Nucleus

Chloroplast

Cytoplasm

Nucleolus

Mitochondria

Correct answer:

Nucleolus

Explanation:

In eukarytoic cells, the nucleolus is located within the nucleus and is the site of ribosomal RNA synthesis

Example Question #638 : Cellular Biology

Which component of the cytoskeleton is responsible for guiding the movement of organelles?

Possible Answers:

Pili

Flagella

Microtubules

Actin filaments

Intermediate Filaments

Correct answer:

Microtubules

Explanation:

Microtubules are hollow rods made up of thousands tubulin protein subunits. There form long tube-like structures in the cell and are responsible for guiding the movement of organelles. Note that microtubules have other functions such as guiding chromosomes during mitosis and meiosis via the spindle fibers, which are made of microtubules.

Example Question #151 : Cell Structures

The migration of cells is necessary for proper development during fetal life. At around the third week of fetal development, hematopoietic stem cells can be found in the yolk sac as well as in the mesoderm of the aorta, the gonads, and in the mesonephros. At around the 3rd month, these stem cells migrate to the liver with some to the spleen and the lymph node. At around the 4th month, these cells then migrate to the bone marrow.

When taking a cross section of a bone, one will notice that some bone marrows are red while others are fat. Yellow bone marrows are inactive stem cells with the majority being fat cells. Active bone marrows are red. At birth, all of the bone marrows are red. At around the time of puberty, most are red but the amount decreases to 50% at around 18-25 years of age. Despite the change in bone marrow activity, membranous bones and of the arms of and legs remain active throughout life. However, the activity can be changed during pathological conditions.  

A person on a strict vegetarian diet without supplements may experience which of the following?

I. Increased fat deposition into the bone marrow

II. Decreased fat deposition into the bone marrow

III. Decreased concentration of fat cells in the bone marrow

Possible Answers:

None of these

III only

I and II 

II only

I only

Correct answer:

III only

Explanation:

A vegetarian diet without the proper supplements places one at risk for anemia. Without the proper amount of protein, iron, folate, and vitamin B12, the body is unable to produce enough red blood cells. To compensate, inactive bone marrows will be reactivated. The activity of the hematopoietic stem cells will lower the concentration of the fat cells in the bone marrow. 

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