AP Biology : Cellular Biology

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Biology

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Example Questions

Example Question #2 : Understanding Specialized Cell Structures

Which organelle works to synthesize an unstable form of energy?

Possible Answers:

Chloroplast

Mitochondria

Rough endoplasmic reticulum

None of the other answer choices is correct.

Two of the other answer choices are correct.

Correct answer:

Two of the other answer choices are correct.

Explanation:

The unstable form of energy that is syntheisized refers to ATP. ATP is an unstable; its three phosphate groups are all negatively charged and repel one another. Remember that BOTH the mitochondria and chloroplast participate in ATP synthesis via chemiosmosis; however, only the chloroplast participates in glucose synthesis via photosynthesis. Note that glucose is a stable form of energy and is not readily usable until it is broken down in the process known as glycolysis.

Example Question #1 : Understanding Specialized Cell Structures

The nucleolus __________.

Possible Answers:

is found in prokaryotes and eukaryotes

is a part of the nucleus responsible for assembling ribosomes

is only found in prokaryotes

contains all the DNA of the cell

None of the other answer choices is true.

Correct answer:

is a part of the nucleus responsible for assembling ribosomes

Explanation:

The nucleolus is a subdivision of the nucleus; thus, it is only found in eukaryotes. It is the site of ribosome assembly. The nucleolus is made of RNA and proteins.

Example Question #81 : Cell Structures And Organelles

Histones __________.

Possible Answers:

play a role in gene regulation

All of the answer choices are true.

are only found in the nucleus

are protiens around which DNA coils

are only found in eukaryotic cells

Correct answer:

All of the answer choices are true.

Explanation:

Histones are proteins found in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells. DNA wraps itself around histones to further condense. Also, depending on how tightly the DNA is wrapped around the histones, it may or may not be availible for activity (e.g. replication or transcription). Cells modify the interaction between DNA and histones around certain genes under certain conditions to make those genes available or unavailable as needed.

Example Question #81 : Cell Structures And Organelles

In which of the following organisms are vacuoles not usually found?

Possible Answers:

Mammals

Bacteria

Fungi

Plants

Correct answer:

Mammals

Explanation:

Vacuoles are membrane-bound structures that are found in bacterial, plant, fungal, and occasionally, animal cells. Vacuoles function in storage of water and waste and in maintenance of turgor pressure in plants. 

Example Question #1 : Understanding Cytoplasmic Proteins

In which cellular compartment does glycolysis take place?

Possible Answers:

Cytoplasm (Cytosol)

Mitochondrial matrix

Golgi apparatus

Inner mitochondrial membrane

Intermembrane space

Correct answer:

Cytoplasm (Cytosol)

Explanation:

Glycolysis (the process of breaking down glucose) takes place in the cytoplasm, or cytosol—the aqueous portion of the cytoplasm. It is in the cytoplasm where the enzymes required for glycolysis are found.

The citric acid cycle takes place in the mitochondrial matrix, and the electron transport chain takes place along the inner mitochondrial membrane in order to pump protons into the intermembrane space.

Example Question #1 : Identify How Molecules Move Into And Out Of Cells

What is the function of a kinase?

Possible Answers:

Add phosphates to ligands

Remove phosphates from ligands

Add ubiquitin to the ligand

Change the structure of the ligand

Correct answer:

Add phosphates to ligands

Explanation:

The addition and removal of phosphate groups can serve critical functions in the regulation of protein activity. The binding or uncoupling of phosphate groups frequently serves to activate or deactivate proteins.

A kinase is an enzyme that phosphorylates—or adds a phosphate group to—its ligand.

A phosphatase removes a phosphate group from its ligand.

Several different types of proteins can change the structure of a ligand, such as isomerases, and ubiquitin ligases add ubiquitin to their ligands.

Example Question #2 : Understanding Cytoplasmic Proteins

What is the function of a phosphatase?

Possible Answers:

Remove a phosphate from its ligand

Add a phosphate to its ligand

Add an ubiquitin to its ligand

Change the structure of its ligand

Correct answer:

Remove a phosphate from its ligand

Explanation:

The addition and removal of phosphate groups can serve critical functions in the regulation of protein activity. The binding or uncoupling of phosphate groups frequently serves to activate or deactivate proteins.

A phosphatase removes a phosphate group from its ligand.

A kinase is an enzyme that phosphorylates—or adds a phosphate group to—its ligand.

Several different types of proteins can change the structure of a ligand, such as isomerases, and ubiquitin ligases add ubiquitin to their ligands.

Example Question #4 : Identify How Molecules Move Into And Out Of Cells

What is the function of an ubiquitin ligase?

Possible Answers:

Remove an ubiquitin from its ligand

Remove a phosphate from its ligand

Add a phosphate to its ligand

Add an ubiquitin to its ligand

Correct answer:

Add an ubiquitin to its ligand

Explanation:

Ubiquitin ligases add ubiquitin to their ligands. The addition of ubiquitin acts as a signal that a protein has become ineffective and is ready for degradation. When multiple ubiquitin residues have been added to a protein molecule, it is transported to the lysosome in the cell to be digested.

A phosphatase removes a phosphate group from its ligand.

A kinase is an enzyme that phosphorylates—or adds a phosphate group to—its ligand.

The addition and removal of phosphate groups can serve critical functions in the regulation of protein activity. The binding or uncoupling of phosphate groups frequently serves to activate or deactivate proteins.

Several different types of proteins can change the structure of a ligand, such as isomerases.

Example Question #181 : Cell Structures

Immediately following synthesis, where are secretory proteins moved to?

Possible Answers:

Golgi body

Endoplasmic reticulum

The cytosol

The membrane

Vesicles

Correct answer:

Endoplasmic reticulum

Explanation:

When secretory proteins are synthesized they localize to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), specifically the rough ER, for modification. Following modification there, secretory proteins are then packaged in secretory vesicles which go on to interact with the Golgi body, and are then finally released from the the plasma membrane.

Example Question #4 : Identify How Molecules Move Into And Out Of Cells

Which of the following most accurately describes how a local cell signal is transmitted among nearby eukaryotic cells in animals?

Possible Answers:

Unspecified diffusion of signal proteins

Direct contact

Secretion of signaling molecules into the bloodstream

A pilus

Correct answer:

Direct contact

Explanation:

Local cell signaling in eukaryotic cells refers to the communication between nearby cells. This is done through direct contact between cells, namely via cell junctions and cell-cell recognition. Gap junctions are intercellular connections that allow cytoplasmic transfer in animal cells. The counterpart in plant cells is the plasmodesmata, which are channels penetrating the cell walls of cells, allowing communication. Cell-cell recognition is the ligand-receptor binding between two cells that elicits receptor cell response. Methods of local cell signaling allow nearby cells to communicate with each other and coordinate cellular responses and activities.

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