AP Biology : Plant Biology

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Biology

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Understanding Chloroplasts

Which of the following terms can be described as the green pigment located within chloroplasts?

Possible Answers:

Chlorophyll

Mesophyll

Photoreceptors

Stomata

Correct answer:

Chlorophyll

Explanation:

Chlorophyll is what gives plants their green color. The chlorophyll located in the chloroplasts captures the light energy that drives the synthesis of food molecules in the chloroplasts—photosynthesis.

Example Question #2 : Understanding Chloroplasts

Which of the following best describes where chloroplasts are primarily located?

Possible Answers:

Roots

Mesophyll

Stomata

Stroma

Correct answer:

Mesophyll

Explanation:

Chloroplasts are found mainly in the cells of the mesophyll, which is the tissue in the interior of the leaf. Stomata are the pores that allow carbon dioxide to enter and oxygen to exit the leaf. The stroma is the dense fluid content of the chloroplast.

Example Question #1 : Understanding Chloroplasts

What is the organelle in plant cells that contains chlorophyll?

Possible Answers:

Golgi apparatus

Smooth endoplasmic reticulum

Chloroplasts

Mitochondria

Correct answer:

Chloroplasts

Explanation:

Chloroplasts are the organelles that contains chlorophyll. Mitochondria produce ATP and are not directly involved in capturing light and photosynthesis. The Golgi apparatus is involved in packaging substances, and Smooth endoplasmic reticulum are involved in lipid production.

Example Question #3 : Understanding Chloroplasts

Inside the chloroplast, what is the name of a stack of thylakoids?

Possible Answers:

Granum

Thylakoidum

Mitochondria

Stroma

Correct answer:

Granum

Explanation:

A stack of thylakoids is known as granum. Stroma is the region outside the thylakoid membranes, but still inside the chloroplast. Mitochondria is the organelle that produces ATP, and there is no such organelle called thylakoidum.

Example Question #1 : Understanding Chloroplasts

Which process is incorrectly matched with its location?

Possible Answers:

in the light dependent reaction, protons flow down their electrochemical gradient from the thylakoid lumen into the stroma, through the ATP synthase protein

carbon fixation during the light independent reaction occurs in the thylakoid stroma

in the light independent reaction, G3P is produced in the thylakoid stroma

in the light dependent reaction, protons are pumped from the thylakoid stroma into the lumen

Correct answer:

in the light dependent reaction, protons flow down their electrochemical gradient from the thylakoid lumen into the stroma, through the ATP synthase protein

Explanation:

During the light dependent reaction, protons are pumped from the thylakoid stroma into the lumen. Then, these protons flow down their electrochemical gradient (from high concentration to low concentration), through the ATP synthase protein, producing ATP.

Example Question #1 : Understanding Chloroplasts

Where is chlorophyll located?

Possible Answers:

Thylakoid membrane

Intermembrane space

Thylakoid stroma

Mitochondrial membrane

Correct answer:

Thylakoid membrane

Explanation:

Chlorophyll is used to capture sunlight during the light dependent reaction; the excited electrons then flow down the electron transport chain located on the thylakoid membrane.

Example Question #1 : Understanding Chloroplasts

During the light dependent reaction, the proton gradient is established. Where is the concentration of protons the greatest?

Possible Answers:

intermembrane space

thylakoid stroma

thylakoid lumen

thylakoid membrane

Correct answer:

thylakoid lumen

Explanation:

During the light dependent reaction, protons are pumped from the thylakoid stroma into the lumen. Then, these protons flow down their electrochemical gradient (from high concentration to low concentration), through the ATP synthase protein, producing ATP.

Example Question #1 : Plant Structures

Plant cells  differentiate to perform different functions and enable the plant to grow. One cell type is present in young stems and petioles and functions to provide flexible support. This cell type is less resistant to bending forces because it lacks a secondary cell wall and the protein lignin, which causes rigidity in other plant cells. 

What differentiated plant cell is being described?

Possible Answers:

Sieve plate cells

Sclerenchyma cells

Parenchyma cells

Collenchyma cells

Correct answer:

Collenchyma cells

Explanation:

As described in the beginning of this question, collenchyma cells are found in young stems and petioles (leaves) and function to provide flexible support to the plant. This is because chollenchyma cells lack secondary cell walls and do not produce lignin to harden them—this protein is characteristic of sclerenchyma cells, which are also used to provide support/strength to the plant. 

Due to their lack of rigidity, collenchyma cells a also capable of elongating with the stems and leaves they support, allowing them to remain alive at maturity. Sclerenchymal cells lack this ability.

Example Question #2 : Understanding Plant Microstructures

Plant cells differentiate to be able to perform different functions and enable it to grow. One cell type has a critical job in supporting the plant. These cells have secondary walls that are further strengthened by a glue-like substance called lignin, which increases the cell's rigidity. At maturity, these cells cannot elongate and are found in regions of the plant that have stopped growing, forming a "skeleton" for the plant.

What type of differentiated plant cell is described?

Possible Answers:

Sclerenchyma cells

Secondary meristems

Collenchyma cells

Parenchyma cells

Correct answer:

Sclerenchyma cells

Explanation:

As described in the background to the question, sclerenchyma cells are specialized to support the plant as it grows. These cells have thick secondary walls that are further strengthened by the hardening agent called lignin.  As a result, these cells are highly rigid and inflexible.  

At maturity, these cells cannot elongate and are found in regions of the plant that have stopped growing. In some parts of the plant, the sclerenchyma cells may even be dead; however, the rigid walls remain and act like a skeleteon that supports the remainder of the plaint over its lifetime.  

Sclerenchyma cells can also further differentiate into two types called sclereids and fibers. Sclerids can provide hardness to nut shells. Fibers, as their name suggests, are usually arranged in long threads and have commercial uses, such as being made into rope.

Example Question #4 : Plant Biology

Which of the following is a key component of a plant's vascular system?

Possible Answers:

Cuticle

Parenchyma

Pericycle

Xylem

Correct answer:

Xylem

Explanation:

The vascular system in plants is designed to transport materials (water, nutrients, food) between the roots and shoots. There are two primary types of tissue dedicated to these processes. Xylem transports water and dissolved minerals upward from the roots; phloem transports sugars—the products of photosynthesis—from where they are synthesized to where they are needed, such as roots and new growth areas of leaves and fruits.

Both xylem and phloem are comprised of a variety of cell types that are specialized for transport and support. 

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