All AP Biology Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #1 : Understanding Gametogenesis
Which of the following is not a true characteristic of spermatogonia?
They are undifferentiated
They are germ line cells
They are haploid
They develop into primary spermatocytes through mitosis
They are haploid
Spermatogonia are diploid undifferentiated male germ cells located in the seminiferous tubules of the testes. Spermatogonia are important in the process of spermatogenesis; they turn into primary spermatocytes via growth and maturation.
Example Question #10 : Understanding Gametogenesis
Which of the following terms is best defined as a mature, motile, and haploid sperm cell produced during spermatogenesis?
Spermatozoa
Secondary spermatocyte
Spermatid
Spermatogonium
Spermatozoa
Mature sperm cells that are haploid, motile, and produced during spermatogenesis are called spermatozoa. Spermatids are haploid; however, they are immature. Spermatids will turn into spermatozoa once they mature.
Example Question #281 : Systems Physiology
Where does the human body store spermatozoa?
Epididymis
Seminal vesicle
Seminiferous tubules
Ejaculatory duct
Epididymis
Spermatozoa are stored in the epididymis prior to ejaculation. Prior to entering the epididymis, spermatozoa are immotile; however, as they travel through the epididymis the cells mature and gain motility.
Example Question #11 : Understanding Gametogenesis
Which of the following best describes how a sperm's axoneme develops during spermiogenesis?
Mitochondrial clustering
Rearrangement of the Golgi apparatus
DNA condensation
Microtubule growth from a single centriole
Microtubule growth from a single centriole
Spermiogenesis is the final stage of spermatogenesis. In the process of spermiogenesis, spermatids develop into spermatozoa and form axoneme—the internal structure of the spermatozoa tails. It develops by way of microtubule growth from a single centriole that constructs the internal structure of the sperm tail. Mature spermatozoa have axonemes comprised of nine outer microtubule doublets and two central microtubules. These structures aid in motility.
Example Question #61 : Reproductive System
In the process of spermiogenesis, the acrosome is derived from which of the following organelles?
Centriole
Golgi apparatus
Cytoplasm
Endoplasmic reticulum
Golgi apparatus
Spermiogenesis is the final stage of spermatogenesis. In mature spermatozoa, the acrosome is the head of the cell and, in humans, contains digestive enzymes for ovum penetration. The acrosome develops during spermiogenesis when the Golgi apparatus surrounds the nucleus.
Example Question #1254 : Ap Biology
Which of the following best describes where mitochondria are localized in spermatozoa?
Around the axoneme
At the acrosome
Near condensed DNA
At the plasma membrane
Around the axoneme
Mitochondria cluster around the axoneme during spermiogenesis. They supply the energy needed for sperm movement, which is achieved through movement of the flagellum.
Example Question #61 : Reproductive System
Which of the following best represents the effect of high testosterone concentrations within the seminiferous tubules that occurs during spermiogenesis?
Removes excess cytoplasm
Aids in the development of sperm motility
Aids in axoneme formation
Removes excess organelles
Removes excess organelles
There is a high concentration of testosterone within the seminiferous tubules. The secretion of androgen-binding protein by Sertoli cells concentrates testosterone around cells undergoing spermiogenesis, The testosterone aids in the process of sperm maturation by removing excess organelles from the developing spermatozoa.
Example Question #13 : Understanding Gametogenesis
Which of the following choices describes how the human body manages the heat sensitivity of the seminiferous tubules in order to protect the process of spermiogenesis?
It places the testes outside of the body
Spermatozoa are immotile in the seminiferous tubules
It reduces catalytic activity
Hormones lower the temperature in the testes
It places the testes outside of the body
The seminiferous tubules and developing spermatozoa within them are temperature-sensitive; they cannot tolerate high temperatures—including the temperature of the human body. In order to manage this, the testes are located outside of the human body in a sac of skin called the scrotum. This lowers the temperature of the seminiferous tubules to optimal levels.
Example Question #14 : Understanding Gametogenesis
Where does the process of spermatogenesis occur in humans?
Seminal vesicle
Ejaculatory duct
Seminiferous tubules
Epididymis
Seminiferous tubules
Spermatogenesis—the formation of spermatozoa—occurs in the seminiferous tubules of the testes. Seminiferous tubules are composed of Sertoli cells and spermatogenic cells. There is a high concentration of testosterone present in these tubules. High testosterone concentrations support sperm development. The epididymis is the site of sperm maturation. Last, the seminal vesicles are small glands that produce the majority of the seminal fluid.
Example Question #15 : Understanding Gametogenesis
Which of the following is not one of the ways that Sertoli cells promote sperm maturation?
Protecting sperm from the immune system
Contributing to testicular fluid
Riding the sperm of excess cytoplasm through phagocytosis
Secreting testosterone
Secreting testosterone
Sertoli cells are located in the seminiferous tubules and aid in spermiogenesis. There are many ways that Sertoli cells facilitate the process of sperm maturation including the following: the contribution of testicular fluid, phagocytosis of excess cytoplasm, and the protection of sperm from the immune system. Leydig cells—interstitial cells—are responsible for secretion of testosterone.
Certified Tutor