AP Biology : Reproductive System

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Biology

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Understanding Gametogenesis

Which of the following is not a true characteristic of spermatogonia?

Possible Answers:

They are undifferentiated

They are germ line cells

They are haploid

They develop into primary spermatocytes through mitosis

Correct answer:

They are haploid

Explanation:

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?

Possible Answers:

Spermatozoa

Secondary spermatocyte

Spermatid

Spermatogonium

Correct answer:

Spermatozoa

Explanation:

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?

Possible Answers:

Epididymis

Seminal vesicle

Seminiferous tubules

Ejaculatory duct

Correct answer:

Epididymis

Explanation:

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?

Possible Answers:

Mitochondrial clustering

Rearrangement of the Golgi apparatus

DNA condensation

Microtubule growth from a single centriole

Correct answer:

Microtubule growth from a single centriole

Explanation:

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?

Possible Answers:

Centriole

Golgi apparatus

Cytoplasm

Endoplasmic reticulum

Correct answer:

Golgi apparatus

Explanation:

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?

Possible Answers:

Around the axoneme

At the acrosome

Near condensed DNA

At the plasma membrane

Correct answer:

Around the axoneme

Explanation:

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?

Possible Answers:

Removes excess cytoplasm

Aids in the development of sperm motility

Aids in axoneme formation

Removes excess organelles

Correct answer:

Removes excess organelles

Explanation:

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?

Possible Answers:

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

Correct answer:

It places the testes outside of the body

Explanation:

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?

Possible Answers:

Seminal vesicle

Ejaculatory duct

Seminiferous tubules

Epididymis

Correct answer:

Seminiferous tubules

Explanation:

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?

Possible Answers:

Protecting sperm from the immune system

Contributing to testicular fluid

Riding the sperm of excess cytoplasm through phagocytosis

Secreting testosterone

Correct answer:

Secreting testosterone

Explanation:

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.

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