All AP Biology Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #2 : Understanding Other Immune System Components
What is the most likely mechanism a virus could use to evade the immune system that causes periodic outbreaks in an individual over a long period of time?
The virus is continually evolving and manages to vary its antigenic signature so that it can evade detection
The virus manages to attack immune cells needed to control the infection
The virus is actively causing infected cells to secrete factors that suppress the immune system
The virus remains dormant until a stimulus, such as stress or infection with another pathogen, reactivates the virus
The virus remains dormant until a stimulus, such as stress or infection with another pathogen, reactivates the virus
Some viruses evade the immune system using a mechanism known as latency. The virus essentially becomes dormant, usually in cells such as neurons that have few major histocompatibility (MHC) class I molecules. The combination of limited to no active viral replication combined with residence in cells with few MHC lass I molecules allows the virus to evade routine immune monitoring.
When conditions arise, such as fever due to infection caused by another pathogen or emotional stress, the virus can becomes reactivated and can result in an outbreak.
Example Question #222 : Systems Physiology
Which of the following statements is a commonality between T-cell receptors and B-cell receptors?
Both receptors are able to bind to intact antigens
Both receptors consist of both heavy chains and two light chains to form the antigen binding domain
Both receptors have variable regions that form an antigen binding site
Both receptors recognize antigens in conjunction with major histocompatibility complex (MHC) proteins
Both receptors have variable regions that form an antigen binding site
T-cells generally serve to recognize antigens and escort them to B-cells to elicit a response (helper T-cells) or to recognize antibodies bound to infected cells (cytotoxic T-cells). B-cells, in contrast, will directly secrete antibodies against the antigen after binding of the antigen at the membrane.
Both types of cells have receptors that can bind to antigens, allowing for recognition and communication. Other commonalities include the presence of a transmembrane domain and the presence of a variable region, which will allow for specificity in antigen binding.
The similarities are mainly structural, and the receptors have many functional differences. T-cell receptors will only bind fragments of antigens, while B-cell receptors will bind full molecules. Only T-cell receptors will interact with major histocompatibility complexes (MHC). Though the structure of both receptors types is determined by peptide chains, B-cells use heavy and light chains, while T-cells use alpha and beta chains.
Example Question #5 : Understanding Other Immune System Components
The spleen is an organ of the __________.
circulatory system
immune system
digestive system
respiratory system
immune system
The spleen plays a key role in the immune system as one of the blood filtration centers of the body. It is also involved as a lymphatic organ, allowing filtrates from the blood to be distributed to the body via lymph.
Example Question #223 : Systems Physiology
Which cells of the immune system are largely responsible for phagocytosis?
Macrophages
T helper cells
Antibodies
B cells
Macrophages
Macrophages and neutrophils are the major cells of the immune system responsible for phagocytosis. Phagocytosis means ingestion of material. Therefore these cells work as "garbage collectors" within the body. Cells destined for destruction are tagged for phagocytosis by special molecules.
Example Question #1 : Reproductive System
Which part of the male reproductive system is responsible for sperm storage and maturation?
Epididymis
Vas deferens
Testes
Seminal vesicles
Epididymis
Sperm cells are stored and mature in the epididymis until they are transported to the urethra through the vas deferens. The testes are the site of sperm production, while the seminal vesicles produce fluids that are later incorporated into semen.
Example Question #2 : Understanding Internal Anatomy
Which of the following glands contribute to the production of semen?
All of the other choices are correct
Bulbourethral glands
Seminal vesicles
Prostate gland
All of the other choices are correct
The seminal vesicles secrete seminal fluid to promote and nourish sperm as they are released. The bulbourethral glands secrete a component of seminal fluid, while the prostate gland secretes alkaline fluid.
Example Question #1 : Understanding Internal Anatomy
Which of the following is responsible for the production of germ cells?
Fallopian tubes
Ovaries
Endometrium
Uterus
Ovaries
"Germ cells" is simply another term for gametes, and thus refers to either sperm or ovum.
Ovum are produced in the ovaries. After production, the fallopian tubes propel ovum to the uterus using the movement of cilia. The endometrium is the lining of the uterus, and allows for implantation of a fertilized ovum.
Example Question #1 : Reproductive Anatomy
Where does fertilization typically take place in the female?
Uterus
Ovary
Cervix
Fallopian tubes
Fallopian tubes
In the majority of cases, fertilization occurs in the fallopian tubes of the female. The egg is released from the ovary and travels into the fallopian tube during ovulation. Sperm travel to the fallopian tube to fertilize the egg, creating a zygote. The zygote begins to divide, forming a blastocyst before it reaches the uterus where it becomes embedded in the endometrium via the process of implantation. Certain pregnancy complications can arise if the blastocyst implants while still in the fallopian tube, resulting in ectopic pregnancy.
Example Question #5 : Understanding Internal Anatomy
What is the site of sperm maturation and storage in males?
Epididymis
Prostate
Seminiferous tubules
Vas deferens
Epididymis
Sperm is created in the seminiferous tubules of the testes. It is then transported to the epididymis, where it will mature and be stored prior to ejaculation.
Example Question #1 : Understanding Internal Anatomy
The epididymis, vas deferens, and urethra are a series of ducts found in which body system?
Integumentary
Lymphatic
Male reproductive
Endocrine
Digestive
Male reproductive
The male reproductive system consists of a series of ducts, which includes the epididymis, vas deferens, and urethra. The epididymis is a coiled tube attached to the testis, which receives sperm from the seminiferous tubules. The vas deferens connects the epididymis with the urethra, which in turn conducts sperm to the tip of the penis.
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