AP Biology : Systems Physiology

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Biology

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Example Questions

Example Question #6 : Reproductive Physiology

Which of the following type(s) of cell movement are involved in the development of the neural plate into the neural tube?

Possible Answers:

Convergence and invagination

Invagination

Neither convergence nor invagination

Convergence

Correct answer:

Convergence and invagination

Explanation:

During the formation of the neural tube, the neural plate—a thick layer of differentiated columnar cells—change shape and undergo certain cell movements. The formation of the neural tube is called primary neurulation. In a complex process, the cells of the neural plate change shape, invaginating the cell layer to form the neural groove. Convergence moves the cells of the neural folds towards the developing neural groove. Eventually, the two edges of the neural plate touch and join together to form the neural tube. 

Example Question #6 : Reproductive Physiology

Which of the following is not a true characteristic of the neural plate?

Possible Answers:

It is composed of columnar cells 

It develops from ectoderm tissue

It is within the primitive streak of the embryo

It invaginates to form the neural tube

Correct answer:

It is within the primitive streak of the embryo

Explanation:

The neural plate is a cell layer opposite of the primitive streak in the developing embryo. It forms from a thickening and flattening of the ectoderm layer. These cells then take a columnar shape. The neural plate develops into the neural tube during primary neurulation.

Example Question #13 : Reproductive System

Which of the following best describes the structure that the neural tube develops into?

Possible Answers:

All of these

Spinal cord

Brain

Central nervous system

Correct answer:

All of these

Explanation:

The neural tube develops into the central nervous system, which is composed of the brain and spinal cord. The neural tube develops during primary neurulation from the neural plate.

Example Question #241 : Systems Physiology

Which of the following structures forms during primary neurulation?

Possible Answers:

Endoderm

Mesoderm

Neural tube

Medullary cord

Correct answer:

Neural tube

Explanation:

Neurulation is the process of neural system development in vertebrates. This process can be divided into two stages: primary neurulation and secondary neurulation. The process of primary neurulation is the formation of the neural tube from the neural plate. The neural plate develops from the ectoderm is a structure that becomes the neural tube. This development occurs through the invagination of the neural plate and convergence of neural fold cells, pushing down neural plate cells. The neural folds eventually touch and separate from the neural plate to complete neural tube formation.

Example Question #1214 : Ap Biology

Which of the following ends of the embryo during secondary neurulation?

Possible Answers:

Caudal

Left

Right

Cranial

Correct answer:

Caudal

Explanation:

Neurulation, or the formation and development of the neural tube, can be divided into primary and secondary neurulation. During primary neurulation, the neural tube forms from the neural plate. During secondary neurulation, the neural tube develops from the caudal end of the embryo. Eventually both neural tubes connect.

Example Question #242 : Systems Physiology

Which of the following structures is responsible for inducing neurulation?

Possible Answers:

Ectoderm

Notochord

Neural crest cells

Neural plate

Correct answer:

Notochord

Explanation:

Neurulation is induced in embryos through secreted growth factors and inhibitory factors from the notochord. The notochord is a rod-shaped structure located below the neural tube of chordate embryos. Notochords are important in signaling neurulation and organogenesis in embryos. The notochord secretes both growth and inhibitory factors in the regulation of neurulation.

Example Question #243 : Systems Physiology

Which of the following best describes where neural crest cells are located after neurulation?

Possible Answers:

Between the neural tube and the ectoderm

Within the interior of the neural tube

The border of the neural plate

On the ectoderm 

Correct answer:

Between the neural tube and the ectoderm

Explanation:

Neural crest cells are a group of multipotent migratory cells. Prior to neurulation, neural crest cells are located between the neural plate and the ectoderm. During neurulation and the infolding of the neural plate, neural crest cells are located on the top of the neural tube. Afterwards, the cells migrate to the area between the neural tube and the ectoderm, where they differentiate into various cell types.

Example Question #244 : Systems Physiology

Which of the following is not a risk factor for miscarriage?

Possible Answers:

Use of prenatal vitamins

Tobacco use

Advanced maternal age

Obesity 

Correct answer:

Use of prenatal vitamins

Explanation:

Miscarriage is the death and subsequent abortion of an embryo before it is able to survive outside of the mother. Miscarriage is more common early in pregnancy and common symptoms include vaginal bleeding and cramping. There are many risk factors associated with miscarriage including advanced maternal age, tobacco use, and obesity. In order to prevent miscarriage, expecting mothers are advised to avoid risk factors and practice good prenatal care.

Example Question #245 : Systems Physiology

Which of the following best describes the prenatal condition in which the maternal immune system attacks the developing embryo?

Possible Answers:

Rubella

Hemolytic disease

Ectopic pregnancy

Toxoplasmosis

Correct answer:

Hemolytic disease

Explanation:

Hemolytic disease of the newborn is a condition during pregnancy in which maternal antibodies pass to the fetus through the placenta. These antibodies attack fetal cells, specifically red blood cells, causing developmental and structural problems in the fetus. Treatment includes blood transfusion into the fetus or early induction of labor.

Example Question #1219 : Ap Biology

Which of the following is a true characteristic of Hox genes?

Possible Answers:

Hox genes control body plan development during embryogenesis

All of these

They code for transcription factors

They include a homeobox

Correct answer:

All of these

Explanation:

Hox genes are a class of genes that control body plan development during embryogenesis. The Hox gene DNA sequence is called a “homeobox” and codes for transcription factors.

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