AP Biology : Systems Physiology

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Biology

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Example Questions

Example Question #35 : Understanding Other Reproductive Physiology

Which of the following best describes how dizygotic twins are produced?

Possible Answers:

One zygote splits into two embryos during development 

Nondisjunction

Two eggs are released and fertilized 

Fertilization of one egg by two sperm 

Correct answer:

Two eggs are released and fertilized 

Explanation:

Dizygotic twins are produced by the release and fertilization of two separate egg cells. Both zygotes implant in the uterus and develop. The resulting twins will not be genetically identical because they arise from different gametes.

Example Question #341 : Systems Physiology

Which of the following best describes how monozygotic twins are produced?

Possible Answers:

One zygote splits into two embryos during development 

Fertilization of one egg by two sperm 

Two eggs are released and fertilized 

Nondisjunction

Correct answer:

One zygote splits into two embryos during development 

Explanation:

Monozygotic twins are produced when a zygote divides into two embryos. This process is spontaneous and may result from blastocyst collapse. The resulting twins are genetically identical because they are produced from the same gametes.

Example Question #1312 : Ap Biology

If polyspermy does occur, which of the following symptoms will the resulting organism exhibit?

Possible Answers:

The offspring will experience stunted physical growth 

The offspring will develop learning disabilities

The zygote is inviable

The offspring will possess developmental delays

Correct answer:

The zygote is inviable

Explanation:

Polyspermy, or the fertilization of an egg by more than one sperm cell, creates an inviable zygote that will not develop.

Example Question #342 : Systems Physiology

Which of the following choices does not cause infertility?

Possible Answers:

Low semen quality 

Ovulation problems 

Alcohol use

Sexually transmitted diseases

Correct answer:

Alcohol use

Explanation:

Infertility is the inability to reproduce. There are many causes for infertility and many unexplained cases. The causes include sexually transmitted diseases, ovulation problems, and low semen quality.

Example Question #1314 : Ap Biology

During the process of fertilization, what does the term "syngamy" refer to?

Possible Answers:

Pronuclei membrane degradation

The fusion of two genomes

Cortical granule formation 

Fast block to polyspermy

Correct answer:

The fusion of two genomes

Explanation:

"Syngamy" is a term that refers to the joining of two genomes during fertilization. This occurs through the first mitotic division of the zygote, after the membranes of the pronuclei dissolve.

Example Question #342 : Systems Physiology

Which of the following definitions does the term “menarche” refer to?

Possible Answers:

When menstrual periods stop in human females

When menstrual periods begin in human females

Contractions preceding vaginal delivery 

Implantation of the embryo in human females

Correct answer:

When menstrual periods begin in human females

Explanation:

“Menarche” is the term that refers to the onset of menstrual bleeding in female humans. The timing of menarche is influenced by variety of factors including genetics and environmental factors. Age of menarche is typically between 12 to 15 years old.

Example Question #122 : Reproductive System

Which of the following characteristics is true regarding follicle development in the ovaries?

Possible Answers:

Multiple follicles develop and release oocytes each menstrual cycle 

There are competing follicles and hormones that promote the development of the dominant follicle 

Genetic damage causes all other follicles to arrest development, allowing the dominant follicle to form

Only one follicle develops per menstrual cycle 

Correct answer:

There are competing follicles and hormones that promote the development of the dominant follicle 

Explanation:

During the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) stimulates the development of multiple follicles. The follicles compete with each other and the most developed follicle becomes the dominant follicle. The dominant follicle will release an oocyte during ovulation.

Example Question #123 : Reproductive System

Which of the following best describes what happens to an egg cell if it does not get fertilized by a sperm cell in humans?

Possible Answers:

It implants and is eventually expelled from the body 

It disintegrates and is expelled from the body

It returns to the ovary 

It remains in the fallopian tube

Correct answer:

It disintegrates and is expelled from the body

Explanation:

Oocytes are released from the dominant follicle and travel down the fallopian tube. If the oocyte is not fertilized, it will disintegrate and be expelled from the body by way of menstruation.

Example Question #124 : Reproductive System

Which of the following best describes what the corpus luteum develops from in female humans?

Possible Answers:

The dominant follicle 

The non-dominant follicles 

An unfertilized oocyte

The fimbria of the fallopian tube

Correct answer:

The dominant follicle 

Explanation:

The corpus luteum is a structure in female humans that develops from the dominant follicle after ovulation. The corpus luteum is involved in the endocrine system and it secretes progesterone to maintain the endometrial lining if the released oocyte is fertilized. If the oocyte is not fertilized, it stops secreting progesterone, causing the shedding of the endometrial lining and degeneration of the corpus luteum.

Example Question #125 : Reproductive System

Which of the following hormones is secreted by the corpus luteum and helps to build up the endometrial lining?

Possible Answers:

Estrogen

Luteinizing hormone (LH)

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

Progesterone

Correct answer:

Progesterone

Explanation:

The corpus luteum develops from the dominant follicle after ovulation. It secretes progesterone to build up the endometrial lining and promote oocyte implantation. If the oocyte does not get fertilized, then the corpus luteum stops secreting progesterone. This causes the degeneration of the corpus luteum and menstruation.

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