AP Biology : Understand functions of organelles in the cell

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Biology

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Example Questions

Example Question #31 : Understand Functions Of Organelles In The Cell

Which of the following statements is true?

Possible Answers:

The smooth endoplasmic reticulum synthesizes proteins

The mitochondrion is responsible for breaking down damaged organelles and ingested substances

Peroxisomes are composed of enzymes that create hydrogen peroxide, which is then converted to water 

Ribosomes house chromosomes and synthesize DNA

The Golgi apparatus synthesizes lipids and metabolizes carbohydrates ingested by the cell

Correct answer:

Peroxisomes are composed of enzymes that create hydrogen peroxide, which is then converted to water 

Explanation:

Ribosomes are organelles composed of two subunits of ribosomal RNA and proteins. There are two types: free ribosomes, which are found in the cytosol of the cell, and bound ribosomes, which are bound to the rough endoplasmic reticulum. Their primary purpose is to synthesize proteins. Messenger RNA will bring amino acids to the ribosomes, where proteins are then synthesized. The endoplasmic reticulum is an organelle that is composed of bounded tubules and sacs and is continuous with the nuclear envelope. It is composed of two parts: the smooth endoplasmic reticulum and the rough endoplasmic reticulum. The smooth endoplasmic reticulum synthesizes lipids, metabolizes carbohydrates, stores calcium, and detoxifies the cell of drugs and poisons. The rough endoplasmic reticulum, studded with ribosomes, aids in protein synthesis. The mitochondrion is bound by a double membrane; the inner membrane has many infoldings called cristae. This increases the surface area of the organelle and therefore increases productivity. Known as the “powerhouse of the cell,” the mitochondrion creates ATP for the cell through a process known as cellular respiration. Peroxisomes are specialized metabolic organelles bound by a single membrane. They contain enzymes that transfer hydrogen atoms from substrates to oxygen, producing hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is then converted to water. The Golgi apparatus is a stack of flattened membranous sacs. Its purpose is to modify proteins, carbohydrates, and phospholipids. Polysaccharides are also synthesized here. Besides synthesis and modification of these macromolecules, the Golgi apparatus also sorts products and sends them to other parts of the cell through vesicles. 

Example Question #31 : Understand Functions Of Organelles In The Cell

In the study of cell biology, organelles can be examined using __________.

Possible Answers:

a magnifying glass

an electron microscope

the naked eye

a light microscope

Correct answer:

an electron microscope

Explanation:

Organelles, for the most part, are too small to be clearly defined by a simple light microscope. Although, larger organelles may be seen with a light microscope, they cannot be well-studied using them. An electron microscope can achieve remarkable magnification and resolution. Some electron microscopes can even resolve individual molecules or atoms. Also note that an egg (chicken, human, ostrich etc.) is a single cell. We can study the nucleus (yolk) with the naked eye, but this is a special case, and the question does not provide us any information that would make this a reasonable assumption.

Example Question #32 : Understand Functions Of Organelles In The Cell

What is the process by which a cell intakes extracellular fluid in "gulps" via tiny vesicles?

Possible Answers:

Simple diffusion

Phagocytosis

Pinocytosis

Exocytosis

Correct answer:

Pinocytosis

Explanation:

Pinocytosis is the uptake of extracellular fluids. The cell accomplishes this by creating vesicles from the cell membrane around droplets of extracellular fluid and carrying them inside the cell. This process is unspecific in which substances it carries into the cell (not receptor-mediated). Exocytosis involves the same concept, but in the other direction (from inside the cell out). Simple diffusion does not involve the creation of vesicles, rather it involves substances freely diffusing through the plasma membrane from areas of high concentration to areas of low concentration without the net input of energy.    

Example Question #33 : Understand Functions Of Organelles In The Cell

In eukaryotes the organelles that convert energy to forms the cells can use for work are __________.

Possible Answers:

rough endoplasmic reticulum only

both mitochondria and chloroplasts

mitochondria only

chloroplasts only

Correct answer:

both mitochondria and chloroplasts

Explanation:

Both mitochondria and chloroplasts convert energy to work in eukaryotes. Mitochondria are the sites for the catabolic process that creates ATP in animals. In plants, chloroplasts are the sites of photosynthesis where solar energy is converted to chemical energy.  

Example Question #34 : Understand Functions Of Organelles In The Cell

Cristae are located in __________.

Possible Answers:

mitochondria

chloroplasts

the stroma

the plasma membrane

Correct answer:

mitochondria

Explanation:

Cristae are found in mitochondria. Mitochondria are enclosed by an envelope of two membranes. The inner membrane is convoluted with infoldings called cristae. This is an adaption that increases the surface area of the inner membrane of the mitochondria so that ATP synthesis can be maximized. The chloroplast equivalent of cristea are the thylakoid membranes. The stroma is the matrix equivalent of the chloroplast. The plasma membrane is not nearly as convoluted as the inner mitochondrial membrane.

Example Question #35 : Understand Functions Of Organelles In The Cell

What are the distinct, threadlike structures that contain the genetic information that is passed from one generation of cells to the next?

Possible Answers:

Smooth endoplasmic reticulum

Rough endoplasmic reticulum

Golgi apparatus

Chromosomes

Correct answer:

Chromosomes

Explanation:

The chromosomes are the threadlike structures that contain genetic information.  Rough endoplasmic reticulum is involved in protein synthesis.  Smooth endoplasmic reticulum is involved in lipid synthesis.  The Golgi apparatus is involved in modification and delivering of proteins within the cell and for secretion outside the cell.

Example Question #36 : Understand Functions Of Organelles In The Cell

Eukaryotic cells have this structure that is a network of protein filaments that helps the cell to maintain its shape.

Possible Answers:

RNA

Cytoskeleton

DNA

Smooth endoplasmic reticulum

Correct answer:

Cytoskeleton

Explanation:

The cytoskeleton is a network of protein filaments in eukaryotic cells that helps the cell to maintain its shape.  Smooth endoplasmic reticulum is involved in lipid synthesis.  DNA is the genetic code molecules in the nucleus.  RNA is involved in protein synthesis.

Example Question #37 : Understand Functions Of Organelles In The Cell

Which of the following is true regarding active transport?

Possible Answers:

The cell uses energy and protein pumps to move molecules across the membrane.

The cell does not use energy and diffusion occurs.

Osmosis occurs across the lipid bilayer.

The cell uses energy to bond molecules to the phosphate heads.

Correct answer:

The cell uses energy and protein pumps to move molecules across the membrane.

Explanation:

In active transport, the cell uses energy (ATP) through the protein pumps to move molecules across the membrane.  This process does not involve osmosis, which is a form of passive transport.

Example Question #151 : Cell Structures

Circular DNA can be found in all of the following except __________.

Possible Answers:

Plasmids

Bacteria

All of these contain circular DNA

Mitochondria

Viruses

Correct answer:

All of these contain circular DNA

Explanation:

Circular DNA is found in all of listed answer choices. Viruses contain short, linear or circular genomes (either RNA or DNA). Recall that mitochondria and chloroplasts have their own circular DNA, which is evidence supporting the endosymbiotic theory of evolution in which these organelles were once independent prokaryotic organisms. A plasmid itself is a circular piece of DNA.

Example Question #152 : Cell Structures

Ribosomes are macromolecular structures composed of both proteins and RNAs. Where are the ribosomal RNAs synthesized in eukaryotic cells?

Possible Answers:

Mitochondria

Nucleolus

Nucleus

Chloroplast

Cytoplasm

Correct answer:

Nucleolus

Explanation:

In eukarytoic cells, the nucleolus is located within the nucleus and is the site of ribosomal RNA synthesis

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