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 #2141 : Ap Biology

Which of the following is a correct description of an organelle's function?

Possible Answers:

Chloroplast is the location of photosynthesis, and the process that turns light energy into chemical energy.

Perixisome produces lipids and gets rid of toxins

Mitochondria is the location of respiration and the exchange of gases. 

The smooth ER contains metobolic enzymes for digestion of food. 

Nucleolus is the site of mRNA production for protein synthesis. 

Correct answer:

Chloroplast is the location of photosynthesis, and the process that turns light energy into chemical energy.

Explanation:

Chloroplast is the location of photosynthesis, which is the conversion of sunlight energy into chemical energy (in form of chemical bonds). Mitochondria is the site of cellular respiration which is the conversion of chemical energy into ATP. Respiration, or otherwise known as breathing, occurs in the respiratory system. Lysosomes or peroxisomes contain digestive enzyme not the Smooth ER. The Smooth ER is responsible for breaking down of toxins and creation of lipids. The nucleolus is the site of rRNA production for the synthesis of ribosomes which make proteins. 

Example Question #2142 : Ap Biology

The shape of an animal cell is determined by which of the following?

Possible Answers:

Cell wall

Cholesterol

None of these answers

Plasma membrane

Cytoskeleton

Correct answer:

Cytoskeleton

Explanation:

The cytoskeletion determines cell shape. The cytoskeleton consists of three different types of filamentous proteins: microfilaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules. Elements of the cytoskeleton can interact with the cell membrane and cell junctions to alter the cell's overall structure.

There are no cell walls in animal cells, although the cell wall does play a large part in determining cell shape in organisms that possess them (plants, bacteria, fungi).

Example Question #2143 : Ap Biology

Which organelle works to synthesize an unstable form of energy?

Possible Answers:

Rough endoplasmic reticulum

Chloroplast

None of the other answer choices is correct.

Two of the other answer choices are correct.

Mitochondria

Correct answer:

Two of the other answer choices are correct.

Explanation:

The unstable form of energy that is syntheisized refers to ATP. ATP is an unstable; its three phosphate groups are all negatively charged and repel one another. Remember that BOTH the mitochondria and chloroplast participate in ATP synthesis via chemiosmosis; however, only the chloroplast participates in glucose synthesis via photosynthesis. Note that glucose is a stable form of energy and is not readily usable until it is broken down in the process known as glycolysis.

Example Question #81 : Cell Biology

The nucleolus __________.

Possible Answers:

is only found in prokaryotes

contains all the DNA of the cell

is found in prokaryotes and eukaryotes

None of the other answer choices is true.

is a part of the nucleus responsible for assembling ribosomes

Correct answer:

is a part of the nucleus responsible for assembling ribosomes

Explanation:

The nucleolus is a subdivision of the nucleus; thus, it is only found in eukaryotes. It is the site of ribosome assembly. The nucleolus is made of RNA and proteins.

Example Question #82 : Cell Biology

Histones __________.

Possible Answers:

play a role in gene regulation

are only found in eukaryotic cells

All of the answer choices are true.

are protiens around which DNA coils

are only found in the nucleus

Correct answer:

All of the answer choices are true.

Explanation:

Histones are proteins found in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells. DNA wraps itself around histones to further condense. Also, depending on how tightly the DNA is wrapped around the histones, it may or may not be availible for activity (e.g. replication or transcription). Cells modify the interaction between DNA and histones around certain genes under certain conditions to make those genes available or unavailable as needed.

Example Question #175 : Cell Structures

In which of the following organisms are vacuoles not usually found?

Possible Answers:

Fungi

Mammals

Bacteria

Plants

Correct answer:

Mammals

Explanation:

Vacuoles are membrane-bound structures that are found in bacterial, plant, fungal, and occasionally, animal cells. Vacuoles function in storage of water and waste and in maintenance of turgor pressure in plants. 

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