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Example Questions
Example Question #1 : Understanding Other Reproductive Physiology
Which statement describes the inheritance of mitochondrial DNA?
Mitochondrial DNA is derived from an undefined mix between the mitochondrial DNA of the parents
Mitochondrial DNA is developed by the fetus, and is unrelated to either parent
Half of the mitochondrial DNA is inherited from the mother and half is inherited from the father
Mitochondrial DNA is solely inherited from the mother
Mitochondrial DNA is solely inherited from the father
Mitochondrial DNA is solely inherited from the mother
When a sperm and egg fuse to form a zygote, the nucleus of the sperm enters the cytoplasm of the egg. As a result, the father's genome is passed onto the offspring, but no cellular organelles from the sperm are transferred. Any DNA contained in the mitochondria must come from the mother's egg, and could not have come from the cytoplasm of the sperm. The offspring will inherit all mitochondrial DNA from the mother.
This allows geneticists to trace mitochondrial lineages to find distant ancestors and track the evolution of species.
Example Question #2 : Understanding Other Reproductive Physiology
What structure is responsible for secreting progesterone following ovulation?
Zona pellucida
Secondary follicle
Corpus luteum
Corpus albicans
Corpus luteum
Following ovulation, the remaining follicle previously containing the egg is called the corpus luteum. This structure will release progesterone, and continue to do so if the egg is fertilized and a zygote is formed. If no pregnancy occurs, the corpus luteum will degrade into the corpus albicans.
Example Question #82 : Reproductive System
Which of the following is caused by the luteal surge?
Ovulation
Fertilization
Oogenesis
Menstruation
Ovulation
The luteal surge is characterized by a sharp increase in estradiol (estrogen) levels, which then causes an increase in luteinizing hormone levels. This event causes ovulation to take place.
Example Question #3 : Understanding Other Reproductive Physiology
Which of the following choices best describes where the secondary oocyte travels in the female reproductive tract after it is released from the follicle?
Ovary
Uterus
Vagina
Fallopian tube
Fallopian tube
The release of the secondary oocyte from the follicle is called ovulation. During this process, a hole called the “stigma” is formed and it allows the secondary oocyte to leave the follicle surrounded by a layer of cells called the cumulus oophorus. After its release, the secondary oocyte enters the fallopian tube.
Example Question #4 : Understanding Other Reproductive Physiology
Which of the following hormones does not spike in concentration to trigger ovulation?
Luteinizing hormone (LH)
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
Estrogen
Progesterone
Progesterone
Leading up to ovulation, the developing follicle secretes estrogen. Over time, this secretion increases estrogen concentration. This high concentration of estrogen triggers the secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) from the anterior pituitary gland. The spike in LH and FSH concentrations lead to the release of the secondary oocyte from the follicle. Progesterone, on the other hand, is only present at low concentrations at the time of ovulation. Progesterone levels rise after ovulation.
Example Question #5 : Understanding Other Reproductive Physiology
Which of the following molecular changes leading to ovulation is caused by a spike in luteinizing hormone (LH)?
A release of hormones that develop the zona pellucida
The release of proteolytic enzymes to form the stigma
Meiotic recombination of the secondary oocyte
The maturation of the secondary oocyte
The release of proteolytic enzymes to form the stigma
The slow increase in estrogen concentration leading up to ovulation triggers the secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) from the anterior pituitary gland. The spike in LH initiates signal transduction pathways that release proteolytic enzymes. These enzymes create a hole, or stigma, in the follicle that allows the secondary oocyte to exit.
Example Question #6 : Understanding Other Reproductive Physiology
Which of the following best describes the effect of high estrogen concentrations on follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels?
Increases FSH levels
Has no effect on FSH levels
Maintains FSH levels
Decreases FSH levels
Increases FSH levels
During the follicular phase of the estrous cycle, estrogen, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) are in a positive feedback loop. High concentrations of estrogen stimulate the anterior pituitary gland to secrete LH and FSH.
Example Question #7 : Understanding Other Reproductive Physiology
In mammalian reproduction, what is the stigma?
The layer of cells surrounding the released oocyte
The hole that forms in the follicle to allow for oocyte release
The resulting diploid organism that develops after the fusion of an egg and sperm
The entrance to the fallopian tubes
The hole that forms in the follicle to allow for oocyte release
The increase in luteinizing hormone (LH) concentration during the follicular stage of the estrous cycle leads to the release of proteolytic enzymes from the follicle. These enzymes degrade the follicle tissue and create a hole called the “stigma.” The secondary oocyte exits the follicle from the stigma in a process called ovulation.
Example Question #2 : Understanding Other Reproductive Physiology
Which of the following male reproductive structures does not contribute to the composition of semen?
Seminal vesicles
Prostate gland
Glans penis
Bulbourethral gland
Glans penis
Semen is a fluid that contains sperm cells, proteolytic enzymes, lipids, and fructose. The prostate gland, bulbourethral gland, and seminal vesicles all contribute to the makeup of semen. Semen protects and transports sperm cells inside the female reproductive tract as they seek out the egg cell.
Example Question #3 : Understanding Other Reproductive Physiology
What is the pH of semen and why is it important?
Semen is acidic to counteract the alkalinity of the female vagina
Semen is alkaline to attract the egg cell
Semen is alkaline to counteract the acidity of the female vagina
Semen is acidic to protect and keep the sperm cell alive
Semen is alkaline to counteract the acidity of the female vagina
Semen is the fluid that contains and transports sperm cells to the female reproductive tract. The female vagina is acidic due to lactic acid output from normally occurring bacteria in the vagina. In order to protect sperm cells from the acidic environment, semen is alkaline.
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