High School Biology : Cell Biology

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for High School Biology

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Example Questions

Example Question #151 : Cell Biology

In regard to cellular membranes, what does it mean to be selectively permeable?

Possible Answers:

Polarization of the cell membrane allows for passive transport of all foreign molecules or ions

Molecules and ions can pass freely through the phospholipid bilayer

Molecules and ions are always kept to the exterior of the phospholipid bilayer

Molecules and ions outside the cell are selected to enter the cell via active or passive transport through the phospholipid bilayer

Polarization of the cell membrane allows for no entrance of foreign molecules or ions

Correct answer:

Molecules and ions outside the cell are selected to enter the cell via active or passive transport through the phospholipid bilayer

Explanation:

A cell must exchange molecules and ions with its surroundings.  This process is controlled by the selective permeability of the plasma membrane.  Passive transport requires no energy from the cell; molecules like water can diffuse into and out of the cell through the phospholipid bilayer freely by way of osmosis.  Other molecules and ions, like sodium, are actively transported across the phospholipid bilayer.  This requires ATP created by the cell.  Active transport moves solutes against their concentration gradients, which is why it requires energy. 

Example Question #5 : Understanding Cytoplasmic Proteins

Which of the following is NOT true of the cytoplasmic protein structures known as tonofibrils?

Possible Answers:

They converge at desmosomes and hemidesmosomes.

They are primarily found in endocrine tissues.

They are primarily made of kertain tonofilaments.

The protein filaggrin is thought to hold them together.

They are most typically anchored to the cytoskeleton.

Correct answer:

They are primarily found in endocrine tissues.

Explanation:

Tonofibrils are groups of keratin tonofilaments (intermediate filaments) most commonly found in the epithelial tissues, not endocrine tissues, and which play an important structural role in cell makeup.

Example Question #11 : Transport And Signaling

What is the primary purpose of secondary messenger systems? In other words, what can a secondary messenger do in the body that a first messenger cannot?

Possible Answers:

Secondary messengers are able to bind to membranes, anchoring themselves in one place, whereas primary messengers float freely throughout the cell body and are unreliable.

Secondary messengers are capable of crossing the phospholipid bilayer cell membrane, whereas primary messengers often are not.

Secondary messengers help primary messengers cross the phospholipid bilayer by making them hydrophilic or hydrophobic.

Secondary messengers can take up extra space in a cell, thus limiting the ability of other chemical reactions to interfere with cell processes.

None of these describe the unique role of secondary messengers.

Correct answer:

Secondary messengers are capable of crossing the phospholipid bilayer cell membrane, whereas primary messengers often are not.

Explanation:

The primary ability of secondary messengers is their ability to leave the cell membrane and travel through the phospholipid bilayer by being selectively hydrophilic or -phobic, allowing egress. This enables, for example, a cascade effect that greatly amplifies the strength of the original primary messenger signal.

Example Question #1 : Understanding Second Messenger Systems

Which of the following is NOT an example of a second messenger molecule?

Possible Answers:

Protein kinase C

Cyclic AMP

Diacylglycerol

Cyclic GMP

Calcium

Correct answer:

Protein kinase C

Explanation:

All of the examples listed are considered second messengers except for protein kinase C, which interacts with second messenger pathways as an effector; however, it is not a second messenger itself.

Recall that second messengers are used to amplify signals within the cell. A ligand may bind to a receptor on the cell surface in order to activate a signaling cascade. Second messagers will help propagate this cascade throughout the cytosol. The messengers essentially help transfer the signal from the receptor on the cell membrane to the proteins in the cytosol that will ultimately be affected.

Example Question #1 : Understanding Second Messenger Systems

Second messenger cascades can be triggered by the binding of an extracellular ligand to a membrane-spanning G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR).

Which of the following best describes what happens to the GPCR after a ligand has bound to it?

Possible Answers:

The GPCR become inactivated

The GPCR is released from the membrane and enters the intracellular space to trigger downstream signaling cascades

The GPCR opens to permit an influx of sodium ions (Na+)

The GPCR remains unchanged, as no covalent modifications have been made

The GPCR undergoes a conformational change, making a binding site available for a G-protein within the cytosol

Correct answer:

The GPCR undergoes a conformational change, making a binding site available for a G-protein within the cytosol

Explanation:

G-protein coupled receptors begin the signal transduction pathway by interacting with intracellular G-proteins. This interaction isn't possible until a ligand forces a conformational change in the GPCR, thereby freeing up a site for the G-protein to bind. This interaction permits the G-protein to exchange a GDP for a GTP, thereby activating the G-protein and continuing signal transduction.

Example Question #2 : Understanding Second Messenger Systems

Which of the following is NOT a primary benefit of utilizing second messengers to transduce signals within a cell?

Possible Answers:

Second messengers permit fine-tuned modulation of the signal through various intracellular enzymes

Second messengers eliminate the need for molecules to cross the semi-permeable membrane

Second messengers permit amplification of the signal

Second messengers can activate more than one pathway

Second messengers give cells direct access to extracellular material by permeabilizing the membrane

Correct answer:

Second messengers give cells direct access to extracellular material by permeabilizing the membrane

Explanation:

The ligand binds the receptor on its extracellular terminus; therefore the ligand itself never enters the cell or passes through the membrane. Second messengers let the cell 'know' what is happening on the outside, but these extracellular molecules do not directly enter the cell.

All of the other answers describe benefits of the second messenger system. 

Example Question #4 : Understanding Second Messenger Systems

Which of the following is NOT an example of a second messenger?

Possible Answers:

IP3

All of these are second messengers.

Ca2+

cAMP

Epinephrine (adrenaline)

Correct answer:

Epinephrine (adrenaline)

Explanation:

Second messengers are intracellular signaling molecules. Epinephrine is a hormone that is released into the bloodstream and is thus never inside the cell. cAMP, Ca2+ and IP3 are all examples of second messengers. They respond to primary messengers—which are often hormones—by amplifying their effects and/or turning on downstream effectors.

Example Question #1 : Understanding Stages Of Mitosis

A cell is arrested during mitosis. At this stage, distinct chromatids are visible at opposite poles of the cell. Which stage of mitosis does this describe?

Possible Answers:

Metaphase

Anaphase

Prophase

Telophase

Correct answer:

Anaphase

Explanation:

The phases of mitosis can be described as follows:

During prophase chromatin condenses to form discrete chromosomes.

During metaphase microtubules attach to the kinetochores and chromatids begin segregating.

During anaphase sister chromatids have been separated and reside at opposite poles of the cell.

During telophase both sets of chromatids are surround by new nuclear membranes and chromosomes decondense into chromatin.

Cytokinesis (the dividing of the cytoplasm into two cells) follows telophase.

If the cell were arrested during telophase, distinct chromatids would no longer be visible.

Example Question #2 : Cell Division

The stage of mitosis during which sister chromatids line up in the middle of the cell is __________.

Possible Answers:

anaphase

metaphase

prophase

interphase

telophase

Correct answer:

metaphase

Explanation:

Metaphase is the stage of cell division during which the sister chromatids line up along the metaphase plate in the center of the cell.  

Interphase is the stage of the cell cycle during which the cell prepares for cell division. The cell spends most of its life cycle in interphase, during which is transcribes genes, synthesizes proteins, and performs most of its intended functions. Interphase is not generally considered a phase of mitosis.

Prophase is the stage of the cell cycle during which the chromatin condenses into chromosomes and the nuclear envelope dissolves.

Anaphase occurs when the sister chromatids that have lined up along the metaphase plate separate and are pulled to opposite poles of the cell by the spindle fibers.  

Telophase occurs when two daughter nuclei form in the two new cells at the conclusion of mitosis.

The order of mitosis is: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase, (interphase).

Example Question #3 : Cell Division

What is the correct order of the stages of mitosis?

Possible Answers:

Prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase

Metaphase, telophase, anaphase, prophase

Anaphase, metaphase, telophase, prophase

Anaphase, metaphase, prophase, telophase

Prophase, anaphase, telophase, metaphase

Correct answer:

Prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase

Explanation:

Mitosis is the process of cell division, and is separated into four stages. During prophase, the chromosomes condense and the nuclear envelope dissolves. During metaphase, the chromosomes align at the center of the cell. During anaphase, the sister chromatids are separated and pulled to opposite ends of the cell. During telophase, the nuclear envelope begins to re-form around the divided chromatids.

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