SAT II Biology M : SAT Subject Test in Biology

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for SAT II Biology M

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Cell Biology

A student identifies a cell as prokaryotic. Which of the following could NOT be a characteristic of the cell?

Possible Answers:

A cell wall

Ribosomes

The ability to carry out photosynthesis

DNA

A true nucleus

Correct answer:

A true nucleus

Explanation:

A defining characteristic of prokaryotes is the lack of a true nucleus. Prokaryotic cells do contain ribosomes, DNA, and cell walls, and some but not all prokaryotes are capable of photosynthesis.

Example Question #1 : Cell Biology

Which of the following is true of the endoplasmic reticulum? 

Possible Answers:

The endoplasmic reticulum functions in the transport of materials destined to be endocytosed into the cell. 

The rough ER is involved in metabolism and lipid synthesis. 

Both the smooth and rough ER are directly involved in protein synthesis. 

The smooth ER contains ribosomes which account for the smooth surface. 

The endoplasmic reticulum is made up of membrane-enclosed spaces used for the trafficking of materials. 

Correct answer:

The endoplasmic reticulum is made up of membrane-enclosed spaces used for the trafficking of materials. 

Explanation:

The endoplasmic reticulum is made up of membrane-enclosed spaces used for the trafficking of materials that will be secreted from the cell. Therefore it is involved in exocytosis, not endocytosis. The smooth ER is involved in metabolism and lipid synthesis. The rough ER contains ribosomes accounting for its rough appearance and allowing it to be involved in protein synthesis. 

Example Question #1 : Sat Subject Test In Biology

Which of the following statements about the Golgi apparatus are FALSE?

Possible Answers:

The Golgi apparatus modifies contents of vesicles.

The Golgi apparatus repackages contents into vesicles.

The Golgi apparatus sends vesicles to the cell surface to be exocytosed.

The Golgi apparatus produces some lipids.

The Golgi apparatus receives vesicles from the smooth ER.

Correct answer:

The Golgi apparatus produces some lipids.

Explanation:

The Golgi aparatus does not synthesize lipids. Lipids are synthesized in the smooth ER.

Example Question #1 : Sat Subject Test In Biology

Which of the following accurately describes the rough endoplasmic reticulum and the smooth endoplasmic reticulum?

Possible Answers:

The rough endoplasmic reticulum has many ribosomes bound to its surface, but the smooth endoplasmic reticulum does not.

The rough endoplasmic reticulum and the smooth endoplasmic reticulum both have many ribosomes bound to their surfaces.

The smooth endoplasmic reticulum has many ribosomes bound to its surface, but the rough endoplasmic reticulum does not.

Neither the rough endoplasmic reticulum nor the smooth endoplasmic reticulum have any ribosomes bound to their surfaces.

Correct answer:

The rough endoplasmic reticulum has many ribosomes bound to its surface, but the smooth endoplasmic reticulum does not.

Explanation:

The rough endoplasmic reticulum is described as "rough" because it is covered in ribosomes, which look like tiny beads along its surface. The smooth endoplasmic reticulum doesn't have these ribosomes all over its surface, so it appears flat and is described as "smooth" for this reason. The ribosomes function to make proteins.

Example Question #1 : Sat Subject Test In Biology

The cell is the most basic unit of life in all known organisms. Integral to its function is its ability to maintain intracellular and extracellular boundaries. Maintaining these boundaries is the function of membranes.

Which of the following choices include cells that have both a cell wall and a membrane?

I. Bacterial cells
II. Fungal cells
III. Animal cells

Possible Answers:

I only

II and III

I and III

I, II, and III

I and II

Correct answer:

I and II

Explanation:

Plants, bacteria, and fungi have both a membrane as well as a cell wall. On the other hand, animal cells have only a membrane.

Example Question #2 : Sat Subject Test In Biology

The cell walls of bacteria, plants, and fungi are of varying composition. Plant cells are composed of __________.

Possible Answers:

carboxypeptidase

glycogen

cellulose

chitin

peptidoglycan

Correct answer:

cellulose

Explanation:

Plant cell walls are made of cellulose, a polysaccharide.

Example Question #1 : Cell Membrane And Cell Wall

The cell walls of bacteria, plants, and fungi are of varying composition. Fungi cells are composed of __________.

Possible Answers:

cellulose

chitin

carboxypeptidase

glycogen

peptidoglycan

Correct answer:

chitin

Explanation:

Fungal cells have cell walls composed of chitin, a polysaccharide similar in structure to cellulose.

Example Question #1 : Cell Structures

The cell walls of bacteria, plants, and fungi are of varying composition. Bacterial cells are composed of __________.

Possible Answers:

glycogen

chitin

peptidoglycan

cellulose

carboxypeptidase

Correct answer:

peptidoglycan

Explanation:

Bacterial cell walls are composed of peptidoglycan, a protein and sugar moiety. 

Example Question #1 : Sat Subject Test In Biology

____________ are hollow tubes made up of polymerized tubulin that provide support throughout the cell. 

Possible Answers:

Cilia

Microtubules

Flagella

Fibrae 

Actin

Correct answer:

Microtubules

Explanation:

Microtubules are hollow tubes made up of polymerized tubulin that provide support throughout the cell. 

Example Question #2 : Sat Subject Test In Biology

Which of the following characteristics are true of all enzymes? 

Possible Answers:

Enzymes are sensitive to temperature and pH.

Enzymes are not used up in the reaction.

Enzymes do not alter the equilibrium constant.

Three of the answer choices are correct.

None of the answer choices are correct.

Correct answer:

Three of the answer choices are correct.

Explanation:

Enzymes do not alter the equilibrium constant because enzymes are not consumed in the reaction.

Hint: Write out the equation for the equilibrium constant and notice that there is no variable for enzymes. 

Enzymes are sensitive to temperature and pH, as high temperatures and very low pH can cause denaturation of an enzyme. Enzymes are only optimal at certain pH and temperature ranges.

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