AP Biology : Systems Physiology

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Biology

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Example Questions

Example Question #49 : Reproductive Physiology

In humans the gametes are produced in __________.

Possible Answers:

The gonads

Somatic cells

Mitochondria 

The zygote

Correct answer:

The gonads

Explanation:

Gametes are the haploid sex cells that are produced in the gonads (ovaries in females and testes in males). These are the primary sex organs.

Example Question #4 : Understanding Gametogenesis

A human cell from the ovary has 22 chromosomes and an X chromosome. It is __________.

Possible Answers:

a muscle cell

a sperm

a somatic cell

an ovum 

Correct answer:

an ovum 

Explanation:

A cell with 22 chromosomes and 1 sex chromosome is clearly haploid (n=23) and so it must be a sex cell and not a somatic cell (2n=46). Since both male and female gametes may contain an X chromosome, that information is not enough to tell us whether this cell comes from a male of female. However, since we are told the cell came from the ovary, we know it is the female gamete, an ovum. A muscle cell is a type of somatic cell, all of which are diploid.

Example Question #4 : Understanding Gametogenesis

Which of the following is not a true characteristic of gametocytes?

Possible Answers:

They are eukaryotic somatic cells

Male gametocytes are called spermatocytes

Gametocytes can divide by mitosis into other gametocytes

Female gametocytes are called oocytes

Correct answer:

They are eukaryotic somatic cells

Explanation:

Gametocytes are eukaryotic germ line cells. They can undergo mitosis to form more gametocytes or undergo meiosis to form gametids. Male gametocytes are called spermatocytes and female gametocytes are called oocytes.

Example Question #1 : Understanding Gametogenesis

Which of the following best describes the difference between a primary and secondary spermatocyte?

Possible Answers:

The secondary spermatocyte is diploid and the primary spermatocyte is haploid

The secondary spermatocyte forms during mitosis and the primary spermatocyte forms during meiosis II

The secondary spermatocyte forms during meiosis II and the primary spermatocyte forms during mitosis

The secondary spermatocyte is haploid and the primary spermatocyte is diploid

Correct answer:

The secondary spermatocyte is haploid and the primary spermatocyte is diploid

Explanation:

Spermatocytes are male gametocytes located in the seminiferous tubules of the testes. Primary spermatocytes are diploid and form when spermatogonia—immature germ cells—enter into mitosis. Primary spermatocytes can then enter meiosis and produce haploid secondary spermatocytes after meiosis I.

Example Question #7 : Understanding Gametogenesis

Which of the following is not a true characteristic of spermatogonia?

Possible Answers:

They are germ line cells

They are undifferentiated

They are haploid

They develop into primary spermatocytes through mitosis

Correct answer:

They are haploid

Explanation:

Spermatogonia are diploid undifferentiated male germ cells located in the seminiferous tubules of the testes. Spermatogonia are important in the process of spermatogenesis; they turn into primary spermatocytes via growth and maturation.

Example Question #8 : Understanding Gametogenesis

Which of the following terms is best defined as a mature, motile, and haploid sperm cell produced during spermatogenesis?

Possible Answers:

Spermatid

Secondary spermatocyte

Spermatozoa

Spermatogonium

Correct answer:

Spermatozoa

Explanation:

Mature sperm cells that are haploid, motile, and produced during spermatogenesis are called spermatozoa. Spermatids are haploid; however, they are immature. Spermatids will turn into spermatozoa once they mature.

Example Question #11 : Understanding Gametogenesis

Where does the human body store spermatozoa?

Possible Answers:

Seminiferous tubules

Epididymis

Ejaculatory duct

Seminal vesicle

Correct answer:

Epididymis

Explanation:

Spermatozoa are stored in the epididymis prior to ejaculation. Prior to entering the epididymis, spermatozoa are immotile; however, as they travel through the epididymis the cells mature and gain motility.

Example Question #1251 : Ap Biology

Which of the following best describes how a sperm's axoneme develops during spermiogenesis?

Possible Answers:

Microtubule growth from a single centriole

Rearrangement of the Golgi apparatus

DNA condensation

Mitochondrial clustering

Correct answer:

Microtubule growth from a single centriole

Explanation:

Spermiogenesis is the final stage of spermatogenesis. In the process of spermiogenesis, spermatids develop into spermatozoa and form axoneme—the internal structure of the spermatozoa tails. It develops by way of microtubule growth from a single centriole that constructs the internal structure of the sperm tail. Mature spermatozoa have axonemes comprised of nine outer microtubule doublets and two central microtubules. These structures aid in motility.

Example Question #1252 : Ap Biology

In the process of spermiogenesis, the acrosome is derived from which of the following organelles?

Possible Answers:

Cytoplasm

Golgi apparatus

Centriole

Endoplasmic reticulum

Correct answer:

Golgi apparatus

Explanation:

Spermiogenesis is the final stage of spermatogenesis. In mature spermatozoa, the acrosome is the head of the cell and, in humans, contains digestive enzymes for ovum penetration. The acrosome develops during spermiogenesis when the Golgi apparatus surrounds the nucleus. 

Example Question #14 : Understanding Gametogenesis

Which of the following best describes where mitochondria are localized in spermatozoa?

Possible Answers:

At the plasma membrane

Near condensed DNA

At the acrosome

Around the axoneme

Correct answer:

Around the axoneme

Explanation:

Mitochondria cluster around the axoneme during spermiogenesis. They supply the energy needed for sperm movement, which is achieved through movement of the flagellum.

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