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 #1 : Understand Functions Of Organelles In The Cell

Skin can be stretched and pulled with great force without breaking or tearing. Which cellular junction is most responsible for keeping skin resilient and intact?

Possible Answers:

Gap junctions

Desmosomes

Intercalated discs

Tight junctions

Correct answer:

Desmosomes

Explanation:

Desmosomes are the primary junction that helps keep tissues that are under a lot of stress, like skin, intact. Although tight junctions typically accompany desmosomes, their primary function is to prevent substances from passing between cells. Gap junctions are used for communication between cells, and intercalated discs are only found in cardiac muscle tissue.

Example Question #1 : Understand Functions Of Organelles In The Cell

Which cellular structure is least likely to bear a membrane protein that moves hydrogen ions out of the organelle?

Possible Answers:

Chloroplast

Golgi body

Lysosome

Nucleus

Mitochondria

Correct answer:

Lysosome

Explanation:

The lysosome is an organelle that is used to digest broken cellular machinery or foreign particles. It maintains an acidic environment inside by pumping hydrogen ions in, not out. This environment helps denature the things it needs to digest, and is the most effective pH for the digestive enzymes that are inside.

The other structures do not maintain acidic environments, and would need the capability of removing protons.

Example Question #2 : Understand Functions Of Organelles In The Cell

Where would you be least likely to find a transmembrane protein?

Possible Answers:

Nucleus

Chloroplasts

Mitochondria

Cell membrane

Ribosomes

Correct answer:

Ribosomes

Explanation:

The simple answer here is that all of these organelles have a membrane, except for ribosomes. Nuclei, mitochondria, chloroplasts, and cells as a whole have transmembrane proteins spanning the lipid bilayer, which can be used for transport or other purposes. Ribosomes are mostly comprised of rRNA and do not have membranes; thus, they will not bear transmembrane proteins.

Example Question #2 : Understand Functions Of Organelles In The Cell

The Golgi apparatus is responsible for which function of the cell?

Possible Answers:

Protein degradation

Protein packaging

Protein synthesis

Protein storage

Correct answer:

Protein packaging

Explanation:

The Golgi apparatus is a series of flattened membrane sacs found in the cell. It receives vesicles filled with proteins from the rough endoplasmic reticulum. The Golgi apparatus is responsible for recognizing proteins based on their signal sequences and sending concentrations of similar proteins to various parts of the cell. It can also deliver proteins out of the cell using secretory vesicles. The membrane sacs of the Golgi apparatus are constantly used and regenerated to create vesicles of packaged proteins.

Example Question #2 : Understand Functions Of Organelles In The Cell

Which of the following structures/functions is not created using microtubules?

Possible Answers:

Muscle contraction

Eukaryotic flagella

Mitotic spindles

Cilia

Correct answer:

Muscle contraction

Explanation:

Muscle contraction is accomplished using the function of microfilaments, namely actin and myosin. Microtubules are not a key player in muscle contraction, but are used to create the mitotic spindles, flagella, and cilia. Microtubules are a key element of the cytoskeleton, and are generally involved in structural aspects of the cell.

Example Question #3 : Understand Functions Of Organelles In The Cell

Ribosomes are the site of protein synthesis in both eukaryotes and prokaryotes. In eukaryotes, ribosomes can either be "free" or "bound." To which larger organelle are bound ribosomes attached?

Possible Answers:

Lysosomes

Rough endoplasmic reticulum

Golgi apparatus

Mitochondria

Smooth endoplasmic reticulum

Correct answer:

Rough endoplasmic reticulum

Explanation:

While free ribosomes are present independently in the cytosol, bound ribosomes are attached to the rough endoplasmic reticulum. Their presence gives this organelle its "rough" appearance and distinguishes it from the smooth endoplasmic reticulum, which does not contain ribosomes. The nuclear envelope, which surrounds and protects the eukaryotic nucleus, is also the site of some bound ribosomes and is connect to the rough endoplasmic reticulum. The Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, and mitochondria have no ribosomes bound to their membranes.

Example Question #3 : Understand Functions Of Organelles In The Cell

Which of the following organelles directly requires oxygen to maintain optimal function?

Possible Answers:

Ribosomes

Smooth endoplasmic reticulum

Plasmids

Nucleolus

Mitochondria

Correct answer:

Mitochondria

Explanation:

The mitochondria are membrane-bound organelles involved in the process of cellular respiration. Specifically, the Krebs cycle takes place in the matrix of the mitochondria and the electron transport chain takes place along the inner mitochondrial membrane. During aerobic respiration, oxygen is used as the final electron receptor of the electron transport chain and generates water as a byproduct. Without oxygen, the mitochondria cannot perform oxidative phosphorylation, and the cell must rely on glycolysis for energy.

Example Question #4 : Understand Functions Of Organelles In The Cell

Of the following organelles, which contains hydrolytic enzymes that can break down cellular debris?

Possible Answers:

Lysosome

Plasma membrane

Nucleus

Peroxisome

Endoplasmic reticulum

Correct answer:

Lysosome

Explanation:

Lysosomes contain hydrolytic enzymes that can digest macromolecules from phagocytosis, endocytosis, and autophagy. When damage occurs to the membrane of the lysosome, these enzymes can be released and cause damage to the cell, leading to apoptosis.

Peroxisomes contain peroxidases, which help to eliminate hydrogen peroxide from the cell and prevent the creation of free radicals. The nucleus houses DNA and would be severely damaged by the introduction of hydrolytic enzymes. The plasma membrane is used to contain the cytoplasm and organelles and the endoplasmic reticulum is used to modify and package proteins.

Example Question #5 : Understand Functions Of Organelles In The Cell

A centriole is a cylindrical structure that is primarily involved in which process?

Possible Answers:

Cell division

Glycolysis

Lipid storage

Gluconeogenesis

Cellular respiration

Correct answer:

Cell division

Explanation:

Centrioles are cell structures that are mainly composed of tubulin and are involved in the organization of the mitotic spindle and cytokinesis during cell division.

Cellular respiration primarily occurs on the inner mitochondrial membrane with the aid of membrane proteins. Glycolysis and gluconeogenesis occur in the cytoplasm and are facilitated by proteins. Lipids are mostly stored in bones and adipose tissue. These processes do not require intervention from the cytoskeleton or microtubules that compose the centrioles.

Example Question #5 : Understand Functions Of Organelles In The Cell

What cellular structure is composed of a protein skeleton that is made up of lamins?

Possible Answers:

Nucleus

Lysosome

Chloroplast

Mitochondrion

Peroxisome

Correct answer:

Nucleus

Explanation:

Nuclear lamins are fibrous proteins (intermediate filaments) that provide the structural function and the transcriptional regulation in the nucleus of a cell. Note that lamins differ from laminins, which are a protein component of basement membranes.

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