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AP®BiologyCollege BoardExam QuestionsUnit 4: Cell Communication & Cell CycleCell Communication

Cell Communication (College Board AP® Biology): Exam Questions

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Cell Communication

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The bobtail squid relies on a symbiotic relationship with Vibrio fischeri, a bacterium that produces bioluminescence to help the squid avoid predation. This light production occurs only when the bacterial population reaches a critical density, a process called quorum sensing. During quorum sensing, bacteria release chemical signals into their environment; as these signals accumulate, individual bacteria detect them and regulate their cellular processes based on population density.

Which of the following best explains why quorum sensing is an example of signal transduction?

  • Individual bacteria directly transfer DNA to each other through conjugation tubes.

  • Bacteria use local regulators which bind to receptors on nearby cells and stimulate specific cellular change.

  • The bacteria and the squid are in a relationship that aids the survival of both species.

  • Bacteria communicate through plasmodesmata to coordinate light production.

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Insulin is a protein hormone that plays a role in reducing blood glucose to maintain homeostasis. Figure 1 shows some changes in the blood of an individual after consumption of a meal.

Graph showing blood glucose and insulin levels over time. Solid line rises then falls post-meal; dashed line follows a similar pattern. Key included.
Figure 1. Graph showing how blood glucose and blood insulin concentrations change over time after consuming a meal.

Which of the following best describes the data shown in Figure 1?

  • Blood glucose concentration increases as insulin production increases.

  • Changes in blood insulin levels cause changes in blood glucose levels.

  • Changes in blood insulin levels occur just behind changes in blood glucose levels.

  • Blood insulin and blood glucose levels change at the same time.

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During childbirth the hormone oxytocin plays a vital role in stimulating uterine contractions.

Which of the following best describes how oxytocin facilitates labor through positive feedback?

  • Oxytocin inhibits uterine contractions to prevent premature delivery.

  • Stretch receptors inhibit oxytocin release as contractions increase.

  • Oxytocin triggers contractions, which stimulate more oxytocin release, leading to stronger contractions.

  • Oxytocin maintains a constant level of contraction strength.

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Figure 1 shows an example of a ligand binding to a receptor on a cell surface membrane and initiating a signaling cascade.

Diagram of epinephrine binding to cell membrane receptor, activating adenyl cyclase, converting ATP to cAMP, leading to protein kinase activation, affecting glycogen.
Figure 1. A signaling cascade.

Which of the following best describes the effect of a signaling cascade like this on a cell?

  • Signaling cascades amplify signals from ligands, activating many enzymes inside cells.

  • Signaling cascades result in the release of glucose inside cells.

  • Signaling cascades trigger positive feedback loops inside cells.

  • Signaling cascades activate one enzyme per molecule of ligand that binds to a cell.

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