AP Biology : Systems Physiology

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Biology

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store

Example Questions

Example Question #4 : Understanding Emulsification

Bile salts make fat droplets more accessible to the enzyme __________.

Possible Answers:

pancreatic lipase

chymotrypsin

trypsin

pepsin

lingual lipase

Correct answer:

pancreatic lipase

Explanation:

Once large fat clusters are broken down by bile salts to become smaller micelles, pancreatic lipase has more surface area to access fats. The enzymes are able to reach the fat droplet through the gaps between bile salts. Fats are not emulsified by bile yet in the mouth, so lingual lipase acts upstream of bile to hydrolize long chain hydrocarbons. The other answer choices are proteases. 

Example Question #1 : Understanding Other Digestive Physiology

Which of the following enzymes does NOT directly contribute to protein digestion?

Possible Answers:

Pepsin

Chymotrypsin

Trypsin

Gastrin

Correct answer:

Gastrin

Explanation:

Gastrin is secreted in the stomach, and stimulates the secretion of hydrochloric acid by parietal cells. The other three enzymes directly aid in the digestion of proteins. Trypsin and chymotrypsin are released from the pancreas into the duodenum, and pepsin digests proteins located in the stomach. Each of these has different cleavange targets within protein sequences and can be used as a restriction enzyme in experimental procedures.

Example Question #2 : Understanding Other Digestive Physiology

Which of the following functions is NOT accomplished by the liver?

Possible Answers:

Antibody creation

Blood filtration

Glycogen storage

Vitamin storage

Correct answer:

Antibody creation

Explanation:

The liver is a very important organ with many interrelated functions, however, the liver is not responsible for the creation of antibodies. This is done by plasma cells, a key cell type in the immune system.

Example Question #3 : Understanding Other Digestive Physiology

Which of the following statements about the hormone secretin is false?

Possible Answers:

It is released when acid enters the duodenum, where it is secreted

All of these choices are correct

It stimulates bicarbonate secretion in the pancreas

It inhibits motility in the stomach

Correct answer:

All of these choices are correct

Explanation:

Secretin is a hormone released by the duodenum in response to an influx of acid. The hormone targets the stomach, to reduce the amount of acid that can pass through to the small intestine, and the pancreas, to increase secretion of bicarbonate, which neutralizes the acidity.

Example Question #4 : Understanding Other Digestive Physiology

Which of the following statements about cholecystokinin (CCK) and gastrin is true?

Possible Answers:

Both hormones are secreted only by the duodenum

Both hormones target the stomach, but for different functions

Both hormones target the pancreas, but for different functions

Both hormones target the gall bladder to release bile

Correct answer:

Both hormones target the stomach, but for different functions

Explanation:

Cholecystokini (CCK) targets the stomach to inhibit motility, while gastrin targets the stomach to increase motility. Gastrin is secreted by the duodenum and the stomach, but targets only the stomach. CCK, however, targets the stomach, pancreas, and gall bladder.

Example Question #41 : Systems Physiology

Which enzyme operates at the lowest pH?

Possible Answers:

Trypsin

Lipase

Carboxypeptidase

Pepsin

Amylase

Correct answer:

Pepsin

Explanation:

Pepsin is the only enzyme out of the given choices that functions in the stomach, where the pH is very low (acidic). Trypsin, carboxypeptidase, and lipase all function within the small intestine, where the pH is usually more basic to neutralize the pH of chyme as food is digested. Amylase is found in saliva and functions in the mouth, where pH is about neutral.

Example Question #1 : Understanding Other Digestive Physiology

One of the functions of the liver is __________.

Possible Answers:

to act as the main storage center for bile

to produce insulin in its specialized beta cells

to physically digest food

to secrete epinephrine and norepinephrine

to produce bile, triglycerides, and cholesterol

Correct answer:

to produce bile, triglycerides, and cholesterol

Explanation:

The liver has a large number of functions, including metabolizing toxins, synthesizing proteins, and storing glucose in the form of glycogen. The only answer choice that describes liver functions is the production of bile, triglycerides, and cholesterol.

The pancreas produces insulin from beta cells, the gall bladder stores bile, and the adrenal medulla secretes epinephrine and norepinephrine. Physical digestion takes place mainly in the mouth and stomach, not the liver.

Example Question #6 : Understanding Other Digestive Physiology

Which of the following statements about the pancreas is incorrect?

Possible Answers:

The pancreas secretes bicarbonate to neutralize chyme

The pancreas secretes hydrolytic enzymes through the pancreatic duct and into the small intestine

The pancreas secretes the hormones insulin and glucagon

The pancreas is the body's main site of glycogen storage

Correct answer:

The pancreas is the body's main site of glycogen storage

Explanation:

Glycogen is stored primarily in cells of the liver and muscles. The pancreas is responsible for secreting hydrolytic enzymes into the small intestine via the pancreatic duct. Along with these digestive enzymes the pancreas releases bicarbonate, which reacts in an acid-base reaction with acidic stomach chyme to pervent it from damaging the intestine. The pancreas also releases insulin and glucagon, among other hormones.

Example Question #21 : Digestive Physiology

What macromolecule is digested first by chemical means?

Possible Answers:

Proteins

Fats

Nucleic acids

Carbohydrates

Correct answer:

Carbohydrates

Explanation:

Carbohydrates begin their digestion in the mouth, where salivary amylase is produced.

Fats are emulsified by bile and digested by lipase in the small intestine. Nucleic acids are also digested in the small intestine by nucleases. Proteins begin their digestion in the stomach, where the low pH of gastric juice begins the breakdown process and pepsin begins to cleave peptide bonds. Protein digestion continues in the small intestine with other protease enzymes.

Example Question #22 : Digestive Physiology

Which of the following is a true statement with regard to digestive enzymes?

Possible Answers:

Proteases only exist in the mouth

Proteases only exist in the small intestine

Most water absorption is performed in the stomach

Amylase breaks down amino acids

Lipases digest fats

Correct answer:

Lipases digest fats

Explanation:

Amylase breaks down starch in the mouth and small intestine. Proteases are found in the stomach and small intestine. Water absorption occurs in the intestines (mostly the large intestine). Lipases break down lipids; fats are a type of lipid.

Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors