Biol 211, Fall 2008
Exam #1
Name ____________________
Section 1. Questions in this section can be answered with one or a few words.
For the following definitions, provide the correct term.
1. Highly specific way of bringing large protein molecules into a cell. (1 pt)
2. A non-membrane bound organelle that synthesizes proteins. (1 pt)
3. A genetically based change in the characteristics of a population over time. (1 pt)
4. The loss of the 3-dimensional shape of a protein, due to excessive heat or pH shift. (1 pt)
5. A membrane-bound organelle that produces steroids and various enzymes. (1 pt)
6. Extensions from a cell that contain microtubules and function to move fluid past a cell. (1 pt)
7. Molecule that transfers phosphate groups from ATP to another molecule in a phosphorylation
cascade. (1 pt)
8. Organelle that produces hydrogen peroxide and functions to break down fatty acids. (1 pt)
Answer the following questions.
9. What organelle(s) in a cell contain DNA? (1 pt)
10. List two types of cell communication that can be used by cells that are near each other. (1 pt)
11. List two functions of membrane bound proteins. (1 pt)
12. What is one function of the nucleolus in the nucleus? (1 pt)
13. List two differences between microtubules and intermediate filaments. (1 pt)
14. Name one component of the extracellular matrix in animals. (1 pt)
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Biol 211, Fall 2008
Exam #1
Name ____________________
15. Which monomers make up a polypeptide chain? (1 pt)
16. Name one type of plastid found in plants and list its function. (1 pt)
17. List two molecules or types of molecules that can pass through the plasma membrane by simple
diffusion. (1 pt)
18. Which organelle is the Cisternal Maturation Model referring to? (1 pt)
Section 2. Short Answer.
19. Provide a concise definition for each that will clearly distinguish between the following pairs of
terms. Be sure to include how the two terms are related to one another. (2 pts each):
a) concentration gradient / electrochemical gradient
b) passive transport / active transport
c) discovery science / hypothesis-driven science
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Biol 211, Fall 2008
Exam #1
Name ____________________
Answer the following questions.
20. Amyloplasts are membrane-bound organelles that store starch and are typically found in cells in the
roots of plants. Despite the fact that the concentration of starch in the amyloplast is much higher than
the concentration of starch in the rest of the cell, the cell is still able to move more starch into the
amyloplast. How does the cell accomplish this? (3 pts)
21. How do scientists know that all life is linked evolutionarily (e.g., what are some characteristics that
are shared by all forms of known life)? (3 pts)
22. You are a researcher studying two different species of crabs. One species of crab lives in water that
is at a much lower temperature than where the other crab lives. What is one difference you might expect
to see in the structure of the plasma membrane between the two crab species? (3 pts)
23. Estradiol (a small steroid hormone) is released from an endocrine gland and must travel a long
distance to reach its target cell. One of its functions is to stimulate the synthesis of proteins in cells of
the fallopian tubes. Describe the path that estradiol would take starting at its release from the endocrine
cell and ending with the formation of a protein in the target cell. Include any steps necessary to
accomplish the production of the protein after the arrival of estradiol at the target cell. (3 pts)
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Biol 211, Fall 2008
Exam #1
Name ____________________
24. Your little brother, coming home from his junior high school biology class, tells you that “evolution
isn’t real because it is just a theory”. What would you tell him about his use of the word “theory” with
regard to the scientific method? (3 pts)
25. Starch and cellulose are both carbohydrates made from the same monomer. How are they different
and what impact does this have on their function? (3 pts)
26. What would be the effect on a cell if the endoplasmic reticulum stop synthesizing hydrolytic
enzymes? (3 pts)
Bonus Question (2pts)
Answer only one of the question below.
1. What did the Davson-Danielli sandwich model attempt to explain, and what was at least one problem
with the model?
2. What methods were used to study the role of Fus3 and Formin in directional yeast growth?
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