Biology 153/155
Equivalency Exam
60 QUESTIONS
18 PAGES
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READ EACH QUESTION CAREFULLY.
The mark value for each question is posted in the margin.
Good luck!
3
1)
On the following picture indicate the following:
Intrinsic membrane protein
Peripheral membrane protein
Phospholipid
Glycoprotein
Cholesterol
1
2)
What do we mean when we say a molecule is amphipathic?
2
3)
Compare and contrast facilitated diffusion and secondary active transport.
1
2
4)
Describe the function of the sodium-potassium pump.
2
5)
What is unique about the S stage of the cell cycle?
1
6)
What are homologous chromosomes?
3
7)
Complete the following table:
Epithelial tissue
Describe the
structure.
(cell layers and
shape)
Provide an example
of where this
epithelium is
located.
Simple squamous
Non-ciliated simple
columnar
Stratified squamous
2
What is the function
of this epithelium?
3
8)
Compare and contrast sensory neurons, motor neurons and interneurons.
4
9)
What is happening in terms of ion movements and membrane ion permeabilities
at A – D shown in the following image.
A)
B)
C)
D)
3
2
10)
γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) has been shown to act as an inhibitory
neurotransmitter. Briefly explain how it accomplishes this.
2
11)
What is the function of cerebrospinal fluid and where is it produced?
4
12)
Part A: What is the function of myelin?
Part B: What two cell types form myelin?
4
3
13)
Explain the role of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland in the regulation of the
levels of circulating thyroid hormone.
3
14)
Briefly explain how steroid hormones affect their target cells.
4
15)
What role does the G-protein Gq perform in cells?
2
16)
What hormonal response would you expect after a large drop in blood glucose?
Explain why.
5
2
17)
People under prolonged stress tend to get ill more often than people under little
stress. What is one possible physiologic explanation for this?
3
18)
Specifically, where are the following hormones synthesized and secreted from?
Glucocorticoids →
Mineralcorticoids →
Gonadocorticoids →
3
19)
Describe the function of osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and osteocytes.
2
20)
What is the role of calcium and collagen in bone?
6
2
21)
An apparently healthy 25 year old male presents with a broken leg, which was the
result of a simple misstep. Why should levels of parathyroid hormone be
checked?
5
22)
Draw a neuromuscular synapse (i.e. the synapse between a motor neuron and a
muscle cell). Briefly outline the steps involved in synaptic transmission.
5
23)
Organophosphate insecticides are very toxic to humans, as well as insects. They
have been shown to inhibit acetylcholinesterase in the neuromuscular junction.
How would this compromise synaptic function?
7
4
24)
Briefly outline the process of excitation-contraction coupling in skeletal muscle
cells (the process whereby electrical signals in the membrane trigger mechanical
shortening in the muscle cell)
2
25)
How does normal blood flow prevent inappropriate blood clotting?
2
26)
What happens to dead or damaged red blood cells?
4
27)
List the nutritional requirements for red blood cell synthesis.
8
4
28)
What are the key functions of neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils and monocytes?
3
29)
Upon traveling to high altitude, the rate of red blood cell synthesis increases.
Describe this process.
3
30)
What is the pacemaker of the heart and how is it able to generate action potential
spontaneously?
2
31)
During the plateau phase of the myocyte action potential, calcium enters the
myocyte. Why is calcium entry important?
9
1
32)
What are the two factors which determine cardiac output?
3
33)
Outline the steps involved in the cardiac cycle.
2
34)
What effect does norepinephrine have on the electrical characteristics of
pacemaker cells?
2
35)
Describe the role of gap junctions in the heart. Do they perform a similar
function in skeletal muscles?
10
3
36)
Draw a capillary joining an arteriole to a venule. Outline the relationship between
the hydrostatic pressures and osmotic pressures observed along the capillary and
the movement of fluid in and out.
1
37)
If a patient’s blood plasma protein level drops too low, what effect will it have on
capillary exchange?
3
38)
Describe the baroreceptor reflex.
11
3
39)
Outline the renin-angiotensin system briefly. What is its role in the body?
3
40)
What role does the arteriovenous shunt play in the skin?
4
41)
Outline the various ways that CO2 is carried in the blood. Remember to include
intracellular (in the red blood cells) and extracellular reactions.
2
42)
Describe the mucociliary defense mechanism of the lungs.
12
2
43)
What muscles are involved in inhalation and exhalation at rest?
2
44)
What factors influence the diffusion capacity of the alveolar-capillary membrane?
3
45)
Draw the oxygen dissociation curve for hemoglobin and outline the effect of pH
on O2 binding. What does this actually mean, in terms of O2 transport and
delivery?
2
46)
Where does chemical digestion of starch (carbohydrate) start? Explain why.
13
2
47)
What secretions are produced by parietal cells of the gastric glands. What are the
functions of these secretions?
1
48)
What features of the small intestine increase the surface area for maximal nutrient
absorption?
1
49)
What is the role of segmental contraction in the small intestine?
4
50)
What is the brush border in the small intestine, and why is it important?
14
2
51)
What is a chylomicron, and what process is it involved in?
2
52)
Outline the role of the hepatic portal system.
2
53)
A patient presents with a yellowish discolouration to his skin. What function of
the liver is most likely impaired?
3
54)
Are all the segments of the kidney nephron permeable to water? Briefly explain
your answer.
15
1
55)
Explain how a decrease in renal perfusion influences the glomerular filtration rate.
2
56)
What structure is formed where the afferent arteriole and the distal convoluted
tubule meet?
4
57)
What are the key differences between mitosis and meiosis?
1
58)
When are the primary oocytes produced?
16
3
59)
Describe the changes in the uterus during the female reproductive cycle.
2
60)
What is the function of the protease found in prostate gland secretions?
17