AP®︎ Biology: Topic 4.3 Practice Test
Prepare for your quiz, test, or the AP exam with focused practice questions on Topic 4.3 of AP Biology – Signal Transduction Pathways.
Questions List
Topic 4.3
Question 1 Easy
This question tests the following: IST-3.E
What is the purpose of signal transduction in cells?
What You’re Being Tested On:
Explore the learning objectives taken directly from the College Board’s AP® Biology Curriculum. Ensure you’re prepared for the exact topics covered on the AP® exam, in-class tests, and quizzes, and gain confidence in your mastery of the material.
Topic 4.3: Signal Transduction Pathways
Learning Objective: 4.3.A
Describe the different types of cellular responses elicited by a signal transduction pathway.
Essential Knowledge: 4.3.A.1
Signal transduction may result in changes in gene expressions and cell function, which may alter phenotype or result in programmed cell death (apoptosis). Illustrative examples: Use of chemical messengers by microbes to communicate with other nearby cells and to regulate specific pathways in response to population density (quorum sensing); Epinephrine stimulation of glycogen breakdown in mammals.
Learning Objective: 4.3.B
Explain how a change in the structure of any signaling molecule affects the activity of the signaling pathway.
Essential Knowledge: 4.3.B.1
Changes in signal transduction pathways can alter cellular responses. Mutations in any domain of the receptor protein or in any component of the signaling pathway may affect the downstream components by altering the subsequent transduction of the signal. Illustrative examples: Cytokines regulate gene expression to allow for cell replication and division; Mating pheromones in yeast trigger mating gene expression; Ethylene levels cause changes in the production of different enzymes allowing fruits to ripen; HOX genes regulate animal body plans during embryonic development.
Essential Knowledge: 4.3.B.2
Chemicals that interact with any component of the signaling pathway may activate or inhibit the pathway.
