BIOLOGY:

ANSWER KEY:
1. A
While bones and tendons are composed predominantly of connective tissue cells, muscle tissue is considered a
different tissue type. Other examples of connective tissue include cartilage, ligaments, adipose tissue, and
blood. Connective tissue often secretes substances to form the extracellular matrix, such as collagen and elastin,
eliminating choice (B). Choices (C) and (D) are essentially identical and can both be eliminated: in organs,
connective tissue often forms the support structure for epithelial cells, called the stroma.
2. B
The Golgi apparatus consists of a stack of membrane-enclosed sacs. It receives vesicles and their contents from
the endoplasmic reticulum, modifies them (through glycosylation, phosphorylation, and other mechanisms),
repackages them into vesicles, and distributes them to appropriate locations in the cell. Protein synthesis occurs
in ribosomes and rough endoplasmic reticulum, eliminating choice (A). Lipid and carbohydrate breakdown
takes place in the peroxisomes and cytoplasm, eliminating choice (C). ATP production occurs in the
mitochondria, eliminating choice (D).
3. C
The smooth endoplasmic reticulum is involved in the transport of materials throughout the cell, in lipid
synthesis, and in the detoxification of drugs and poisons. Proteins from the rough ER can cross into the smooth
ER, where they are secreted into cytoplasmic vesicles and transported to the Golgi apparatus. Thus, from the
given choices, protein synthesis is not a function of the smooth ER, but rather of the free ribosomes or the
ribosomes associated with the rough ER. Choice (C) is therefore the correct answer.
4. A
The nucleolus (not to be confused with the nucleus in general) is a dense structure within the nucleus where
ribosomal RNA (rRNA) is synthesized. Choice (A) is therefore the correct answer.
5. C
The main differences between prokaryotes and eukaryotes include: prokaryotes do not have a nucleus, while
eukaryotes do, eliminating choice (B); prokaryotes have ribosomal subunits of 30S and 50S, while eukaryotes
have ribosomal subunits of 40S and 60S, eliminating choice (A); and prokaryotes do not have membrane-bound
organelles, whereas eukaryotes do, eliminating choice (D). The presence of a membrane on the outer surface of
the cell could not distinguish a prokaryotic cell from a eukaryotic one because both gram-negative bacteria and
animal cells share this feature. Thus, choice (C) is the correct answer.
6. C
This subtle point about ovulation eludes most students and remains hard to believe until the organs are
examined in anatomy class in medical school. The ruptured ovarian follicle releases an oocyte into the
abdominal cavity, close to the entrance of the fallopian tube. With the aid of beating cilia, the oocyte is drawn
into the fallopian tube, through which it travels until it reaches the uterus. If it is fertilized in the fallopian tube,
it will implant in the uterine wall. If fertilization does not occur, it will be expelled along with the uterine lining
during menstruation.
7. B
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The epididymis is the site of sperm maturation at the posterior side of the testis. In the epididymis, sperm gain
mobility and are stored until ejaculation. It is the vas deferens (ductus deferens) that is surrounded by muscle
that raises and lowers the testis to maintain a constant temperature suitable for sperm production, not the
epididymis.
8. B
The first meiotic division (reductional division) separates homologous chromosomes to opposite poles of the
cell during anaphase I. Near the end of telophase I, cytokinesis occurs, resulting in two haploid (n) daughter
cells. Thus, during interkinesis and anaphase II, the daughter cells are already haploid, eliminating choices (C)
and (D). The cell is diploid during interphase, choice (A), but remains diploid up until the end of telophase I.
9. D
The key differences between mitosis and meiosis primarily appear during meiosis I. Of note, synapsis and
crossing over occurs during prophase I, and homologous chromosomes are separated during meiosis I (rather
than sister chromatids, as in mitosis). While the location of the centromeres relative to the equatorial plate may
seem a trivial point, it is representative of the fact that homologous chromosomes line up on opposite sides of
the equatorial plate in meiosis, in contrast to the alignment of each chromosome directly upon the metaphase
plate in mitosis.
10. D
In prophase, the chromatin condenses into chromosomes, the spindle apparatus forms, and the nucleoli and
nuclear membrane disappear. Choice (A) describes anaphase, whereas choices (B) and (C) describe telophase.
11. A
Sensory neurons are considered afferent (carrying signals from the periphery to the central nervous system) and
enter the spinal cord on the dorsal side. Motor neurons are considered efferent (carrying signals from the central
nervous system to the periphery) and exit the spinal cord on the ventral side.
12. D
The parasympathetic nervous system governs the "rest-and-digest" response. The parasympathetic nervous
system slows the heart rate, decreases blood pressure, promotes blood flow to the GI tract, and constricts the
pupils, among other functions. The sympathetic nervous system governs the fight-or-flight response, including
increased heart rate and blood pressure, decreased blood flow to the digestive tract, and increased blood flow
the muscles. Choice (D) is the only answer choice that represents a function of the parasympathetic nervous
system.
13. A
Schwann cells are responsible for myelination of cells in the peripheral nervous system. Thus, the central
nervous system is unlikely to be affected. The peripheral nervous system includes the somatic nervous system
and the autonomic nervous system. The autonomic nervous system is composed of both the parasympathetic
and sympathetic nervous systems. Thus, choice (A) is the right answer.
14. B
Inflammation of the thyroid or iodine deficiency can cause hypothyroidism, in which the thyroid hormones are
undersecreted or not secreted at all. Hypothyroidism in newborn infants causes cretinism, which is characterized
by poor neurological and physical development (including mental retardation, short stature, and coarse facial
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features). While iodine deficiency can result in a swelling of the thyroid gland (called a goiter), which can also
be seen in causes of hyperthyroidism, iodine deficiency does not cause hyperthyroidism, eliminating choice (D).
Galactorrhea, choice (A), is associated with prolactin; gigantism, choice (C), is associated with growth
hormone.
15. C
Steroid hormones are derived from cholesterol. Many of their names end with –one, –ol, or –oid, and they
include the hormones of the adrenal cortex and gonads. Aldosterone is a mineralocorticoid from the adrenal
cortex, while estrogen and progesterone are sex hormones from the ovaries, eliminating choices (A), (B), and
(D). Oxytocin is a peptide hormone and is thus not derived from cholesterol. Peptide and amino acid-derivative
hormones often end with –in or –ine.
16. C
Both oxytocin and vasopressin (another name for antidiuretic hormone) end with the suffix –in; this should hint
that they are peptide or amino acid-derivative hormones. These two hormones are both synthesized by the
hypothalamus, but released by the posterior pituitary. Remember that the posterior pituitary does not actually
synthesize any hormones itself; rather, it contains the axons of cells originating in the hypothalamus and is the
site of release for these hormones.
17. D
The muscles involved in ventilation are the diaphragm, which separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominal
cavity, and the intercostal muscles between the ribs. During inhalation, the diaphragm contracts and flattens,
while the external intercostal muscles contract, pulling the rib cage up and out. These actions cause an overall
increase in the volume of the thoracic cavity. During exhalation, both the diaphragm and the external intercostal
relax, causing a decrease in the volume of the thoracic cavity because of recoil of these tissues. In forced
exhalation, the internal intercostal and abdominal muscles may contract to force out air. Thus, the only correct
association from the given answers is choice (D).
18. C
Total lung capacity is equal to the vital capacity (the maximum volume of air that can be forcibly inhaled and
exhaled from the lungs) plus the residual volume (the air that always remains in the lungs, preventing the
alveoli from collapsing).
19. B
When people hyperventilate, their respiratory rate increases. When the respiratory rate increases, more carbon
dioxide is blown off. This causes a shift to the left in the bicarbonate buffer equation, and the blood becomes
more alkaline. Breathing into the bag allows some of this carbon dioxide to be returned to the bloodstream in
order to maintain the proper pH.
20. C
Allergic reactions occur when a substance binds to an antibody and promotes an overactive immune response
with inflammatory chemicals. The antibody is already attached to a mast cell. Thus, when the substance binds to
the antibody, the mast cell can release the inflammatory mediators that cause allergic reactions.
21. C

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Erythrocytes, or red blood cells, are produced in the red bone marrow and circulate in the blood for about 120
days, after which they are phagocytized in the spleen and the liver, eliminating choice (D). Red blood cells have
a disk-like shape and lose their membranous organelles (like mitochondria and nuclei) during maturation. This
makes choice (C) the correct answer. Erythrocytes are filled with hemoglobin; their lack of mitochondria makes
their metabolism solely anaerobic, eliminating choices (A) and (B).
22. A
Blood drains from the superior and inferior venae cavae into the right atrium. It passes through the tricuspid
valve and into the right ventricle, and then through the pulmonary valve into the pulmonary artery, which leads
to the lungs. Oxygenated blood returns to the left atrium via the pulmonary veins. It flows through the mitral
valve into the left ventricle. From the left ventricle, it is pumped through the aortic valve into the aorta for
distribution throughout the body.
23. D
Without knowing a patient's blood type, the only type of transfusion that we can safely give is O–. People with
O– blood are considered universal donors because their blood cells contain no surface antigens. Therefore, O–
blood can be given to anyone without causing potentially life-threatening consequences from ABO
incompatibility.
24. C
The only answer choice that correctly describes arteries and veins is choice (C); the pressure in the aorta is
usually about 120 or 80 mmHg, depending on whether the heart is in systole or diastole, whereas the pressure in
the superior vena cava is near zero. Choice (A) is incorrect because arteries are thick-walled and veins are thin-
walled. Choice (B) is also incorrect; this relationship is reversed in pulmonary and umbilical circulation. Choice
(D) is reversed as well; arteries make use of the pumping of the heart and the "snapping back" of their elastic
walls to transport blood, whereas venous blood is "pumped" by skeletal muscle contractions.
25. A
Antibodies are produced by plasma cells derived from B-lymphocytes. The other cells are all types of T-
lymphocytes, although memory B-cells can also exist. Still, memory B-cells do not produce antibodies; plasma
cells do.

26. A
The only phagocytes that attack bacteria on this list are neutrophils and dendritic cells. Dendritic cells are able
to sample and present any type of material, and reside in the skin. Neutrophils, on the other hand, are present in
the bloodstream and can attack bacteria present there or in tissues. Eosinophils and basophils are involved in the
formation of allergies; eosinophils also defend against parasites.
27. B
The small intestine is divided into three sections: the duodenum, the jejunum, and the ileum. The cecum is part
of the large intestine, making choice (B) the correct answer.
28. C
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Ghrelin promotes a sensation of hunger, increasing feeding behavior. Both leptin and cholecystokinin promote
satiety, decreasing feeding behavior—eliminating choices (A) and (B). Gastrin increases acid production and
gastric motility, but does not have any significant relationship with feeding behavior, eliminating choice (D).
29. A
The hypothalamus functions as a thermostat that regulates body temperature. When it's cold outside, nervous
stimulation to the blood vessels in the skin is increased, causing the vessels to constrict. This constriction
diminishes blood flow to the skin surface and prevents heat loss. Sweat glands are turned off to prevent heat
loss through evaporation. Skeletal muscles are stimulated to shiver (rapidly contract), which increases the
metabolic rate and produces heat. The hypothalamus is also involved in other processes, including the release of
endocrine hormones, regulation of appetite, and circadian rhythms.
30. A
The control parent in a test cross is always recessive. Therefore, if the test parent is phenotypically dominant,
yet can provide a recessive allele (as evidenced by the presence of recessive children), then the parent must
have both a dominant and recessive allele. Therefore, this test parent must by heterozygous.
31. B
Darwin's theory of natural selection argues that chance variations between organisms can help certain organisms
survive to reproductive age and produce many offspring, transmitting their variations to the next generation.
Thus, natural selection would drive the process of evolution forward, enabling the survival of characteristics
that impart an advantage in the environment, eliminating choice (A). In Darwin's theory, fitness is measured in
terms of reproductive success, as choice (D) states. Through natural selection, organisms may be separated in
groups depending on environmental pressures, and these groups can eventually separate to the point of
becoming distinct species, eliminating choice (C). Choice (B) is the correct answer because the theory of
natural selection applies to a population of organisms, not to a particular individual. As such, favorable genetic
variations become more and more common from generation to generation, not during the lifetime of an
individual.
32. A
It is important to know that the medulla oblongata in the brainstem is the site of breathing rate control.
33. D
The path of urine excretion from the body, after filtrate passes through the collecting ducts of the nephrons,
begins in the renal pelvis. The renal pelvis collects the concentrated filtrate and transfers it to the bladder via the
ureters. During urination, the bladder contracts, and urine exits the body through the urethra.
34. A
Red bone marrow produces all red blood cells and platelets in human adults and around 60 to 70 percent of
lymphocytes. Other lymphocytes begin life in the red bone marrow and become fully formed in the
lymphatic tissues, including the lymph nodes.
35. B
Further genetic variation comes from crossing over, which may occur during prophase I of meiosis. In
prophase I of meiosis, the replicated homologous pair of chromosomes comes together in the process called
synapsis, and sections of the chromosomes are exchanged.
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 36. D
The right atrium receives deoxygenated blood from systemic circulation and the left atrium
receives oxygenated blood from pulmonary circulation.
37. A
Bone tissue (osseous tissue) is a hard tissue, a type of dense connective tissue. It has a honeycomb-like matrix
internally, which helps to give the bone rigidity. Bone tissue is made up of different types of bone cells.
38. C
B-Lymphocyte is a kind of lymphocyte that secretes antibodies for humoral immune response, where it binds to
the antigen and eventually destroys it. Non-specific defences are made in the body such as surface barriers and
defensive chemical cells.
39. B
Blood type AB is also known as “universal recipient” because it can receive all blood types. It has antigen A
and B, and no antibody. Blood type O is known as “universal donor”.
40. C
Kingdom Monera, such as bacteria and blue –green algae, are prokaryotes. Prokaryotes do not have a nuclear
membrane, thus, its DNA is exposed to the cytoplasmic environment.
41. D
Tropical rainforests are found in areas near the equator where rainfall is abundant and the dry season lasts no
more than a few months. It is considered the richest biome in terms of the number of species, probably
containing at least half of the earth’s species of terrestrial organisms. The great plant diversity allows great
animal diversity.
42. B
Both plant and animal cells have cell membranes and nucleus. The centriole can be found only in animal cells
and the cell wall is exclusive to plant cells.
43. D
Traffic of molecules across the membrane:
1. Small polar uncharged molecules such as water and carbon dioxide will easily pass.
2. Hydrophobic molecules such as hydrocarbons and oxygen can cross with ease because they can dissolve
in the lipid bilayer.
3. Large polar uncharged molecules such as proteins and sugars will not pass.
4. Ions such as H+, Na+, Cl-, and K+ will not readily pass, they need transport proteins or channels.

44. B
Choice a describes genetic drift. Choice c describes migration. Choice d describes Theory of Use and Disuse.
45. B

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The position of organisms in an energy pyramid would suggest the amount of energy available. Producers are
placed on the base of the energy pyramid because they have the large quantity of energy available by being the
organism that can convert light energy into chemical energy.
46. C
The pituitary gland is divided into anterior and posterior pituitary. Antidiuretic hormone or vasopressin is the
hormone secreted by the posterior pituitary gland, which targets the kidneys, increases the reabsorption of water
during urine production, which results to less urine.
47. A
Arthropods belonging to Class Crustacea are characterized by various leg pairs and two pairs of antennae.
Representative organisms are crabs, lobsters, and shrimps. Scorpions belong to Class Arachnida. Centipedes
belong to Class Chilopoda and grasshoppers belong to Class Insecta.
48. A
Macronutrients include oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and
sulphur.
49. D
The autonomic nervous system is the section of the nervous system which controls involuntary functions. It has
two divisions:
Sympathetic division – prepares the body for emergency responses; has effects such as the widening of the
trachea, the increasing of the heart rate, and the liver stimulation for glucose release.
Parasympathetic division – rests the body and produces calm responses, has effects such as the increasing of
stomach contractions to promote digestion, the narrowing of the pupils of the eyes, and the constriction of the
trachea.
50. A
The yucca plant and the yucca moth share a mutually beneficial relationship, each dependent on the other for
survival. The female yucca moth is the sole pollinator of the yucca, and the yucca is the only caterpillar host
plant of the yucca moth. In fact, the yucca and yucca moth share a symbiotic relationship that is so specialized,
each yucca species is pollinated by only one type of yucca moth.