Cellular Energetics Practice Questions
AP (Advanced Placement) · AP Biology · 147 free MCQs with instant results and detailed explanations.
147
Total
43
Easy
74
Medium
30
Hard
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Sample Questions from Cellular Energetics
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Q1
Easy
Which of the following processes occurs in the mitochondria during cellular respiration?
A.
Glycolysis
B.
Citric Acid Cycle
C.
Fermentation
D.
Photosynthesis
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: B
The Citric Acid Cycle, also known as the Krebs cycle, takes place in the mitochondria, where it plays a crucial role in cellular respiration by processing acetyl-CoA to produce ATP and electron carriers.
Q2
Easy
What is the primary purpose of photosynthesis in plants?
A.
To produce oxygen
B.
To convert solar energy into chemical energy
C.
To absorb carbon dioxide
D.
To store energy as starch
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: B
The primary purpose of photosynthesis is to convert solar energy into chemical energy in the form of glucose, which plants can use for growth and energy.
Q3
Easy
If a glucose molecule undergoes complete aerobic respiration, how many molecules of ATP can be produced?
A.
2
B.
18
C.
36-38
D.
56
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: C
During complete aerobic respiration of one glucose molecule, approximately 36 to 38 ATP molecules are produced through glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and the electron transport chain.
Q4
Medium
Which of the following processes directly produces ATP during cellular respiration?
A.
Glycolysis
B.
Citric Acid Cycle
C.
Electron Transport Chain
D.
All of the above
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: D
All three processes contribute to ATP production. Glycolysis generates 2 ATP directly, the Citric Acid Cycle produces 2 more, and the Electron Transport Chain is responsible for the majority of ATP production through oxidative phosphorylation.
Q5
Medium
In photosynthesis, the light-dependent reactions take place in which part of the chloroplast?
A.
Stroma
B.
Thylakoid membranes
C.
Outer membrane
D.
Inner membrane
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Correct Answer: B
The light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis occur in the thylakoid membranes where chlorophyll captures sunlight and converts it into chemical energy.
Q6
Medium
Which of the following statements about ATP is FALSE?
A.
ATP is a nucleotide.
B.
ATP can store energy in its phosphate bonds.
C.
ATP is produced only in the mitochondria.
D.
ATP is involved in cellular signaling.
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: C
ATP is produced in several locations, including the cytoplasm (during glycolysis) and the mitochondria. Thus, the statement that ATP is produced only in mitochondria is false.
Q7
Medium
During which stage of cellular respiration is carbon dioxide produced?
A.
Glycolysis
B.
Citric Acid Cycle
C.
Electron Transport Chain
D.
Fermentation
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: B
Carbon dioxide is produced during the Citric Acid Cycle as a by-product when acetyl-CoA is oxidized, while glycolysis and the electron transport chain do not directly produce CO2.
Q8
Hard
In the process of cellular respiration, which of the following correctly describes the overall reaction of aerobic respiration in terms of reactants and products?
A.
Glucose + Oxygen → Carbon Dioxide + Water + Energy
B.
Glucose + Carbon Dioxide → Oxygen + Water + Energy
C.
Oxygen + Water → Glucose + Carbon Dioxide + Energy
D.
Carbon Dioxide + Water → Glucose + Oxygen + Energy
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: A
The overall reaction for aerobic respiration is accurately represented by option A. It shows glucose and oxygen as the reactants, producing carbon dioxide, water, and energy as products. This process occurs in the mitochondria and is crucial for ATP production.
Q9
Hard
A cell is placed in a hypertonic solution. Which of the following metabolic processes is most likely to be affected by the osmotic pressure exerted on the cell?
A.
ATP synthesis through oxidative phosphorylation
B.
Passive transport of ions out of the cell
C.
Glycolysis in the cytoplasm
D.
Active transport of nutrients into the cell
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: D
In a hypertonic solution, water moves out of the cell, increasing osmotic pressure and making it more difficult for the cell to uptake nutrients. This osmotic stress directly affects active transport processes, which require energy to move substances against their concentration gradient.
Q10
Hard
During which phase of cellular respiration is the majority of ATP produced?
A.
Glycolysis
B.
Citric Acid Cycle
C.
Oxidative Phosphorylation
D.
Fermentation
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: C
The majority of ATP is produced during oxidative phosphorylation, where the electron transport chain and chemiosmosis occur, generating approximately 26-28 ATP molecules per glucose molecule.
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Cellular Energetics — AP (Advanced Placement) AP Biology Practice Questions Online
This page contains 147 practice MCQs for the chapter Cellular Energetics in AP (Advanced Placement) AP Biology. The questions are organized by difficulty — 43 easy, 74 medium, 30 hard — so you can choose the right level for your preparation.
Every question includes a detailed explanation to help you understand the concept, not just memorize answers. Take a timed quiz to simulate exam conditions, or practice at your own pace with no time limit.