Here are possible exam questions with answers for each of the topics you've provided in BI 335:
Topic 1: Photosynthesis
Short Answer Questions:
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Question: What is the primary function of photosynthesis? Answer: The primary function of photosynthesis is to convert light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose.
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Question: Name the two main stages of photosynthesis. Answer: The two main stages of photosynthesis are the light-dependent reactions and the light-independent reactions (Calvin cycle).
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Filling in the Blanks: Photosynthesis primarily occurs in the _____ of plant cells, where chlorophyll captures _____ energy. Answer: chloroplasts; light.
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Differentiation: Differentiate between C3 and C4 photosynthesis. Answer: C3 photosynthesis occurs in most plants and takes place in the mesophyll cells. It involves the fixation of CO2 directly into a 3-carbon compound. C4 photosynthesis is more efficient under high light and temperature conditions; it involves an initial fixation of CO2 into a 4-carbon compound before entering the Calvin cycle.
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Question: Explain the role of sunlight in the process of photosynthesis. Answer: Sunlight provides the energy necessary for the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis, where light energy is converted into chemical energy in the form of ATP and NADPH, which are then used in the Calvin cycle to synthesize glucose.
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Long Answer Question: Describe the process of photosynthesis, detailing both the light-dependent reactions and the Calvin cycle, including the roles of chlorophyll and the electron transport chain. Answer: Photosynthesis begins with light-dependent reactions that occur in the thylakoid membranes of chloroplasts. Chlorophyll absorbs sunlight, exciting electrons and initiating an electron transport chain. Water is split, releasing oxygen as a byproduct, while ATP and NADPH are produced. In the Calvin cycle, which occurs in the stroma of chloroplasts, ATP and NADPH are utilized to convert carbon dioxide into glucose through a series of enzymatic reactions.
Topic 2: Cellular Respiration in Plants
Short Answer Questions:
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Question: What is the overall equation for cellular respiration? Answer: The overall equation for cellular respiration is: C6H12O6 + 6O2 → 6CO2 + 6H2O + ATP.
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Question: Name the three main stages of cellular respiration. Answer: The three main stages of cellular respiration are glycolysis, the Krebs cycle (Citric Acid Cycle), and the electron transport chain.
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Filling in the Blanks: Glycolysis occurs in the _____ of the cell and results in the production of _____ molecules of ATP from one molecule of glucose. Answer: cytoplasm; 2.
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Differentiation: Differentiate between aerobic and anaerobic respiration in plants. Answer: Aerobic respiration requires oxygen and produces a greater yield of ATP, while anaerobic respiration occurs in the absence of oxygen and results in the production of less ATP and by-products like ethanol or lactic acid.
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Question: Explain the role of mitochondria in cellular respiration. Answer: Mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell, where aerobic respiration takes place. They facilitate the Krebs cycle and the electron transport chain, allowing for efficient production of ATP.
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Long Answer Question: Explain how cellular respiration and photosynthesis are interconnected in plants, detailing the inputs and outputs of each process. Answer: Cellular respiration and photosynthesis are complementary processes. Photosynthesis captures light energy to convert water and carbon dioxide into glucose and oxygen, while cellular respiration uses glucose and oxygen to produce ATP, carbon dioxide, and water. The oxygen produced in photosynthesis is used in cellular respiration, while the carbon dioxide generated from respiration is utilized in photosynthesis, illustrating a symbiotic relationship.
Topic 3: Plants Response to Stimuli
Short Answer Questions:
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Question: What is the term used to describe a plant's growth response to light? Answer: Phototropism.
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Question: Name a type of plant hormone that regulates growth responses. Answer: Auxins.
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Filling in the Blanks: The response of a plant to gravity is known as _____. Answer: gravitropism.
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Differentiation: Differentiate between tropisms and nastic movements in plants. Answer: Tropisms are directional growth responses toward or away from environmental stimuli (e.g., phototropism), while nastic movements are non-directional responses to stimuli, such as the opening and closing of flowers.
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Question: Explain how plants respond to water stress. Answer: In response to water stress, plants may close their stomata to reduce water loss and may also produce abscisic acid to signal the need to conserve water, subsequently initiating changes in growth patterns.
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Long Answer Question: Discuss the mechanisms through which plants perceive and respond to environmental stimuli such as light, gravity, and touch, including the role of phytochromes and mechanoreceptors. Answer: Plants perceive light through photoreceptors like phytochromes that detect red and far-red light, triggering growth responses such as elongation in shade (shade avoidance) or flowering timing. Gravity is perceived through statoliths that settle in response to gravity, causing differential growth (gravitropism). Touch is detected through mechanoreceptors that trigger rapid movements, such as in the Venus flytrap. These responses involve complex signaling pathways and hormones to coordinate growth and adaptation.
Topic 4: Secondary Metabolites
Short Answer Questions:
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Question: What are secondary metabolites, and how do they differ from primary metabolites? Answer: Secondary metabolites are organic compounds not directly involved in growth, development, or reproduction, while primary metabolites (e.g., sugars, amino acids) are involved in essential metabolic processes.
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Question: Name a type of secondary metabolite and its function. Answer: Alkaloids; they often serve as defense compounds against herbivores and pathogens.
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Filling in the Blanks: Secondary metabolites play a crucial role in _____, attracting pollinators and deterring herbivores. Answer: plant defense.
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Differentiation: Differentiate between phenolics, terpenoids, and alkaloids in terms of their structure and function. Answer: Phenolics contain aromatic rings and contribute to plant color, flavor, and defense; terpenoids are built from isoprene units and are involved in scent and insect repellants; alkaloids are nitrogen-containing compounds that often have psychoactive effects or toxicity.
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Question: Explain the ecological significance of secondary metabolites in plants. Answer: Secondary metabolites are important for plant survival as they provide defense against herbivores and pathogens, attract pollinators, and can also have allelopathic effects, preventing nearby plants from growing.
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Long Answer Question: Discuss the biosynthesis pathways of secondary metabolites, highlighting examples of specific compounds and their applications in medicine and agriculture. Answer: Secondary metabolites are synthesized through specific metabolic pathways, such as the shikimic acid pathway leading to phenolics and flavonoids, or the mevalonate pathway leading to terpenoids. For example, the alkaloid morphine, derived from the opium poppy, has significant medicinal use as a painkiller, while flavonoids like quercetin have antioxidant properties that may confer health benefits. In agriculture, certain secondary metabolites serve as natural pesticides or growth enhancers that improve crop resilience and yield.
Topic 5: Assignment on Antimicrobial Effects of Plant Products, Protex Soap, and Colgate
Short Answer Questions:
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Question: What are some common plant products known for their antimicrobial properties? Answer: Essential oils (like tea tree oil, oregano oil), garlic, ginger, and certain flavonoids.
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Question: How does the active ingredient in Protex soap work to eliminate microbes? Answer: Protex soap typically contains antimicrobial agents like triclosan, which disrupts the cell membranes of bacteria, leading to cell death.
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Filling in the Blanks: Colgate products often contain _____ and _____, which serve antibacterial functions in oral hygiene. Answer: fluoride; triclosan.
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Differentiation: Differentiate between the antimicrobial mechanisms of plant-derived compounds and synthetic antimicrobial agents found in products like Protex and Colgate. Answer: Plant-derived compounds may work through multiple mechanisms, including disrupting cell walls, producing reactive oxygen species, or inhibiting enzyme systems, while synthetic agents like those in Protex and Colgate often target specific bacterial processes (e.g., enabling the quick degradation of bacteria or inhibiting biofilm formation).
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Question: Explain the significance of using natural plant products in developing antimicrobial agents. Answer: Natural plant products offer a source of diverse chemical structures with potential antimicrobial activity, which can lead to the discovery of new therapies and help minimize antibiotic resistance associated with synthetic chemicals.
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Long Answer Question: Analyze the effectiveness of Protex soap and Colgate toothpaste compared to natural plant products in providing antimicrobial action, including results from laboratory studies if available. Answer: Protex soap and Colgate toothpaste are formulated with explicit antimicrobial agents, showing effectiveness against a broad range of bacteria and fungi in controlled studies. Natural plant products, while having proven antimicrobial properties, may exhibit variable effectiveness due to differences in concentration and specific formulation. Laboratory studies often indicate that while synthetic products provide consistent results, certain plant extracts outperform some commercial products in specific cases, leading to interest in their use as alternative or supplemental antimicrobial agents. Additionally, the ecological and health considerations around synthetic agents push research towards effective, plant-based alternatives.
Feel free to adapt or modify any of these questions and answers to better suit your exam needs!