Test Prep for AP® Courses

43.

Patients with kidney illnesses use dialysis machines to remove harmful urea from their blood. The blood is separated from a solution, called the dialysate, which is designed to remove wastes by diffusion through a semipermeable membrane, as shown in the diagram.

This figure shows what happened when patients undergo dialysis. Their blood runs through a tube to a chamber with a semipermeable membrane, called the dialyzer. Ions and small molecules pass from the blood to the other side of the membrane, where they flow into a container for dialysate waste. Fresh dialysate is supplied from another container to replenish the liquid that is removed. The clean blood then flows out of the dialyzer to another tube, which returns it to the body.

How does the concentration of solutes likely differ between the upper component of the dialyzer and the lower compartment, containing the fresh dialysate, for the dialysis to successfully remove wastes from the blood?

  1. In the upper component, the dialysate has a higher solute concentration than the blood, which allows the urea to diffuse to the lower dialysate down its concentration gradient.
  2. In the upper component, the dialysate has a lower solute concentration than the blood, which allows the urea to be separated via active transport down the concentration gradient.
  3. In the upper component, the dialysate has a higher solute concentration than the blood, which allows the urea to utilize facilitated diffusion in order to diffuse to the lower dialysate.
  4. In the upper component, the dialysate has a lower solute concentration than the blood, which allows the urea to diffuse to the lower dialysate down its concentration gradient.
44.

The diagram shows red blood cells in two different NaCl solutions.

Solution A contains shriveled red blood cells. Solution B contains bloated red blood cells. One of the bloated cells has burst.

What is likely causing the cells to differ in shape in the two solutions?

  1. Solution A has high osmolarity. Solution B has low osmolarity.
  2. Solution A has low osmolarity. Solution B high osmolarity.
  3. The cells in solution A are osmoregulators. The cells in solution B are osmoconformers.
  4. The cells in solution A are osmoconformers. The cells in solution B are osmoregulators.
45.

This diagram models the osmotic pressures experienced by a fish.

Illustration shows a fish in an environment where water is absorbed through the skin. The fish drinks little water and excretes dilute urine. Sodium, potassium, and chlorine ions are lost through the skin, and the fish actively transports these same ions into its gills to compensate for this loss.

Based on the direction of water and solute movements shown in the diagram, is this fish likely a saltwater or freshwater fish? How do you know?

  1. freshwater, because the fish is osmoregulating in response to a hypertonic solution
  2. freshwater, because the fish is osmoregulating in response to a hypotonic solution
  3. saltwater, because the fish is osmoregulating in response to a hypertonic solution
  4. saltwater, because the fish is osmoregulating in response to a hypotonic solution
46.

The diagram models the osmotic pressures experienced by a fish.

Illustration shows a fish in an environment where water is absorbed through the skin. The fish drinks little water and excretes dilute urine. Sodium, potassium, and chlorine ions are lost through the skin, and the fish actively transports these same ions into its gills to compensate for this loss.

Why would this fish most likely drink little water but excrete dilute urine? Explain your answer in terms of the osmolarity of the water it lives in.

  1. The high osmolarity of the water would cause accumulation of too many salts in the body of the fish.
  2. The water it lives in has very low osmolarity, which causes water to constantly diffuse into the fish’s body.
  3. The water it lives in has very high osmolarity, which causes water to constantly diffuse out of the fish’s body.
  4. The water it lives in has very high osmolarity, which causes water to constantly diffuse into the fish’s body.
47.

Patients with kidney illnesses use dialysis machines to remove harmful urea from their blood. The blood is separated from a solution, called the dialysate, that which is designed to remove wastes by diffusion through a semipermeable membrane, as shown in the diagram.

This figure shows what happened when patients undergo dialysis. Their blood runs through a tube to a chamber with a semipermeable membrane, called the dialyzer. Ions and small molecules pass from the blood to the other side of the membrane, where they flow into a container for dialysate waste. Fresh dialysate is supplied from another container to replenish the liquid that is removed. The clean blood then flows out of the dialyzer to another tube, which returns it to the body.

The semipermeable membrane is likely permeable to _____ and impermeable to _____.

  1. red blood cells, urea
  2. dialysate, blood plasma
  3. blood plasma, urea
  4. urea, red blood cells
 
48.

The diagram models the countercurrent exchange mechanism within the loop of Henle. The numbers within the loop show the osmolarity of the filtrate, while the numbers between the two loops indicate the osmolarity of the interstitial fluid within the kidney tissue.

A U-shaped tube represents the loop of Henle. The filtrate enters the descending limb and exits the ascending limb. The descending limb is water-permeable, and water travels from the limb to the interstitial space. As a consequence, the osmolality of the filtrate inside the limb increases from 300 milliosmoles per liter at the top to 1200 milliosmoles per liter at the bottom. The ascending limb is permeable to sodium and chloride ions. Because the osmolality inside the bottom part of the limb is higher than the interstitial fluid, these ions diffuse out of the ascending limb. Higher up, sodium is actively transported out of the limb, and chloride follows.

What would likely occur to the osmolarity of the filtrate in the lower ascending limb in the short term if the active transport of NaCl stopped?

  1. Filtrate osmolarity would increase, then decrease.
  2. Filtrate osmolarity would stay the same.
  3. Filtrate osmolarity would decrease.
  4. Filtrate osmolarity would increase.
49.

The diagram models the countercurrent exchange mechanism within the loop of Henle. The numbers within the loop show the osmolarity of the filtrate, while the numbers between the two loops indicate the osmolarity of the interstitial fluid within the kidney tissue.

A U-shaped tube represents the loop of Henle. The filtrate enters the descending limb and exits the ascending limb. The descending limb is water-permeable, and water travels from the limb to the interstitial space. As a consequence, the osmolality of the filtrate inside the limb increases from 300 milliosmoles per liter at the top to 1200 milliosmoles per liter at the bottom. The ascending limb is permeable to sodium and chloride ions. Because the osmolality inside the bottom part of the limb is higher than the interstitial fluid, these ions diffuse out of the ascending limb. Higher up, sodium is actively transported out of the limb, and chloride follows.

What would happen to the osmolarity of the interstitial fluid if water could not exit the descending limb?

  1. Osmolarity of the interstitial fluid would increase.
  2. Osmolarity of the interstitial fluid would decrease.
  3. There would be no change in the osmolarity.
  4. Osmolarity would increase or decrease depending upon the amount of water.
53.

The diagram shows a cross-section of a kidney.

A labeled illustration shows the kidney, shaped like a kidney bean standing on end. Two layers, the outer renal fascia and an inner capsule, cover the outside of the kidney. The inside of the kidney consists of three layers: the outer cortex, the middle medulla, and the inner renal pelvis. The renal pelvis is flush with the concave side of the kidney and empties into the ureter, a tube that runs down outside the concave side of the kidney. Nine renal pyramids are embedded in the medulla, which is the thickest kidney layer. Each renal pyramid is teardrop-shaped, with the narrow end facing the renal pelvis. The renal artery and renal vein enter the concave part of the kidney, just above the ureter. The renal artery and renal vein branch into arterioles and venules, respectively, which extend into the kidney and branch into capillaries in the cortex.

What would likely occur if there was a blood clot in the renal artery?

  1. Filtration in the glomerulus would decrease.
  2. Fluid levels in the renal pelvis would increase.
  3. Blood would not drain into the convoluted tubule.
  4. Urea production would increase.
51.

The diagram shows the left kidney.

This figure shows a cross-section diagram of the left kidney. The renal artery and renal vein each branch into capillaries that surround the renal pyramids, which are teardrop-shaped structures embedded in the kidney.

Why do the capillaries carrying blood from the renal artery run over the top of the renal pyramids?

  1. The capillaries deliver blood to the glomerulus and run parallel to the proximal convoluted tubule. Both are located in the medulla.
  2. The capillaries deliver blood to the glomerulus and run perpendicular to the proximal convoluted tubule. Both are located in the cortex.
  3. The capillaries deliver blood to the glomerulus and run perpendicular to the distal convoluted tubule. Both are located in the cortex.
  4. The capillaries deliver blood to the glomerulus and run parallel to the distal convoluted tubule. Both are located in the cortex.
55.

The figure shows the components of a nephron located within the kidneys.

Illustration labels parts of a nephron. The nephron begins at the glomerulus, a spherical structure. The filtrate enters a winding proximal convoluted tubule. The proximal convoluted tubule empties into the descending loop of Henle. The descending loop of Henle turns into the ascending loop of Henle. Both the descending loop and ascending loop are thin at the bottom, then turn thick about a third of the way up. The ascending loop of Henle empties into the distal convoluted tubule. The distal convoluted tubule empties into a collecting duct, which then travels down toward the middle of the kidney.

What would likely occur in the collecting duct if there was increased blood flow to the glomerulus?

  1. More water would enter the collecting duct.
  2. More urea would enter the collecting duct.
  3. Less NaCl would leave the collecting duct.
  4. Less urea would leave the collecting duct.
53.

The figure shows the components of a nephron located within the kidneys.

Illustration labels parts of a nephron. The nephron begins at the glomerulus, a spherical structure. The filtrate enters a winding proximal convoluted tubule. The proximal convoluted tubule empties into the descending loop of Henle. The descending loop of Henle turns into the ascending loop of Henle. Both the descending loop and ascending loop are thin at the bottom, then turn thick about a third of the way up. The ascending loop of Henle empties into the distal convoluted tubule. The distal convoluted tubule empties into a collecting duct, which then travels down toward the middle of the kidney.

Alcohol impairs the pituitary gland, which controls how much water is reabsorbed by the nephrons. The hormone produced by the pituitary gland, anti-diuretic hormone, increases water reabsorption by the kidney. How would impairment of this hormone likely affect the various components of the nephron pictured?

  1. Absorption of water from the filtrate would decrease, indicated by decreased loss of water in the descending loop of Henle, increased solute secretion into the distal tubule, and decreased water absorption in the collecting duct.
  2. Absorption of water from the filtrate would decrease, indicated by decreased loss of water in the ascending loop of Henle, increased solute secretion into the distal tubule, and increased water absorption in the collecting duct.
  3. Absorption of water from the filtrate would decrease, indicated by decreased loss of water in the ascending loop of Henle, increased solute secretion into the distal tubule, and decreased water absorption in the collecting duct.
  4. Absorption of water from the filtrate would decrease, indicated by decreased loss of water in the descending loop of Henle, increased solute secretion into the distal tubule, and increased water absorption in the collecting duct.
54.

The diagram models the countercurrent exchange mechanism within the loop of Henle. The numbers within the loop show the osmolarity of the filtrate, while the numbers between the two loops indicate the osmolarity of the interstitial fluid within the kidney tissue.

A U-shaped tube represents the loop of Henle. The filtrate enters the descending limb and exits the ascending limb. The descending limb is water-permeable, and water travels from the limb to the interstitial space. As a consequence, the osmolality of the filtrate inside the limb increases from 300 milliosmoles per liter at the top to 1200 milliosmoles per liter at the bottom. The ascending limb is permeable to sodium and chloride ions. Because the osmolality inside the bottom part of the limb is higher than the interstitial fluid, these ions diffuse out of the ascending limb. Higher up, sodium is actively transported out of the limb, and chloride follows.

What would likely happen to the osmolarity of the filtrate in the ascending limb if the body released urea into the interstitial fluid?

  1. The osmolarity would decrease, allowing the interstitial fluid to reabsorb solutes.
  2. The osmolarity would decrease, allowing the interstitial fluid to reabsorb water.
  3. The osmolarity would increase, allowing the interstitial fluid to reabsorb solutes.
  4. The osmolarity would increase, allowing the interstitial fluid to reabsorb water.
55.

Planaria are flatworms that live in fresh water. Their excretory system, or protonephridia, consists of two tubules connected to a highly branched tube system. The intake end of the tubes contain cilia that propel waste matter down the tubules and out of the body through excretory pores that open on the body surface. Cilia also draw water from the interstitial fluid, allowing for filtration. Any valuable metabolites are recovered by reabsorption. What structure in the human kidneys most closely resembles the highly branched tube system of the protonephridia, and why?

  1. The renal artery, because it facilitates the exchange of nutrients with the blood.
  2. The convoluted tubule, because it facilitates the exchange of nutrients with the blood.
  3. The glomerulus, because it facilitates filtering of the blood.
  4. The ureter, because it facilitates filtering of the blood.
56.

Planaria are flatworms that live in fresh water. Their excretory system, or protonephridia, consists of two tubules connected to a highly branched tube system. The intake end of the tubes contain cilia that propel waste matter down the tubules and out of the body through excretory pores that open on the body surface. Cilia also draw water from the interstitial fluid, allowing for filtration. Any valuable metabolites are recovered by reabsorption. What structure in the human kidneys most closely resembles the excretory pores of the protonephridia, and why?

  1. The urethral opening, because this is where wastes leave the body.
  2. The convoluted tubule, because this is where reabsorption and secretion occur.
  3. The glomerulus, because this is where reabsorption and secretion occur.
  4. The ureter, because this is where wastes leave the body.
57.
The Malpighian tubules filter waste materials out of the hemolymph of insects. There are cells lining the tubules that pump solutes (mainly ions) into the space surrounding the Malpighian tubules. If you observed a gradual increase in the solute concentration outside of the Malpighian tubules, what would you expect to happen?
  1. Water would be drawn out of the hemolymph within the tubule.
  2. Water would be drawn into the tubule.
  3. Ions would be drawn out of the hemolymph within the tubule.
  4. Ions would be drawn into the tubule.
58.
The flame cells of a protonephridia filter waste materials out of the blood, or hemolymph, of invertebrates. What would this be most similar to, in function, in the human excretory system?
  1. the ascending loop of henle
  2. the descending loop of henle
  3. the distal convoluted tubule
  4. Bowman's capsule
59.
Terrestrial arthropods, birds, and reptiles convert toxic ammonia to uric acid or the closely related compound guanine (guano). However, the conversion of ammonia to uric acid requires more energy and is much more complex than the conversion of ammonia to urea, or the excretion of ammonia as performed by fish. Based on these findings, how may the excretory system of one of the terrestrial organisms listed above change if it evolved to spend most of its time in water?
  1. They may evolve the ability to switch between uric acid and direct ammonia excretion.
  2. They would further reduce their excretion of ammonia.
  3. They may evolve the ability to excrete uric acid without having to dissolve it in any water.
  4. They would excrete higher concentrations of uric acid.
60.

Birds and reptiles convert toxic ammonia to uric acid or the closely related compound guanine (guano), reflecting the close evolutionary ancestry of these groups. However, terrestrial arthropods also convert ammonia to uric acid. This is as opposed to fish, which excrete ammonia directly, without converting it to another substance. However, the conversion of ammonia to uric acid requires more energy and is much more complex than the conversion of ammonia to urea. What do these findings suggest about why these organisms evolved the conversion of ammonia to uric acid?

  1. to evolve the ability to switch between uric acid and ammonia excretion
  2. to conserve water to allow them to persist on land
  3. for reduction in excretion of ammonia
  4. for excretion of higher concentrations of ammonia
61.

The kidneys are controlled by hormones from the brain, liver, and other locations. However, the kidneys also produce the hormone renin in their juxtaglomerular complex. How would damage to the juxtaglomerular complex affect the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system?

  1. Aldosterone will not be produced, decreasing blood volume.
  2. Angiotensin I will not be produced, decreasing blood pressure.
  3. Angiotensin-converting enzyme will not be produced, increasing sodium reabsorption.
  4. Angiotensin II will not be produced, increasing the glomerular filtration rate.
62.
The atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) lowers blood pressure by acting as a vasodilator. It is released by cells in the atrium of the heart in response to high blood pressure and in patients with sleep apnea. ANP prevents sodium reabsorption by the renal tubules. Therefore, what excretory system symptom might someone with sleep apnea also experience and why?
  1. reduction in urination due to reduction of water reabsorption in the kidneys
  2. excessive sodium reabsorption by renal tubes due to increase in water reabsorption in the kidneys
  3. excessive sodium reabsorption by renal tubes due to reduction of water reabsorption in the kidneys
  4. excessive urination due to reduction of water reabsorption in the kidneys
63.

This diagram was made by a student to illustrate the angiotensin-aldosterone system.

The figure indicates that the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone pathway begins when renin converts angiotensin into ACE. An enzyme called angiotensin I then converts ACE into angiotensin II. Angiotensin II triggers the release of two other hormones, aldosterone and A D H.

What part of this diagram contains an error?

  1. ADH is not produced in this system.
  2. The diagram is missing ANP.
  3. ACE and renin should be switched.
  4. ACE and angiotensin should be switched.
64.

This diagram was made by a student to illustrate the angiotensin-aldosterone system.

The figure shows the steps that were incorrect in the previous figure. ACE converts angiotensin I into angiotensin II.

How would you complete this diagram to make it an accurate model of the renin-angiotensin system?

  1. Renin acts on angiotensin to directly stimulate the release of aldosterone and ADH.
  2. Renin acts on angiotensin to form ACE and angiotensin II, which then stimulates the release of aldosterone and ADH.
  3. Angiotensin II is formed from angiotensin, which is then converted to angiotensin I by ACE. Aldosterone and ADH are then stimulated to be released from angiotensin I.
  4. Angiotensin I is formed from angiotensin, which is then converted to angiotensin II by ACE. Aldosterone and ADH are then stimulated to be released from angiotensin II.