FRQ AP BIO UNIT 4 PROGRESS CHECK
ACTUAL PAPER 2026 QUESTIONS WITH
ANSWERS GRADED A+
>> Unit 4
Answer: Cell Communication and Cell Cycle (AP Biology)
>> Cell Signaling
Answer: Process by which cells receive, interpret, and respond to signals
>> Signaling Molecule
Answer: Ligand (hormone, neurotransmitter, growth factor)
>> Receptor
Answer: Protein that binds ligand
>> Plasma Membrane Receptor
Answer: Transmembrane receptors (GPCR, RTK, ion channel)
>> Intracellular Receptor
Answer: Cytoplasmic or nuclear (steroid hormones)
>> Ligand Binding
Answer: Induces conformational change
>> Signal Transduction Pathway
Answer: Series of molecular interactions
, >> Second Messenger
Answer: Small intracellular signaling molecule (cAMP, Ca²■, IP■)
>> cAMP
Answer: Cyclic AMP; activates PKA
>> Protein Kinase A (PKA)
Answer: Phosphorylates target proteins
>> Phosphorylation Cascade
Answer: Sequential activation of kinases
>> Amplification
Answer: One signal molecule activates many downstream molecules
>> Response
Answer: Alteration in cellular activity (gene expression, enzyme activity,
cytoskeleton)
>> G Protein-Coupled Receptor (GPCR)
Answer: Seven transmembrane domains, activates G protein
>> G Protein
Answer: Heterotrimer (α, β, γ subunits)
>> GDP
Answer: Bound to inactive Gα
>> GTP
Answer: Bound to active Gα
ACTUAL PAPER 2026 QUESTIONS WITH
ANSWERS GRADED A+
>> Unit 4
Answer: Cell Communication and Cell Cycle (AP Biology)
>> Cell Signaling
Answer: Process by which cells receive, interpret, and respond to signals
>> Signaling Molecule
Answer: Ligand (hormone, neurotransmitter, growth factor)
>> Receptor
Answer: Protein that binds ligand
>> Plasma Membrane Receptor
Answer: Transmembrane receptors (GPCR, RTK, ion channel)
>> Intracellular Receptor
Answer: Cytoplasmic or nuclear (steroid hormones)
>> Ligand Binding
Answer: Induces conformational change
>> Signal Transduction Pathway
Answer: Series of molecular interactions
, >> Second Messenger
Answer: Small intracellular signaling molecule (cAMP, Ca²■, IP■)
>> cAMP
Answer: Cyclic AMP; activates PKA
>> Protein Kinase A (PKA)
Answer: Phosphorylates target proteins
>> Phosphorylation Cascade
Answer: Sequential activation of kinases
>> Amplification
Answer: One signal molecule activates many downstream molecules
>> Response
Answer: Alteration in cellular activity (gene expression, enzyme activity,
cytoskeleton)
>> G Protein-Coupled Receptor (GPCR)
Answer: Seven transmembrane domains, activates G protein
>> G Protein
Answer: Heterotrimer (α, β, γ subunits)
>> GDP
Answer: Bound to inactive Gα
>> GTP
Answer: Bound to active Gα