BIOS 256 Exam 2 Questions and Answers with Rationales |
CHAMBERLAIN UNIVERSITY
Question 1. When reviewing normal anatomy and physiology, which feature belongs to glycolysis?
A. it occurs in the cytosol and does not directly require oxygen
B. carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and water are required in relatively large amounts, whereas vitamins and minerals
are needed in smaller amounts
C. anabolic pathways generally require energy, whereas catabolic pathways generally release energy
D. it occurs prominently in liver and skeletal muscle after carbohydrate availability rises
Correct Answer: A. it occurs in the cytosol and does not directly require oxygen
Explanation: The identifying feature is that it occurs in the cytosol and does not directly require oxygen. That
characteristic is consistent with glycolysis and its normal role: converts glucose to pyruvate while producing a small
amount of ATP and reduced electron carriers. The other findings are characteristic of different items and do not identify
glycolysis as precisely.
Question 2. What physiologic function is most directly associated with aldosterone action?
A. reabsorbs sodium, potassium, and chloride while remaining essentially impermeable to water
B. fine-tunes electrolyte composition of tubular fluid after most bulk reabsorption is complete
C. promotes sodium reabsorption and potassium secretion in the distal nephron
D. reduces water loss by increasing collecting-duct water permeability
Correct Answer: C. promotes sodium reabsorption and potassium secretion in the distal nephron
Explanation: The correct choice describes this function: promotes sodium reabsorption and potassium secretion in the
distal nephron. This is the primary role associated with aldosterone action, and it is supported by the mechanism that
aldosterone increases sodium channels and Na-K ATPase activity, enhancing sodium retention and potassium loss. The
other choices describe functions performed by different components within the same course domain.
Question 3. A student is distinguishing closely related structures and processes. Which finding best
identifies oxidative phosphorylation?
A. it occurs along the inner mitochondrial membrane and depends on oxygen as the final electron acceptor
B. amino groups are transferred or removed and toxic ammonia is converted largely to urea in the liver
C. glucagon rises as blood glucose falls and acts strongly on the liver
D. insulin rises when blood glucose is elevated and favors uptake, glycogenesis, lipogenesis, and protein synthesis
Correct Answer: A. it occurs along the inner mitochondrial membrane and depends on oxygen as the final
electron acceptor
Explanation: The identifying feature is that it occurs along the inner mitochondrial membrane and depends on oxygen as
the final electron acceptor. That characteristic is consistent with oxidative phosphorylation and its normal role: produces
most ATP from electron carriers generated by nutrient oxidation. The other findings are characteristic of different items
and do not identify oxidative phosphorylation as precisely.
Question 4. Electron microscopy shows effacement of foot processes surrounding glomerular capillaries
in a patient with proteinuria. Which explanation best accounts for this finding?
A. the juxtaglomerular apparatus coordinates this response
B. the filtration barrier normally prevents most plasma proteins from entering the filtrate
C. the structure is the renal corpuscle
D. podocyte injury can disrupt the slit component of the filtration barrier
Correct Answer: D. podocyte injury can disrupt the slit component of the filtration barrier
,Explanation: The best interpretation is that podocyte injury can disrupt the slit component of the filtration barrier. This
scenario centers on podocytes, whose normal physiologic role is described as follows: form the visceral layer of the
glomerular capsule and contribute filtration slits to the renal filtration barrier. That relationship is more directly
supported by the stated findings than the alternative explanations.
Question 5. Which statement best describes the primary role of proximal convoluted tubule?
A. helps keep renal blood flow and GFR relatively stable across a range of arterial pressures
B. drives fluid from glomerular capillaries into capsular space
C. reabsorbs the largest fraction of filtered water and many valuable solutes
D. allows water reabsorption as tubular fluid descends into the hyperosmotic medulla
Correct Answer: C. reabsorbs the largest fraction of filtered water and many valuable solutes
Explanation: The correct choice describes this function: reabsorbs the largest fraction of filtered water and many
valuable solutes. This is the primary role associated with proximal convoluted tubule, and it is supported by the
mechanism that active sodium transport drives secondary reabsorption of glucose, amino acids, bicarbonate, and water.
The other choices describe functions performed by different components within the same course domain.
Question 6. Which paired feature-and-effect description is internally consistent for glycogenolysis?
A. Feature: it breaks glycogen into phosphorylated glucose products / Dysfunction: rapid access to stored
carbohydrate would be reduced during fasting or exercise.
B. Feature: they are produced mainly in liver mitochondria when acetyl-CoA accumulates beyond immediate
citric-acid-cycle capacity / Dysfunction: rapid access to stored carbohydrate would be reduced during fasting or
exercise.
C. Feature: it occurs mainly in mitochondria after fatty acids are activated and transported appropriately /
Dysfunction: rapid access to stored carbohydrate would be reduced during fasting or exercise.
D. Feature: it occurs mainly in the liver and uses substrates such as lactate, glycerol, and glucogenic amino acids /
Dysfunction: rapid access to stored carbohydrate would be reduced during fasting or exercise.
Correct Answer: A. Feature: it breaks glycogen into phosphorylated glucose products / Dysfunction: rapid access
to stored carbohydrate would be reduced during fasting or exercise.
Explanation: For glycogenolysis, the identifying feature is that it breaks glycogen into phosphorylated glucose products,
and severe dysfunction would mean that rapid access to stored carbohydrate would be reduced during fasting or exercise.
Both halves of the pairing must be correct for the option to be valid. The distractors combine the correct consequence
with a defining feature that belongs to another item.
Question 7. Which item matches this identifying characteristic: it follows the nephron loop and
participates in regulated sodium and calcium handling?
A. aldosterone action
B. thick ascending limb
C. distal convoluted tubule
D. antidiuretic hormone action
Correct Answer: C. distal convoluted tubule
Explanation: The description identifies distal convoluted tubule because it follows the nephron loop and participates in
regulated sodium and calcium handling. Its key role is that it fine-tunes electrolyte composition of tubular fluid after
most bulk reabsorption is complete. The alternative options have different defining features and do not best fit the
description.
,Question 8. Severe dysfunction involving glomerular filtration barrier would be expected to cause which
outcome first?
A. proteinuria or reduced filtration can result when the corpuscle is damaged
B. renal autoregulation and renin-angiotensin signaling would be impaired if the apparatus were damaged
C. loss of podocyte structure promotes leakage of protein into urine
D. albumin and other proteins can appear in urine when barrier integrity is lost
Correct Answer: D. albumin and other proteins can appear in urine when barrier integrity is lost
Explanation: The most direct consequence is that albumin and other proteins can appear in urine when barrier integrity is
lost. That prediction follows because glomerular filtration barrier normally has this role: permits water and small solutes
to enter filtrate while restricting blood cells and most large proteins. The distractors reflect dysfunction of other
structures or processes rather than the most direct consequence here.
Question 9. When reviewing normal anatomy and physiology, which feature belongs to fasting-state
glucagon signaling?
A. amino groups are transferred or removed and toxic ammonia is converted largely to urea in the liver
B. insulin rises when blood glucose is elevated and favors uptake, glycogenesis, lipogenesis, and protein synthesis
C. it occurs along the inner mitochondrial membrane and depends on oxygen as the final electron acceptor
D. glucagon rises as blood glucose falls and acts strongly on the liver
Correct Answer: D. glucagon rises as blood glucose falls and acts strongly on the liver
Explanation: The identifying feature is that glucagon rises as blood glucose falls and acts strongly on the liver. That
characteristic is consistent with fasting-state glucagon signaling and its normal role: helps maintain blood glucose and
mobilize stored fuels between meals. The other findings are characteristic of different items and do not identify
fasting-state glucagon signaling as precisely.
Question 10. A major loss of the physiology represented by aldosterone action would most likely produce
which consequence?
A. urine becomes dilute and water loss rises when ADH is absent or ineffective
B. potassium excretion would fall and sodium retention would decrease if aldosterone action were blocked
C. the corticomedullary osmotic gradient and ability to produce concentrated urine would be reduced if this segment
failed
D. electrolyte homeostasis would be less precise if distal nephron transport could not adjust
Correct Answer: B. potassium excretion would fall and sodium retention would decrease if aldosterone action
were blocked
Explanation: The most direct consequence is that potassium excretion would fall and sodium retention would decrease if
aldosterone action were blocked. That prediction follows because aldosterone action normally has this role: promotes
sodium reabsorption and potassium secretion in the distal nephron. The distractors reflect dysfunction of other structures
or processes rather than the most direct consequence here.
Question 11. Which normal outcome is most directly associated with intact ureter physiology?
A. The system demonstrates that it coordinates bladder emptying when stretch receptors signal sufficient filling.
B. The system demonstrates that it represents the volume of filtrate formed by all glomeruli per unit time.
C. The system demonstrates that it stores urine at low pressure until micturition.
D. The system demonstrates that it conducts urine from the renal pelvis to the urinary bladder.
Correct Answer: D. The system demonstrates that it conducts urine from the renal pelvis to the urinary bladder.
Explanation: The strongest evidence is the outcome linked to the normal role of ureter: conducts urine from the renal
pelvis to the urinary bladder. This expected result depends on the mechanism that smooth-muscle peristalsis propels
urine even when body position changes. The other outcomes would point to different physiologic functions rather than
intact ureter activity.
, Question 12. A diet supplies adequate calories but almost no vitamins or trace minerals over a prolonged
period. Which explanation best accounts for this finding?
A. glycolysis is its essential pathway for ATP production from glucose
B. micronutrient deficiencies can occur even when energy-providing macronutrients are sufficient
C. the process is glycogenesis
D. this is an anabolic process because smaller units are assembled into a larger molecule using energy
Correct Answer: B. micronutrient deficiencies can occur even when energy-providing macronutrients are
sufficient
Explanation: The best interpretation is that micronutrient deficiencies can occur even when energy-providing
macronutrients are sufficient. This scenario centers on macronutrients and micronutrients, whose normal physiologic
role is described as follows: provide energy, structural material, water, vitamins, and minerals needed for normal
physiology. That relationship is more directly supported by the stated findings than the alternative explanations.
Question 13. A learner notes the following feature: ADH is released from the posterior pituitary when
plasma osmolarity rises or effective circulating volume falls. Which structure or process is being
described?
A. distal convoluted tubule
B. aldosterone action
C. antidiuretic hormone action
D. thick ascending limb
Correct Answer: C. antidiuretic hormone action
Explanation: The description identifies antidiuretic hormone action because ADH is released from the posterior pituitary
when plasma osmolarity rises or effective circulating volume falls. Its key role is that it reduces water loss by increasing
collecting-duct water permeability. The alternative options have different defining features and do not best fit the
description.
Question 14. Which process provides the best mechanistic explanation for renal cortex and medulla?
A. two capillary beds in series permit filtration first and exchange with tubules afterward
B. segment-specific transport changes the filtrate progressively as it moves through the tubule
C. surrounding fascia and fat help stabilize the kidneys while renal vessels enter at the medial hilum
D. this arrangement supports filtration near cortical blood vessels and concentration processes along medullary
gradients
Correct Answer: D. this arrangement supports filtration near cortical blood vessels and concentration processes
along medullary gradients
Explanation: The correct mechanism is that this arrangement supports filtration near cortical blood vessels and
concentration processes along medullary gradients. It explains the normal function of renal cortex and medulla: organize
kidney tissue into an outer cortex and inner medulla containing renal pyramids. The other mechanisms belong to
different structures or processes in the same broad system.
Question 15. Which normal outcome is most directly associated with intact glycolysis physiology?
A. The system demonstrates that it describe the building and breakdown sides of metabolism.
B. The system demonstrates that it stores excess glucose as glycogen.
C. The system demonstrates that it converts glucose to pyruvate while producing a small amount of ATP and
reduced electron carriers.
D. The system demonstrates that it provide energy, structural material, water, vitamins, and minerals needed for
normal physiology.
Correct Answer: C. The system demonstrates that it converts glucose to pyruvate while producing a small
amount of ATP and reduced electron carriers.
CHAMBERLAIN UNIVERSITY
Question 1. When reviewing normal anatomy and physiology, which feature belongs to glycolysis?
A. it occurs in the cytosol and does not directly require oxygen
B. carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and water are required in relatively large amounts, whereas vitamins and minerals
are needed in smaller amounts
C. anabolic pathways generally require energy, whereas catabolic pathways generally release energy
D. it occurs prominently in liver and skeletal muscle after carbohydrate availability rises
Correct Answer: A. it occurs in the cytosol and does not directly require oxygen
Explanation: The identifying feature is that it occurs in the cytosol and does not directly require oxygen. That
characteristic is consistent with glycolysis and its normal role: converts glucose to pyruvate while producing a small
amount of ATP and reduced electron carriers. The other findings are characteristic of different items and do not identify
glycolysis as precisely.
Question 2. What physiologic function is most directly associated with aldosterone action?
A. reabsorbs sodium, potassium, and chloride while remaining essentially impermeable to water
B. fine-tunes electrolyte composition of tubular fluid after most bulk reabsorption is complete
C. promotes sodium reabsorption and potassium secretion in the distal nephron
D. reduces water loss by increasing collecting-duct water permeability
Correct Answer: C. promotes sodium reabsorption and potassium secretion in the distal nephron
Explanation: The correct choice describes this function: promotes sodium reabsorption and potassium secretion in the
distal nephron. This is the primary role associated with aldosterone action, and it is supported by the mechanism that
aldosterone increases sodium channels and Na-K ATPase activity, enhancing sodium retention and potassium loss. The
other choices describe functions performed by different components within the same course domain.
Question 3. A student is distinguishing closely related structures and processes. Which finding best
identifies oxidative phosphorylation?
A. it occurs along the inner mitochondrial membrane and depends on oxygen as the final electron acceptor
B. amino groups are transferred or removed and toxic ammonia is converted largely to urea in the liver
C. glucagon rises as blood glucose falls and acts strongly on the liver
D. insulin rises when blood glucose is elevated and favors uptake, glycogenesis, lipogenesis, and protein synthesis
Correct Answer: A. it occurs along the inner mitochondrial membrane and depends on oxygen as the final
electron acceptor
Explanation: The identifying feature is that it occurs along the inner mitochondrial membrane and depends on oxygen as
the final electron acceptor. That characteristic is consistent with oxidative phosphorylation and its normal role: produces
most ATP from electron carriers generated by nutrient oxidation. The other findings are characteristic of different items
and do not identify oxidative phosphorylation as precisely.
Question 4. Electron microscopy shows effacement of foot processes surrounding glomerular capillaries
in a patient with proteinuria. Which explanation best accounts for this finding?
A. the juxtaglomerular apparatus coordinates this response
B. the filtration barrier normally prevents most plasma proteins from entering the filtrate
C. the structure is the renal corpuscle
D. podocyte injury can disrupt the slit component of the filtration barrier
Correct Answer: D. podocyte injury can disrupt the slit component of the filtration barrier
,Explanation: The best interpretation is that podocyte injury can disrupt the slit component of the filtration barrier. This
scenario centers on podocytes, whose normal physiologic role is described as follows: form the visceral layer of the
glomerular capsule and contribute filtration slits to the renal filtration barrier. That relationship is more directly
supported by the stated findings than the alternative explanations.
Question 5. Which statement best describes the primary role of proximal convoluted tubule?
A. helps keep renal blood flow and GFR relatively stable across a range of arterial pressures
B. drives fluid from glomerular capillaries into capsular space
C. reabsorbs the largest fraction of filtered water and many valuable solutes
D. allows water reabsorption as tubular fluid descends into the hyperosmotic medulla
Correct Answer: C. reabsorbs the largest fraction of filtered water and many valuable solutes
Explanation: The correct choice describes this function: reabsorbs the largest fraction of filtered water and many
valuable solutes. This is the primary role associated with proximal convoluted tubule, and it is supported by the
mechanism that active sodium transport drives secondary reabsorption of glucose, amino acids, bicarbonate, and water.
The other choices describe functions performed by different components within the same course domain.
Question 6. Which paired feature-and-effect description is internally consistent for glycogenolysis?
A. Feature: it breaks glycogen into phosphorylated glucose products / Dysfunction: rapid access to stored
carbohydrate would be reduced during fasting or exercise.
B. Feature: they are produced mainly in liver mitochondria when acetyl-CoA accumulates beyond immediate
citric-acid-cycle capacity / Dysfunction: rapid access to stored carbohydrate would be reduced during fasting or
exercise.
C. Feature: it occurs mainly in mitochondria after fatty acids are activated and transported appropriately /
Dysfunction: rapid access to stored carbohydrate would be reduced during fasting or exercise.
D. Feature: it occurs mainly in the liver and uses substrates such as lactate, glycerol, and glucogenic amino acids /
Dysfunction: rapid access to stored carbohydrate would be reduced during fasting or exercise.
Correct Answer: A. Feature: it breaks glycogen into phosphorylated glucose products / Dysfunction: rapid access
to stored carbohydrate would be reduced during fasting or exercise.
Explanation: For glycogenolysis, the identifying feature is that it breaks glycogen into phosphorylated glucose products,
and severe dysfunction would mean that rapid access to stored carbohydrate would be reduced during fasting or exercise.
Both halves of the pairing must be correct for the option to be valid. The distractors combine the correct consequence
with a defining feature that belongs to another item.
Question 7. Which item matches this identifying characteristic: it follows the nephron loop and
participates in regulated sodium and calcium handling?
A. aldosterone action
B. thick ascending limb
C. distal convoluted tubule
D. antidiuretic hormone action
Correct Answer: C. distal convoluted tubule
Explanation: The description identifies distal convoluted tubule because it follows the nephron loop and participates in
regulated sodium and calcium handling. Its key role is that it fine-tunes electrolyte composition of tubular fluid after
most bulk reabsorption is complete. The alternative options have different defining features and do not best fit the
description.
,Question 8. Severe dysfunction involving glomerular filtration barrier would be expected to cause which
outcome first?
A. proteinuria or reduced filtration can result when the corpuscle is damaged
B. renal autoregulation and renin-angiotensin signaling would be impaired if the apparatus were damaged
C. loss of podocyte structure promotes leakage of protein into urine
D. albumin and other proteins can appear in urine when barrier integrity is lost
Correct Answer: D. albumin and other proteins can appear in urine when barrier integrity is lost
Explanation: The most direct consequence is that albumin and other proteins can appear in urine when barrier integrity is
lost. That prediction follows because glomerular filtration barrier normally has this role: permits water and small solutes
to enter filtrate while restricting blood cells and most large proteins. The distractors reflect dysfunction of other
structures or processes rather than the most direct consequence here.
Question 9. When reviewing normal anatomy and physiology, which feature belongs to fasting-state
glucagon signaling?
A. amino groups are transferred or removed and toxic ammonia is converted largely to urea in the liver
B. insulin rises when blood glucose is elevated and favors uptake, glycogenesis, lipogenesis, and protein synthesis
C. it occurs along the inner mitochondrial membrane and depends on oxygen as the final electron acceptor
D. glucagon rises as blood glucose falls and acts strongly on the liver
Correct Answer: D. glucagon rises as blood glucose falls and acts strongly on the liver
Explanation: The identifying feature is that glucagon rises as blood glucose falls and acts strongly on the liver. That
characteristic is consistent with fasting-state glucagon signaling and its normal role: helps maintain blood glucose and
mobilize stored fuels between meals. The other findings are characteristic of different items and do not identify
fasting-state glucagon signaling as precisely.
Question 10. A major loss of the physiology represented by aldosterone action would most likely produce
which consequence?
A. urine becomes dilute and water loss rises when ADH is absent or ineffective
B. potassium excretion would fall and sodium retention would decrease if aldosterone action were blocked
C. the corticomedullary osmotic gradient and ability to produce concentrated urine would be reduced if this segment
failed
D. electrolyte homeostasis would be less precise if distal nephron transport could not adjust
Correct Answer: B. potassium excretion would fall and sodium retention would decrease if aldosterone action
were blocked
Explanation: The most direct consequence is that potassium excretion would fall and sodium retention would decrease if
aldosterone action were blocked. That prediction follows because aldosterone action normally has this role: promotes
sodium reabsorption and potassium secretion in the distal nephron. The distractors reflect dysfunction of other structures
or processes rather than the most direct consequence here.
Question 11. Which normal outcome is most directly associated with intact ureter physiology?
A. The system demonstrates that it coordinates bladder emptying when stretch receptors signal sufficient filling.
B. The system demonstrates that it represents the volume of filtrate formed by all glomeruli per unit time.
C. The system demonstrates that it stores urine at low pressure until micturition.
D. The system demonstrates that it conducts urine from the renal pelvis to the urinary bladder.
Correct Answer: D. The system demonstrates that it conducts urine from the renal pelvis to the urinary bladder.
Explanation: The strongest evidence is the outcome linked to the normal role of ureter: conducts urine from the renal
pelvis to the urinary bladder. This expected result depends on the mechanism that smooth-muscle peristalsis propels
urine even when body position changes. The other outcomes would point to different physiologic functions rather than
intact ureter activity.
, Question 12. A diet supplies adequate calories but almost no vitamins or trace minerals over a prolonged
period. Which explanation best accounts for this finding?
A. glycolysis is its essential pathway for ATP production from glucose
B. micronutrient deficiencies can occur even when energy-providing macronutrients are sufficient
C. the process is glycogenesis
D. this is an anabolic process because smaller units are assembled into a larger molecule using energy
Correct Answer: B. micronutrient deficiencies can occur even when energy-providing macronutrients are
sufficient
Explanation: The best interpretation is that micronutrient deficiencies can occur even when energy-providing
macronutrients are sufficient. This scenario centers on macronutrients and micronutrients, whose normal physiologic
role is described as follows: provide energy, structural material, water, vitamins, and minerals needed for normal
physiology. That relationship is more directly supported by the stated findings than the alternative explanations.
Question 13. A learner notes the following feature: ADH is released from the posterior pituitary when
plasma osmolarity rises or effective circulating volume falls. Which structure or process is being
described?
A. distal convoluted tubule
B. aldosterone action
C. antidiuretic hormone action
D. thick ascending limb
Correct Answer: C. antidiuretic hormone action
Explanation: The description identifies antidiuretic hormone action because ADH is released from the posterior pituitary
when plasma osmolarity rises or effective circulating volume falls. Its key role is that it reduces water loss by increasing
collecting-duct water permeability. The alternative options have different defining features and do not best fit the
description.
Question 14. Which process provides the best mechanistic explanation for renal cortex and medulla?
A. two capillary beds in series permit filtration first and exchange with tubules afterward
B. segment-specific transport changes the filtrate progressively as it moves through the tubule
C. surrounding fascia and fat help stabilize the kidneys while renal vessels enter at the medial hilum
D. this arrangement supports filtration near cortical blood vessels and concentration processes along medullary
gradients
Correct Answer: D. this arrangement supports filtration near cortical blood vessels and concentration processes
along medullary gradients
Explanation: The correct mechanism is that this arrangement supports filtration near cortical blood vessels and
concentration processes along medullary gradients. It explains the normal function of renal cortex and medulla: organize
kidney tissue into an outer cortex and inner medulla containing renal pyramids. The other mechanisms belong to
different structures or processes in the same broad system.
Question 15. Which normal outcome is most directly associated with intact glycolysis physiology?
A. The system demonstrates that it describe the building and breakdown sides of metabolism.
B. The system demonstrates that it stores excess glucose as glycogen.
C. The system demonstrates that it converts glucose to pyruvate while producing a small amount of ATP and
reduced electron carriers.
D. The system demonstrates that it provide energy, structural material, water, vitamins, and minerals needed for
normal physiology.
Correct Answer: C. The system demonstrates that it converts glucose to pyruvate while producing a small
amount of ATP and reduced electron carriers.
