Free-Response Week 2 (August 11, 2008)
Use the tips for answering free response questions found on the FSHS AP Biology website. Each question should be answered in essay form with complete sentences and labeled clearly. After completing answer, use a highlighter to emphasize main points and clarifying details of your response. Your free response questions will comprise a major test grade each nine weeks.
1. Discuss the biological importance of each of the following organic compounds in relation to cellular structure and function in plants and animals.
A. Carbohydrates
B. Proteins
C. Lipids
D. Nucleic acids
2. Discuss each of the following:
A. The structure of an enzyme.
B. How enzymes function.
C. How enzymes are regulated.
3. The unique properties (characteristics) of water make life possible on Earth. Select three properties of water and:
A. for each property, identify and define the property and explain it in terms of the physical/ chemical nature of water.
B. For each property, describe one example of how the property affects the functioning of living organisms.
4. When you hard-boil an egg, the clear liquid part surrounding the yolk becomes white and solid. Discuss why this happens.
5. Enzymes are biological catalysts.
a. Design a quantitative experiment to investigate the influence of pH or temperature on the activity of an enzyme.
b. Describe what information concerning the structure of an enzyme could be inferred from your experiment.
6. Water is important for all living organisms. The functions of water are directly related to its physical properties.
a. Describe how the properties of water contribute to two of the following:
1. transpiration
2. thermoregulation in endotherms
3. plasma membrane structure
b. Water serves as a reactant and a product in the carbon cycle. Discuss the role of water in the carbon cycle.
c. Discuss the impact of one human activity on the water cycle.