Q: Which of the following equations correctly represents the conversion of cGMP to GMP in the phototransduction pathway?

$\text{cGMP} \xrightarrow{\text{phosphodiesterase}} \text{GMP}$

Question 1

Which of the following best describes the function of mechanoreceptors in the skin?

Accepted Answer

They transduce mechanical forces into changes in membrane potential, leading to the opening of ion channels.

Question 2

In the vertebrate retina, what is the immediate effect of light absorption by rhodopsin?

Accepted Answer

Rhodopsin activates a G protein called transducin, which triggers a cascade that closes Na+ channels.

Question 3

Which sensory receptor type is responsible for detecting odors?

Accepted Answer

Chemoreceptors

Question 4

What is the main difference between ionotropic and metabotropic sensory detection?

Accepted Answer

Ionotropic detection involves the receptor protein being part of the ion channel, while metabotropic detection involves a cascade of events triggered by a G protein.

Question 5

Which structure in the skin is most sensitive to light touch and adapts rapidly?

Accepted Answer

Meissner's corpuscles

Question 6

The star-shaped appendages of the star-nosed mole are specialized for which sensory function?

Accepted Answer

Tactile sensation

Question 7

Which of the following best explains why the vertebrate eye has a blind spot?

Accepted Answer

There are no photoreceptors where the optic nerve exits the retina.

Question 8

Which animal group has compound eyes made up of many ommatidia, each providing a slightly different view?

Accepted Answer

Arthropods

Question 9

In the dark, rod cells in the vertebrate retina are depolarized because:

Accepted Answer

cGMP keeps Na+ channels open, allowing Na+ ions to enter.

Question 10

Which of the following equations correctly represents the conversion of cGMP to GMP in the phototransduction pathway?

Accepted Answer

$	ext{cGMP} \xrightarrow{	ext{phosphodiesterase}} 	ext{GMP}$

Question 11

Which area of the retina is responsible for the sharpest vision in humans?

Accepted Answer

Fovea

Question 12

Which of the following statements about cone cells is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Cone cells provide color vision and are concentrated in the fovea.

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the evolutionary progression of eyes in mollusks?

Accepted Answer

Eyes evolved from simple patches of photoreceptors to complex camera-type eyes.

Question 14

Which of the following is a real-world example of sensory adaptation?

Accepted Answer

The sensation of clothing fades after wearing it for a while.

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why cephalopod eyes do not have a blind spot?

Accepted Answer

Their photoreceptors are the first thing light hits, so there is no interruption by nerves or blood vessels.

Question 16

Which of the following is NOT a stimulus detected by human sensory systems?

Accepted Answer

Magnetic fields

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the process of phototaxis in Chlamydomonas?

Accepted Answer

Movement toward or away from light, mediated by rhodopsin-based photoreceptors.

Question 18

Which of the following is TRUE about the perception of color in humans?

Accepted Answer

Humans have three types of cone cells, each sensitive to different wavelengths.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the philosophical implication of sensory systems?

Accepted Answer

Sensory systems construct perceptions based on what is important for survival, not objective reality.

Question 20

Which of the following is a multi-step process that occurs in the vertebrate visual system when light is detected?

Accepted Answer

Light activates rhodopsin, which triggers a G protein cascade, closes Na+ channels, hyperpolarizes the photoreceptor, stops glutamate release, depolarizes bipolar cells, and leads to action potentials in ganglion cells.

Sensory Systems: Structure, Function, and Evolution (Lecture 10)

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards