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AP Biology 4.6 Regulation of Cell Cycle Questions

Practise AP Biology 4.6 questions by connecting checkpoints and tumor suppressors with controlled division, DNA-damage responses and cancer.

Syllabus
Effective Fall 2025
Course
AP Biology

Exam points

  • explain how checkpoints and cyclin–CDK interactions regulate cell-cycle progression
  • predict cell-cycle effects of DNA damage, checkpoint failure or checkpoint mutations
  • explain how p53, tumor suppressors, growth signals and contact inhibition control cell division
  • connect abnormal regulation, apoptosis and experimental cell data to cancer risk or treatment

Covered syllabus points

4.6.A—Describe the role of checkpoints in regulating the cell cycle4.6.B—Describe the effects of disruptions to the cell cycle on the cell or organism

Question 1

[Maximum number: 2]

The p53 protein is a transcription factor that regulates a cell's progression through the cell cycle after DNA is damaged by ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The p53 pathway is shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1. The role of p53 in regulating cell cycle progression in response to DNA damage

Figure 1. The role of p53 in regulating cell cycle progression in response to DNA damage

Question (a)

(a)

Based on Figure 1, explain how p53 regulates the cell cycle in the presence of damaged DNA.

[ 1 ]

Question (b)

(b)

Based on Figure 1, explain how a mutation to p53 may lead to an increased risk of cancer.

Figure for Question (b) — AP Biology
[ 1 ]

Question 2

[Maximum number: 1]

The p53 protein is a transcription factor that regulates a cell's progression through the cell cycle after DNA is damaged by ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The p53 pathway is shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1. The role of p53 in regulating cell cycle progression in response to DNA damage

Figure 1. The role of p53 in regulating cell cycle progression in response to DNA damage

Based on Figure 1, explain how p53 regulates the cell cycle in the presence of damaged DNA.

Question 3

[Maximum number: 1]

The p53 protein is a transcription factor that regulates a cell's progression through the cell cycle after DNA is damaged by ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The p53 pathway is shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1. The role of p53 in regulating cell cycle progression in response to DNA damage

Figure 1. The role of p53 in regulating cell cycle progression in response to DNA damage

Based on Figure 1, explain how a mutation to p53 may lead to an increased risk of cancer.

Figure for Question 3 — AP Biology
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