Structure and Function: How Living Things Work

Multiple Choice

Which of the following best describes the meaning of 'structure' in biology?

• The way something looks or is shaped

• The process of growing

• The ability to move

• The color of an organism

Multiple Choice

What is the main difference between a plant cell and an animal cell as shown in the diagrams?

• Plant cells have a cell wall and chloroplasts, animal cells do not.

• Animal cells have a cell wall and chloroplasts, plant cells do not.

• Both plant and animal cells have a cell wall and chloroplasts.

• Neither plant nor animal cells have a cell wall and chloroplasts.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following best describes the relationship between structure and function in living things?

• Structure is how something is built; function is its job.

• Structure is the process of something; function is its shape.

• Structure is the support of something; function is its color.

• Structure is the meaning of something; function is its example.

Open Ended

Explain how the structure of the human hand supports its function. Use details from the diagram and text.

Multiple Select

Which features of red blood cells help them carry oxygen efficiently? Select all that apply.

• Small and round shape

• Flat center like a donut

• Thick cell membrane

• Flexible structure

Multiple Choice

The very thin walls of alveoli in the lungs make gas exchange happen quickly and easily. What is the main function of these thin walls?

• To allow oxygen and carbon dioxide to exchange between air and blood

• To protect the lungs from infection

• To store oxygen for later use

• To keep the blood warm

Open Ended

Compare the structure-function relationships in a red blood cell, a lung, a leaf, and a human hand. What do these examples show about living things?

Multiple Choice

What are the three main steps you should follow when analyzing the structure and function of an organism or body part?

• Choose an organism, analyze its structure, analyze its function

• Choose an organism, describe its color, explain its habitat

• Choose an organism, list its predators, explain its diet

• Choose an organism, draw its picture, write a story about it

Open Ended

How can understanding the structure of cells help us analyze how living things function?