Leap 2025 Biology Practice Test

What is the function of the mitochondria in a cell?

• Regulates cell division

• Synthesizes proteins

• Produces energy (ATP) through cellular respiration

• Stores genetic material

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Explain the difference between mitosis and meiosis.

• Meiosis results in two identical daughter cells with the same number of chromosomes.

• Mitosis results in two identical daughter cells with the same number of chromosomes, while meiosis results in four daughter cells with half the number of chromosomes.

• Mitosis and meiosis both result in two daughter cells.

• Mitosis results in four daughter cells with half the number of chromosomes.

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Define the term 'ecosystem' and provide an example.

• An ecosystem is a type of clothing material. An example is cotton.

• An ecosystem is a type of musical instrument. An example is a guitar.

• An ecosystem is a type of computer software. An example is Microsoft Office.

• An ecosystem is a community of living organisms interacting with each other and their physical environment. An example is a coral reef.

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What is the role of DNA in genetics?

• DNA is only found in plants, not animals

• DNA has no role in determining physical traits

• DNA is only important for non-living organisms

• DNA serves as the genetic material that stores and transmits hereditary information.

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Describe the structure of a plant cell and its functions.

• The structure of a plant cell includes a cell wall, cell membrane, cytoplasm, nucleus, chloroplasts, and vacuoles. The functions include providing structure and support, controlling what enters and exits the cell, facilitating cellular activities, containing genetic material, enabling photosynthesis, and storing water and nutrients.

• The structure of a plant cell includes a cell wall, mitochondria, and ribosomes. The functions include providing structure and support, producing energy, and protein synthesis.

• Plant cells have a cell membrane, nucleus, and Golgi apparatus. The functions include controlling what enters and exits the cell, containing genetic material, and packaging proteins.

• The structure of a plant cell consists of a cell wall, vacuoles, and lysosomes. The functions include providing structure and support, storing water and nutrients, and breaking down waste.

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How do dominant and recessive genes affect an organism's traits?

• Recessive genes are always expressed, while dominant genes are hidden

• Dominant genes are expressed over recessive genes, so if an organism has a dominant gene for a trait, that trait will be visible. Recessive genes are only expressed if an organism has two copies of the recessive gene.

• Recessive genes are always more powerful than dominant genes

• Dominant genes are only expressed if an organism has two copies of the gene

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Discuss the importance of biodiversity in an ecosystem.

• Biodiversity is crucial for ecosystem stability, resilience, productivity, and the provision of ecosystem services.

• Resilience is not affected by biodiversity

• Ecosystems with low biodiversity are more productive

• Biodiversity has no impact on ecosystem stability

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What is the difference between a food chain and a food web?

• A food chain is a visual representation, while a food web is a written description.

• A food chain involves only producers and consumers, while a food web includes decomposers.

• A food chain is always longer than a food web.

• In a food chain, organisms are arranged in a linear sequence of who eats whom, while a food web shows a complex network of interconnected food chains.

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Explain the process of photosynthesis and its significance in ecology.

• Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose molecules. It is significant in ecology as it is the primary way energy enters ecosystems and provides the foundation for the food chain and oxygen production.

• Photosynthesis is the process by which animals convert light energy into chemical energy.

• Photosynthesis is only relevant in marine environments.

• Photosynthesis is insignificant in ecology as it does not impact ecosystems.

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How does natural selection contribute to the evolution of species?

• Natural selection has no impact on the evolution of species

• Natural selection only favors traits that are detrimental to survival

• Natural selection always leads to the extinction of species

• Natural selection contributes to the evolution of species by favoring traits that increase an organism's chances of survival and reproduction.

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