Biology EOC STAAR

Which of the following is the only characteristic shared by living cells and viruses?

• the presence of carbohydrates

• the ability to reproduce

• the presence of the nucleic acid

• a cell membrane

Answer explanation

The only characteristic shared by living cells and viruses is the presence of nucleic acid, making it the correct choice.

The diffusion of water through a semi-permeable membrane is called?

• Osmosis

• Cell wall

• Diffusion

• Respiration

Answer explanation

Osmosis is the diffusion of water through a semi-permeable membrane, making it the correct choice in this context.

When a new mutation occurs in a somatic cell of a sexually reproducing organism, what percentage of the individual’s offspring are likely to inherit the mutation?

• 100%

• 75%

• 25%

• 0%

Answer explanation

When a new mutation occurs in a somatic cell, it is not passed on to offspring as it is not present in the germline cells involved in reproduction. Therefore, the percentage of offspring inheriting the mutation is 0%.

Tags

B.6(E)

Which model accurately shows a cell progressing through mitosis?

• 
• 
• 
• 

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-2

Which body system is responsible for pumping blood throughout the body?

• Digestive system

• Circulatory system

• Respiratory system

• Nervous system

Answer explanation

The circulatory system is responsible for pumping blood throughout the body, making it the correct choice.

What is the primary role of the stomata in plant leaves?

• To transport nutrients

• To release oxygen and take in carbon dioxide

• To capture light energy

• To protect the leaf from insects

Answer explanation

Stomata release oxygen and take in carbon dioxide during photosynthesis, a crucial process for plant survival.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-6

Scientists can determine relatedness among organisms by comparing partial amino acid sequences. The table shows four partial amino acid sequences from four organisms. Which organism is the LEAST related to the other three organisms?

• Organism 1

• Organism 2

• Organism 3

• Organism 4

Answer explanation

Organism 2 is the least related because it has the most differences in its amino acid sequence compared to the other organisms, indicating a lower level of relatedness.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS3-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Scientists around the world use a standardized taxonomic system. Why would scientists want to use a taxonomic system that is standardized?

• In order to avoid confusion with the identification of organisms

• Because Linnaeus established the system

• So that Latin names can be applied for a practical purpose

• In order to place organisms in different groups

Answer explanation

The standardized taxonomic system helps scientists avoid confusion when identifying organisms by providing a consistent framework for classification.

Where does photosynthesis take place in the plant cell?

• Nucleus

• Cytoplasm

• Chloroplast

• Mitochondria

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-6

Which of the following best describes a DNA molecule?

• double helix

• contains ribose

• made of amino acids

• contains Uracil

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS1-1