Biology STAAR Practice Review

How does the structure of DNA contribute to its function in heredity?

• The double helix structure of DNA makes it more reactive with other chemicals.

• The linear structure of DNA allows it to fit inside the cell nucleus.

• The repetitive sequences in DNA ensure genetic stability.

• The double helix structure of DNA allows for the storage of genetic information and provides a mechanism for replication and repair.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS3-1

NGSS.HS-LS3-2

Which of the following best describes the role of water in photosynthesis?

• Water acts as a primary light absorber.

• Water is broken down to release oxygen.

• Water is used to store energy in glucose molecules.

• Water transports nutrients to the photosynthetic cells.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-6

A cell was discovered with the following characteristics:

1. No nucleus, unicellular, divides by binary fission, and no membrane bound organelles

Is is a _____________ cell.

• Animal

• Plant

• Prokaryotic

• Eukaryotic

Which of the following best describes the flow of energy in an ecosystem?

• It is recycled within the ecosystem indefinitely.

• It flows from primary producers to consumers to decomposers.

• It flows in a closed loop between consumers and producers.

• It is primarily stored in the abiotic components of the ecosystem.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-6

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

T - tall and t = short
In the punnett square below, what belongs in the missing square

• tt

• Tt

• Bb

• TT

What type of genetic mutation involves the insertion or deletion of nucleotides, causing a shift in the reading frame of the genetic code?

• Missense mutation

• Nonsense mutation

• Silent mutation

• Frameshift mutation

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS3-1

The structures shown are_________

• homologous

• heterologous

• analogous

• vestigial

Answer explanation

The structures shown are homologous because they share a common evolutionary origin despite potentially having different functions or appearances.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

The diagram shows fossils in different rock layers. Which of these statements about the age of these fossils is most likely correct?

• Fossil A and C are the same age
  

• Fossil B is older than fossil C

• Fossils A is older than fossil B

• Fossil D is older than fossil C

Answer explanation

Fossil D is older than fossil C because in the rock layers, fossils are typically arranged with the oldest at the bottom and the youngest at the top.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

According to the cladogram, which organism is most distantly related to the human?

• crayfish

• grasshopper

• perch

• frog

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Which of the following is a characteristic of a beneficial mutation?

• It decreases an organism's fitness

• It has no effect on an organism's phenotype

• It increases an organism's fitness

• It always leads to speciation

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-4