AK SCI Review - Life Sci 2

What is the primary function of photosynthesis in plants?

• To produce oxygen for animals

• To convert sunlight into chemical energy

• To absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere

• To provide shade for the plant

Answer explanation

The primary function of photosynthesis is to convert sunlight into chemical energy, which plants use to grow and thrive. While oxygen production and carbon dioxide absorption are important byproducts, the main goal is energy conversion.

Tags

AK.SCI.6-8.MS-LS1-6

Which of the following is a genetic factor that can influence the growth of an organism?

• Amount of sunlight

• Type of soil

• DNA sequence

• Water availability

Answer explanation

The DNA sequence is a genetic factor that determines the traits and growth patterns of an organism. In contrast, sunlight, soil type, and water availability are environmental factors.

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AK.SCI.6-8.MS-LS1-5

Explain how environmental factors can affect the growth of a plant.

• Environmental factors have no effect on plant growth.

• Environmental factors can only negatively affect plant growth.

• Environmental factors such as light, water, and nutrients can enhance or limit plant growth.

• Environmental factors only affect the color of the plant.

Answer explanation

Environmental factors like light, water, and nutrients are crucial for plant growth. They can enhance growth by providing necessary resources or limit it if they are insufficient, making this choice the most accurate.

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AK.SCI.6-8.MS-LS1-5

Describe the role of chlorophyll in photosynthesis.

• Chlorophyll absorbs water for the plant.

• Chlorophyll reflects sunlight away from the plant.

• Chlorophyll absorbs sunlight to convert it into chemical energy.

• Chlorophyll stores energy for the plant.

Answer explanation

Chlorophyll plays a crucial role in photosynthesis by absorbing sunlight. This energy is then converted into chemical energy, which the plant uses to produce food, making the correct choice the one that highlights this function.

Tags

AK.SCI.6-8.MS-LS1-6

Construct a scientific explanation for how sensory receptors respond to stimuli.

• Sensory receptors ignore stimuli and do not send messages.

• Sensory receptors respond to stimuli by sending messages to the brain for immediate behavior or storage as memories.

• Sensory receptors only respond to visual stimuli.

• Sensory receptors respond to stimuli by sending messages to the muscles directly.

Answer explanation

Sensory receptors detect various stimuli and transmit signals to the brain, enabling immediate responses or the formation of memories. This process is essential for interacting with the environment.

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AK.SCI.6-8.MS-LS1-8

What is the chemical equation for photosynthesis?

Answer explanation

The correct equation for photosynthesis is 6CO₂ + 6H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂, which shows that carbon dioxide and water are converted into glucose and oxygen using sunlight.

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AK.SCI.6-8.MS-LS1-6

Identify a way in which genetic factors can influence the growth of an organism.

• Genetic factors determine the amount of sunlight an organism receives.

• Genetic factors can determine the maximum size an organism can grow.

• Genetic factors have no influence on the growth of an organism.

• Genetic factors only affect the color of an organism.

Answer explanation

Genetic factors play a crucial role in determining the maximum size an organism can grow, influencing traits such as growth rate and overall size potential, unlike the other options which are incorrect.

Tags

AK.SCI.6-8.MS-LS1-5

Explain the process of how food is converted into energy in the body.

• Food is converted into energy without any chemical reactions.

• Food is rearranged through chemical reactions to form new molecules that release energy.

• Food is stored as energy without any conversion.

• Food is converted into energy only when a person is sleeping.

Answer explanation

Food is converted into energy through a series of chemical reactions, primarily during digestion and cellular respiration, where it is transformed into molecules like ATP that release energy for bodily functions.

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AK.SCI.6-8.MS-LS1-7

Which organism(s) are not photosynthetic?

• plants

• animals

• some protists (algae, kelp, seaweed)

• photosynthetic bacteria

• fungi

Answer explanation

Animals and fungi are not photosynthetic; they do not produce their own food through photosynthesis. In contrast, plants, some protists, and photosynthetic bacteria can perform photosynthesis.