SSA Review 6 - Life Science

What is the smallest unit of matter in the hierarchical organization of organisms?

• Molecules

• Cells

• Atoms

• Tissues

Answer explanation

Atoms are the smallest unit of matter, forming the basic building blocks of all substances. Molecules are made of atoms, cells are made of molecules, and tissues are made of cells, making atoms the correct answer.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-1

Which of the following is the basic unit of life?

• Organs

• Cells

• Molecules

• Tissues

Answer explanation

Cells are the basic unit of life, as they are the smallest structural and functional units of living organisms. Organs, tissues, and molecules are made up of cells, but cells themselves are the fundamental building blocks.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-1

NGSS.MS-LS1-2

Which organelle is found in both plant and animal cells and produces energy?

• Chloroplasts

• Mitochondria

• Vacuole

• Cell Wall

Answer explanation

Mitochondria are the organelles responsible for energy production in both plant and animal cells, converting nutrients into ATP. Chloroplasts are specific to plants, vacuoles serve storage functions, and the cell wall is a structural feature in plants.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-7

What is the role of the nucleus in a cell?

• Produces energy

• Controls cell activities and contains DNA

• Provides structure and support

• Stores water, nutrients, and waste

Answer explanation

The nucleus controls cell activities by regulating gene expression and contains DNA, which carries the genetic information necessary for cell function and reproduction.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-2

Which of the following is NOT a component of the Cell Theory?

• All living things are made of cells

• Cells are the basic unit of life

• Cells can arise spontaneously

• All cells come from pre-existing cells

Answer explanation

The statement 'Cells can arise spontaneously' is NOT part of the Cell Theory. The Cell Theory states that all living things are made of cells, cells are the basic unit of life, and all cells come from pre-existing cells.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-1

Which of the following is NOT found in animal cells?

• Cell Wall

• Mitochondria

• Nucleus

• Cell Membrane

Answer explanation

Animal cells do not have a cell wall; they only have a cell membrane. The cell wall is found in plant cells, providing structure and support, while mitochondria and the nucleus are present in animal cells.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-2

What is the function of tissues in the hierarchical organization of organisms?

• Groups of similar cells working together

• Groups of organs working together

• Groups of atoms forming compounds

• A complete living thing

Answer explanation

Tissues are groups of similar cells that work together to perform specific functions, making them a fundamental level in the hierarchical organization of organisms, distinct from organs and complete organisms.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-3

Which of the following is a cellular process involved in homeostasis?

• Photosynthesis

• Reproducing

• Metabolism

• Digestion

Answer explanation

Reproducing is a cellular process that helps maintain homeostasis by ensuring the continuation of species and the replacement of cells, unlike photosynthesis, metabolism, or digestion, which are not directly linked to homeostasis.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-7

Which organelle is NOT found in plant cells?

• Chloroplasts

• Mitochondria

• Nucleus

• None of the above

Answer explanation

All the organelles listed—chloroplasts, mitochondria, and nucleus—are found in plant cells. Therefore, the correct answer is 'None of the above' as there is no organelle listed that is absent in plant cells.

Which of the following is a characteristic of organ systems?

• Made of different tissues working together

• Groups of similar cells working together

• Groups of atoms forming compounds

• A complete living thing

Answer explanation

Organ systems are composed of different tissues that work together to perform specific functions, making the correct choice 'Made of different tissues working together'. Other options describe cells, atoms, or complete organisms.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-3