Understanding Science Word Parts

Which part of the word "photosynthesis" gives a clue about light?

• Photo-

• -synthesis

• -thesis

• None of the above

The suffix “-synthesis” in “photosynthesis” means:

• Breaking apart

• Putting together

• Moving energy

• Absorbing light

Based on its word parts, "photosynthesis" most likely means:

• Using light to break down materials

• Creating energy from heat

• Using light to make something new

• Growing without energy

The word "chloroplast" contains the word part "chloro-." What does "chloro-" mean?

• Water

• Green

• Energy

• Light

Why is “-plast” an important part of the word “chloroplast”?

• It means energy

• It refers to something formed or shaped

• It means to break down

• It describes something small

What is the best definition of "chloroplast" based on its word parts?

• A green structure in a plant cell

• A type of leaf

• A gas used for energy

• A part of the root system

The prefix “auto-” in “autotroph” means:

• Food

• Self

• Green

• Growth

The suffix “-troph” in “autotroph” means:

• Making light

• Producing sugar

• Obtaining food

• Absorbing water

What does "autotroph" mean when you break it down into word parts?

• An organism that gets food from another source

• An organism that makes its own food

• A plant that absorbs food from the soil

• A plant that cannot make energy

Why is breaking a word into prefixes, roots, and suffixes useful for understanding vocabulary?

• It helps make connections to words we already know

• It allows us to ignore scientific words

• It simplifies complex sentences

• It helps in learning new languages