Most Missed STAAR Biology Questions 2023-24

Which table correctly identifies the function of each type of RNA?

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Which pair of statements best compares the primary functions of the carbohydrate chitin and the protein chitinase?

• The chitin in the exoskeleton provides insulation for bats.

  The chitinase stores genetic information for insectivorous bats.

• The chitin in the exoskeleton breaks down for energy to be used by insects.

  The chitinase provides insulation for insectivorous bats.

• The chitin in the exoskeleton stores genetic material for insects.

  The chitinase provides support and protection for insectivorous bats.

• The chitin in the exoskeleton provides support and protection for insects.

  The chitinase breaks down chitin for energy to be used by insectivorous bats.

Which statement accurately compares eukaryotic cells and prokaryotic cells?

• Eukaryotic cells are more complex than prokaryotic cells.

• Eukaryotic cells replicate faster than prokaryotic cells.

• Only prokaryotic cells have membrane-bound organelles.

• Only prokaryotic cells lack outer membranes and cell walls.

The diagram represents the movement of three different substances across a cell membrane.

Moving which of these substances across the cell membrane requires energy from ATP?

• 2 only

• 3 only

• 1 and 2

• 1 and 3

A diagram of removing glucose from the blood by a fat cell is shown.

Which statement best describes the role of insulin and glucose-transport proteins in this process?

• They stimulate a response from white blood cells during glucose entry into the cell.

• They keep the plasma membrane flexible when glucose is removed from the blood.

• They help to maintain stale glucose levels both inside and outside the cell.

• They utilize the excess energy the cell produces to create more glucose.

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NGSS.HS-LS1-3

The diagram shows a process that occurs during the development of an organism.

Which statement explains how the different cell types in the image are formed?

• Each cell type uses its own unique replication process.

• Each cell type expresses different genes at different times.

• Each cell type contains a different part of the original DNA.

• Each cell type has different enzymes to replicate genetic material.

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NGSS.HS-LS1-2

NGSS.HS-LS1-4

Scientists have reported that more than 95% of the factors that lead to some types of cancers are caused by random DNA-copying errors. During which phase of the cell cycle do these DNA-copying errors most likely occur?

• S phase

• G1 phase

• G2 phase

• M phase

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NGSS.HS-LS3-2

Giraffes (Giraffa cameloparadalis) have 30 chromosomes in their somatic cells. How many chromosomes will each daughter cell have after the final step of meiosis?

Curly hair and the ability to taste the chemical PTC are inherited traits. Curly hair (H) is always dominant to straight hair (h). The ability to taste PTC (P) is always dominant to not being able to taste PTC (p). The alleles for straight hair and a non-taster for PTC are recessive.

If both parents are heterozygous for both traits, what would be the genotype of an offspring with straight hair and the ability to taste PTC?

• HhPp

• hhPp

• Hhpp

• hhpp

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS3-1

NGSS.HS-LS3-2

Cystic fibrosis is an autosomal recessive disorder in humans. What is the probability that an offspring will have cystic fibrosis if both parents are carriers of cystic fibrosis?

• 25%

• 50%

• 75%

• 100%

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NGSS.HS-LS3-2

NGSS.HS-LS3-3