SSA Review (Organization of Living Things: Big Idea 14)

Which cell structures most likely developed from prokaryotes that were able to carry out photosynthesis?

• cell walls

• chloroplasts

• mitochondria

• vacuoles

Answer explanation

Chloroplasts are believed to have originated from photosynthetic prokaryotes through endosymbiosis. They contain chlorophyll and are responsible for photosynthesis, unlike cell walls, mitochondria, or vacuoles.

The digestive system of an earthworm consists of specialized structures such as the crop and the intestine. What level of organization best describes each of these structures?

• an organ

• a tissue

• a cell

• an organ system

Answer explanation

The crop and intestine are specialized structures in the earthworm's digestive system, functioning as organs. An organ is a group of tissues working together to perform specific functions, making "an organ" the correct choice.

Which of the following would be the correct label for each of the following infectious agents based on their characteristics?

• Agent A: Bacteria – Agent B: Fungi – Agent C: Virus

• Agent A: Bacteria – Agent B: Virus – Agent C: Fungi

• Agent A: Fungi – Agent B: Virus – Agent C: Bacteria

• Agent A: Virus – Agent B: Bacteria – Agent C: Fungi

Answer explanation

Agent A is correctly labeled as Bacteria due to its prokaryotic structure. Agent B is Fungi, which are eukaryotic organisms, and Agent C is a Virus, which is acellular and requires a host to replicate. Thus, the correct labeling is Agent A: Bacteria – Agent B: Fungi – Agent C: Virus.

Infectious agents that may infect the human body include viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites. Of these infectious agents, viruses are the only ones that are not part of the cell theory. Why?

• Viruses reproduce rapidly once inside cells.

• Viruses contain hereditary information.

• Viruses can infect the cells of a variety of organisms.

• Viruses are not composed of cells and are not considered living.

Answer explanation

Viruses are not composed of cells and are not considered living, which distinguishes them from bacteria, fungi, and parasites that are cellular and part of the cell theory.

In a complex organism, there is a pattern of organization of structures. Which of the following shows the organization of structures in a deer, from simplest to most complex?

• cells → atoms → organs → organ systems → tissues

• tissues → organs → atoms→ cells → organ systems

• atoms → cells → tissues → organs → organ systems

• organ systems → tissues → cells → organs → atoms

Answer explanation

The correct order of organization in a deer is from simplest to most complex: atoms → cells → tissues → organs → organ systems. This reflects the hierarchical structure of biological organization.

Which of the following is a multicellular organism that thrives in warm, moist environments, such as a public shower?

• bacteria

• fungi

• protists

• virus

Answer explanation

Fungi are multicellular organisms that thrive in warm, moist environments, such as public showers. They can often be found growing on surfaces in these conditions, unlike bacteria, protists, and viruses, which are not multicellular.

Homeostasis is the ability of living things to maintain internal balance. Which of the following is an example of homeostasis?

• A boy's nervous system causes him to pull his hand away from a hot pot.

• A dog's reproductive system enables the dog to produce offspring.

• A plant cell takes in more water when it becomes too dry.

• A virus infects a human cell and causes yellow fever.

Answer explanation

A plant cell taking in more water when it becomes too dry is a clear example of homeostasis, as it regulates its internal environment to maintain balance despite external conditions.

Structures in the human body work together to perform specific functions. The diagram shows the organization of structures found in the human body. A picture of which of the following structures belongs in the box above?

• cell

• organ

• organelle

• tissue

Answer explanation

Tissues are groups of similar cells that work together to perform specific functions, making them the correct choice. Cells form tissues, which then combine to create organs, but the question specifically asks for the structure in the box.

Flowering plants are complex organisms composed of various structures that work together to perform specific functions. What type of structure is formed by a group of similar cells that work together to perform a specific function?

• an organism

• an organ

• a tissue

• an organ system

Answer explanation

A tissue is formed by a group of similar cells that work together to perform a specific function, making it the correct choice. In contrast, an organ is made of different tissues, and an organism is a complete living entity.

The work of many different scientist:, led to the development of the cell theory. Which of the following statements is NOT part of the cell theory?

• All cells come from other living cells.

• The cell is the basic unit of all living things.

• The cell provides everything a living thing needs.

• All living things are made up of one or more cells.

Answer explanation

The statement 'The cell provides everything a living thing needs' is not part of the cell theory. The cell theory focuses on the role of cells in living organisms, not on what cells provide.