Semester 1 - Midterm

Which organelle is responsible for carrying out photosynthesis in plant cells?

• Mitochondria

• Chloroplast

• Nucleus

• Ribosome

Answer explanation

The chloroplast is the organelle in plant cells that carries out photosynthesis, converting sunlight into energy. Mitochondria are involved in respiration, the nucleus contains genetic material, and ribosomes synthesize proteins.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-6

What is the main element found in all organic molecules?

• Nitrogen

• Carbon

• Oxygen

• Phosphorus

Answer explanation

Carbon is the main element found in all organic molecules, as it forms the backbone of these compounds. Organic chemistry is primarily the study of carbon-containing compounds, making carbon essential for life.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS1-6

Which process converts light energy into chemical energy in plants?

• Cellular respiration

• Photosynthesis

• Fermentation

• Digestion

Answer explanation

Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy, specifically in the form of glucose, using sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-6

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

What is the basic building block (monomer) of proteins?

• Glucose

• Nucleotides

• Amino acids

• Fatty acids

Answer explanation

Amino acids are the basic building blocks of proteins. They link together in specific sequences to form proteins, which are essential for various biological functions. The other options (glucose, nucleotides, fatty acids) are not protein monomers.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS3-1

Which of the following shows the correct order of biological organization from smallest to largest?

• Cell, Tissue, Organ, Organism

• Organism, Organ, Tissue, Cell

• Tissue, Cell, Organ, Organism

• Organ, Cell, Tissue, Organism

Answer explanation

The correct order of biological organization from smallest to largest is Cell, Tissue, Organ, Organism. Cells combine to form tissues, tissues form organs, and organs work together to create an organism.

Which of the following is a function of proteins in living organisms?

• Store genetic information

• Act as enzymes

• Provide insulation

• Store energy long-term

Answer explanation

Proteins primarily function as enzymes, facilitating biochemical reactions in living organisms. The other options relate to DNA, lipids, and carbohydrates, not proteins.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS3-1

What is the main function of the mitochondria in a cell?

• Protein synthesis

• Energy production

• Photosynthesis

• Storage of genetic material

Answer explanation

The main function of mitochondria is energy production. They convert nutrients into ATP, the energy currency of the cell, which is essential for various cellular processes.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-2

NGSS.MS-LS1-7

Which of the following is NOT a product of photosynthesis?

• Glucose

• Oxygen

• Carbon dioxide

• Stored chemical energy

Answer explanation

Photosynthesis produces glucose, oxygen, and stored chemical energy. Carbon dioxide is a reactant, not a product, as it is consumed during the process.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-6

Which of the following best describes the role of autotrophs in the carbon cycle?

• They release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

• They use carbon dioxide to produce glucose.

• They break down dead organisms.

• They consume other organisms for energy.

Answer explanation

Autotrophs, like plants, use carbon dioxide during photosynthesis to produce glucose, which is essential for their growth and energy. This process is a key part of the carbon cycle, making the correct choice 'They use carbon dioxide to produce glucose.'

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-6

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Which of the following best describes how negative feedback helps to maintain homeostasis in the human body?

• It amplifies changes away from a set point

• It reverses changes to keep internal conditions stable

• It causes rapid, uncontrolled changes

• It prevents any changes from occurring

Answer explanation

Negative feedback mechanisms work by reversing changes in the body, helping to maintain stable internal conditions. This ensures that deviations from set points, like temperature or pH, are corrected, promoting homeostasis.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS1-3