Bio Term 1 Practice

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of life?

• Growth

• Movement

• Reproduction

• Rusting

Answer explanation

Rusting is a chemical process affecting metals, not a characteristic of life. In contrast, growth, movement, and reproduction are essential traits that define living organisms.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS1-4

What is the basic unit of life?

• Atom

• Cell

• Tissue

• Organ

Answer explanation

The basic unit of life is the cell. Cells are the smallest structural and functional units in living organisms, making them fundamental to all biological processes.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-1

NGSS.MS-LS1-2

Which macromolecule is primarily responsible for storing genetic information?

• Carbohydrate

• Lipid

• Nucleic acid

• Protein

Answer explanation

Nucleic acids, such as DNA and RNA, are the macromolecules that store and transmit genetic information. They are essential for heredity and the functioning of living organisms, unlike carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS3-1

What is the main function of enzymes in biological systems?

• Store energy

• Speed up chemical reactions

• Provide structural support

• Transport oxygen

Answer explanation

Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions in living organisms, making processes like digestion and metabolism more efficient. They do not store energy, provide structural support, or transport oxygen.

Which organelle is found in eukaryotic cells but not in prokaryotic cells?

• Ribosome

• Nucleus

• Cell membrane

• Cytoplasm

Answer explanation

The nucleus is a membrane-bound organelle that houses genetic material, distinguishing eukaryotic cells from prokaryotic cells, which lack a nucleus. Ribosomes, cell membranes, and cytoplasm are present in both cell types.

What is the product of anaerobic respiration in muscle cells?

• Lactic acid

• Oxygen

• Glucose

• Water

Answer explanation

During anaerobic respiration in muscle cells, glucose is broken down without oxygen, resulting in the production of lactic acid. This process occurs when oxygen levels are low, such as during intense exercise.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS2-3

Which process describes the movement of water across a selectively permeable membrane?

• Diffusion

• Active transport

• Osmosis

• Endocytosis

Answer explanation

Osmosis is the process that specifically describes the movement of water across a selectively permeable membrane, allowing water to move from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration.

What is the main energy currency of the cell?

• DNA

• ATP

• Glucose

• RNA

Answer explanation

ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is the main energy currency of the cell, providing energy for various cellular processes. Unlike DNA, RNA, and glucose, ATP is specifically designed for energy transfer.

Which of the following best describes a hypertonic solution?

• Lower solute concentration than the cell

• Equal solute concentration as the cell

• Higher solute concentration than the cell

• No solute present

Answer explanation

A hypertonic solution has a higher solute concentration than the cell, causing water to move out of the cell, leading to cell shrinkage. This is why the correct choice is 'Higher solute concentration than the cell'.

Which of the following is a product of photosynthesis?

• Carbon dioxide

• Oxygen

• Lactic acid

• ATP

Answer explanation

Oxygen is a product of photosynthesis, where plants convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen using sunlight. The other options are not products of this process.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-6