STAAR Review So Far

One way in which genetically modified mice are developed is by injecting the gene sequence for green fluorescent protein (GFP) into a mouse embryo at a very early stage of development. The injection typically contains genetic material and a biomolecule that catalyzes the reaction.

Which statement best classifies the biomolecules responsible for the development of these genetically modified mice?

• Lipids are responsible for carrying the genetic material and carbohydrates are responsible for catalyzing the reaction.

• Carbohydrates are responsible for carrying the genetic material and nucleic acids are responsible for catalyzing the reaction.

• Proteins are responsible for carrying the genetic material and lipids are responsible for catalyzing the reaction.

• Nucleic acids are responsible for carrying genetic material and proteins are responsible for catalyzing the reaction.

A student is completing this Venn diagram that compares carbohydrates and lipids. Which description belongs in the shaded area of the Venn diagram?

• Change shape in order to function properly

• Act as insulation to reduce heat loss

• Provide organisms with energy

• Encode genetic information

Actin is a protein that helps the cell maintain its shape and polarity. It also plays a major role in muscle contraction. A table summarizing the cellular functions of different types of proteins is shown.

• an enzyme protein

• a structural protein

• a messenger protein

• a transport protein

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

• A. The chitin in the exoskeleton provides insulation for insects. The chitinase stores genetic material for insectivorous bats.

• B. The chitin in the exoskeleton breaks down for energy to be used by insects. The chitinase provides insulation for insectivorous bats.

• C. The chitin in the exoskeleton stores genetic material for insects. The chitinase provides support and protection for insectivorous bats.

• D. 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 statements best compare a function of proteins and lipids in a human cell?

• A. Proteins provide energy for cellular processes. Lipids catalyze chemical reactions inside the cell.

• B. Proteins catalyze chemical reactions inside the cell. Lipids allow for the transport of certain molecules into and out of the cell.

• C. Proteins allow for the transport of certain molecules into and out of the cell. Lipids store genetic information for cells.

• D. Proteins store genetic information for cells. Lipids provide energy for cellular processes.

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.

Which statement BEST describes how viruses disrupt normal cellular processes to cause disease?

• A. Viruses use cell machinery to build products the virus needs.

• B. Viruses release large amounts of energy into the cell, causing increased growth rates.

• C. Viruses release antibiotics that destroy the cell membrane so more viral particles can be released.

• D. Viruses block gene expression and prevent host cell DNA replication.

Students observe onion cells from a tip of the root with a light microscope while studying mitosis. Which statement best identifies why students would observe the root tip of an onion to see the stages of mitosis?

• The tip of the root is where the plant is doing the most growing.

• The tip of the root is where photosynthesis is taking place.

• The tip of the root is where the most water is being absorbed.

• The tip of the root is where sexual reproduction is occurring.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS1-4

When the axolotl, a type of salamander, loses its legs or tail, it can regenerate the damaged tissue and regrow these body parts. Which statement describes the cellular processes that will MOST LIKELY occur when an axolotl loses its tail?

• The area where the tail is growing will have an increased rate of meiosis and a decreased rate of mitosis.

• The rate of somatic cell division and meiosis will decrease in all body cells except the tail.

• The size of axolotl body cells will increase until a larger tail has developed due to an increased rate of mitosis.

• The area where the tail is growing will have an increased rate of mitosis and cell division.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS1-4

The table shows a comparison of muscle cells and blood cells.

Based on the table, which conclusion can be made?

• The gene that codes for glucagon is active only in muscle cells.

• The gene that codes for hemoglobin is absent from blood cells.

• The factors that regulate gene expression for muscle proteins are active in red and white blood cells.

• The factors that regulate gene expression for glycolysis enzymes are active in muscle and blood cells.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS3-1