Tech-Enhanced Word Analysis: Plasm and Syn-

What does the root "plasm" most commonly refer to in biology?

• Cell wall

• Formed or molded substance

• Movement

• Light

Tags

CCSS.L.4.4B

CCSS.L.5.4B

CCSS.L.6.4B

CCSS.L.7.4B

CCSS.L.8.4B

The prefix "syn-" means:

• Under

• With or together

• Before

• Against

Tags

CCSS.L.3.4B

CCSS.RF.3.3A

CCSS.RF.4.3A

CCSS.RF.5.3A

CCSS.RF.3.3B

Which word uses the root "plasm" to refer to the living substance inside a cell?

• Cytoplasm

• Synapse

• Chromosome

• Photosynthesis

Tags

CCSS.L.4.4B

CCSS.L.5.4B

CCSS.L.6.4B

CCSS.L.7.4B

CCSS.L.8.4B

Which of the following words contains the prefix "syn-" and means a junction between two nerve cells?

• Synapse

• Plasmid

• Synthesis

• Plasma

Tags

CCSS.L.3.4B

CCSS.RF.3.3A

CCSS.RF.4.3A

CCSS.RF.5.3A

CCSS.L.3.4C

Match each word root with its meaning.

• Synthesis

• Moving quickly

• Analysis

• Putting together

• Velocity

• Breaking apart

• Metamorphosis

• Changing shape

Tags

CCSS.L.1.5A

CCSS.L.1.5B

CCSS.L.K.5A

A scientist studying "plasmolysis" is investigating the process of (a)   .

• The formation of new cells
• The shrinking of cell contents away
• The movement of water into a cell
• The division of chromosomes

Given the roots "syn-" (together) and "plasm" (formed substance), which of the following best describes the meaning of "syncytium"?

• A single cell with multiple nuclei formed by the fusion of cells

• A cell that divides rapidly

• A cell that moves independently

• A cell that produces energy

Tags

CCSS.L.4.4B

CCSS.L.5.4B

CCSS.L.6.4B

CCSS.L.7.4B

CCSS.L.8.4B

A researcher observes that certain cells undergo "plasmolysis" when placed in a hypertonic solution. Using your knowledge of word roots, explain why this term is appropriate for the process observed.

• Because "plasm" refers to the cell wall and "lysis" means formation

• Because "plasm" refers to the cell contents and "lysis" means breaking apart, describing the shrinking of cell contents

• Because "plasm" means movement and "lysis" means joining together

• Because "plasm" means light and "lysis" means synthesis

Tags

CCSS.L.4.4B

CCSS.L.5.4B

CCSS.L.6.4B

CCSS.L.7.4B

CCSS.L.8.4B

Imagine you encounter a new scientific term: "synplasmic." Based on your understanding of the roots "syn-" and "plasm," what could this term most likely refer to?

• A process of cell division

• A substance formed by the union of multiple cells

• A cell that moves independently

• A cell that produces energy

Tags

CCSS.L.4.4B

CCSS.L.5.4B

CCSS.L.6.4B

CCSS.L.7.4B

CCSS.L.8.4B

A biologist describes a process called "photosynthesis." Using your knowledge of the root "syn-" and the meaning of "photo," this process involves (a)   .

• Breaking down light
• Putting together substances using l
• Moving light across a membrane
• Dividing cells with light

Tags

CCSS.L.4.4B

CCSS.L.5.4B

CCSS.L.6.4B

CCSS.L.7.4B

CCSS.L.8.4B