STAAR Biology SAVVAS Investigation 1-3 Tutorials

What is the primary function of carbohydrates in a cell?

• To store genetic information

• To provide energy

• To catalyze biochemical reactions

• To form cell membranes

Tags

TX.112.42.C.5.A.

Which of the following is a characteristic of prokaryotic cells?

• They have a nucleus

• They lack membrane-bound organelles

• They are generally larger than eukaryotic cells

• They contain mitochondria

Answer explanation

Prokaryotic cells are characterized by the absence of membrane-bound organelles, unlike eukaryotic cells which have structures like a nucleus and mitochondria. Therefore, the correct choice is that they lack membrane-bound organelles.

Tags

TX.112.42.C.5.B.

What process is primarily responsible for maintaining homeostasis in cells?

• Photosynthesis

• Cellular respiration

• Cellular transport

• Protein synthesis

Answer explanation

Cellular transport is crucial for maintaining homeostasis as it regulates the movement of substances in and out of cells, ensuring a stable internal environment. Other processes like photosynthesis and respiration support energy needs but do not directly maintain homeostasis.

Tags

TX.112.42.C.5.C.

During which phase of the cell cycle does DNA replication occur?

• G1 phase

• S phase

• G2 phase

• M phase

Answer explanation

DNA replication occurs during the S phase of the cell cycle, where the cell synthesizes a complete copy of its DNA. This is essential for cell division, making the S phase critical for genetic continuity.

Tags

TX.112.42.C.6.A.

How do lipids contribute to the structure of a cell?

• They form the cell wall

• They provide energy storage

• They form the cell membrane

• They act as enzymes

Answer explanation

Lipids are essential for forming the cell membrane, which acts as a barrier and regulates the movement of substances in and out of the cell. This structure is crucial for maintaining the cell's integrity and functionality.

Tags

TX.112.42.C.5.A.

Compare the complexity of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

• Prokaryotic cells are more complex due to their size

• Eukaryotic cells are more complex due to their organelles

• Both have the same level of complexity

• Prokaryotic cells have more complex DNA structures

Answer explanation

Eukaryotic cells are more complex due to their organelles, which include structures like the nucleus, mitochondria, and endoplasmic reticulum. These organelles perform specialized functions, making eukaryotic cells more intricate than prokaryotic cells.

Tags

TX.112.42.C.5.B.

Which of the following best describes osmosis?

• Movement of water from low to high solute concentration

• Movement of solutes from high to low concentration

• Movement of water from high to low solute concentration

• Movement of solutes against the concentration gradient

Answer explanation

Osmosis is the movement of water across a semipermeable membrane from an area of low solute concentration to an area of high solute concentration, making the correct choice 'Movement of water from low to high solute concentration'.

Tags

TX.112.42.C.5.C.

Explain why the cell cycle is important for the growth of organisms.

• It allows for the repair of damaged DNA

• It ensures genetic diversity

• It enables cells to divide and multiply

• It prevents mutations

Answer explanation

The cell cycle is crucial for growth as it enables cells to divide and multiply, allowing organisms to grow, develop, and replace damaged or dead cells. This process is fundamental for maintaining healthy tissue and overall organismal growth.

Tags

TX.112.42.C.6.A.

Analyze how the structure of proteins relates to their function in cells.

• Proteins are rigid and provide structural support

• Proteins are flexible and can act as enzymes

• Proteins are hydrophobic and form cell membranes

• Proteins are simple and store genetic information

Answer explanation

Proteins' flexibility allows them to adopt various shapes, enabling them to function as enzymes that catalyze biochemical reactions. This adaptability is crucial for their diverse roles in cellular processes.

Tags

TX.112.42.C.5.A.

Evaluate the scientific explanations for the complexity of eukaryotic cells.

• Eukaryotic cells evolved from prokaryotic cells through endosymbiosis

• Eukaryotic cells are less complex due to their size

• Eukaryotic cells have fewer organelles than prokaryotic cells

• Eukaryotic cells evolved independently of prokaryotic cells

Answer explanation

Eukaryotic cells evolved from prokaryotic cells through endosymbiosis, where certain prokaryotic cells became integral parts of eukaryotic cells, leading to their complexity. This explains their advanced structure and organelles.

Tags

TX.112.42.C.5.B.