Biology 101

What is the primary role of oxygen in cellular respiration?

• Oxygen is used to form glucose.

• Oxygen acts as the final electron acceptor in the electron transport chain.

• Oxygen is a waste product of cellular respiration.

• Oxygen is not involved in cellular respiration.

Answer explanation

Oxygen is crucial in cellular respiration as it serves as the final electron acceptor in the electron transport chain, allowing for the production of ATP. This process is essential for energy production in cells.

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NGSS.HS-LS1-7

NGSS.HS-LS2-3

What role do bacteria play in the nitrogen cycle?

• Bacteria convert nitrogen gas into usable forms for plants.

• Bacteria are not involved in the nitrogen cycle.

• Bacteria convert nitrogen into oxygen.

• Bacteria store nitrogen in the atmosphere.

Answer explanation

Bacteria play a crucial role in the nitrogen cycle by converting nitrogen gas (N2) from the atmosphere into ammonia and other usable forms for plants, which is essential for plant growth and ecosystem health.

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NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Predict the consequences of a lack of bacteria in the nitrogen cycle.

• Nitrogen would accumulate in the atmosphere and not be usable by plants.

• Nitrogen would be converted into oxygen.

• Nitrogen would be directly absorbed by animals.

• Nitrogen would be stored in rocks.

Answer explanation

Without bacteria, nitrogen cannot be converted into forms usable by plants, leading to its accumulation in the atmosphere. This prevents plants from accessing essential nitrogen, disrupting the nitrogen cycle.

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NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Why is carbon considered essential for building complex organic materials?

• It has two valence electrons.

• It is a noble gas.

• It has four valence electrons, allowing it to form strong covalent bonds.

• It is a metal and conducts electricity.

Answer explanation

Carbon has four valence electrons, enabling it to form strong covalent bonds with other atoms. This property is crucial for creating complex organic materials, as it allows for diverse molecular structures.

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NGSS.MS-PS1-1

Describe the importance of nitrogen in the formation of amino acids.

• Nitrogen is not involved in amino acid formation.

• Nitrogen is part of the amino group in amino acids.

• Nitrogen is only found in carbohydrates.

• Nitrogen is a component of lipids.

Answer explanation

Nitrogen is crucial in amino acid formation as it is a key component of the amino group (-NH2) found in all amino acids. This group is essential for the structure and function of proteins.

Explain the significance of sulfur in protein structure.

• Sulfur is not involved in protein structure.

• Sulfur forms disulfide bridges that stabilize protein structure.

• Sulfur is a component of carbohydrates.

• Sulfur is only found in lipids.

Answer explanation

Sulfur is crucial in protein structure as it forms disulfide bridges, which are covalent bonds that help stabilize the three-dimensional shape of proteins, enhancing their functionality.

In the water cycle, how does water primarily enter plants?

• Through photosynthesis

• Through their leaves

• Through their roots

• Through their stems

Answer explanation

Water primarily enters plants through their roots, where it is absorbed from the soil. This process is essential for plant growth and is distinct from photosynthesis, which involves the use of sunlight.

Discuss the process by which carbon is returned to the atmosphere in the carbon cycle.

• Through photosynthesis

• Through respiration by plants and animals

• Through nitrogen fixation

• Through precipitation

Answer explanation

Carbon is returned to the atmosphere primarily through respiration by plants and animals, where they convert glucose and oxygen into energy, releasing carbon dioxide as a byproduct.

Evaluate the effectiveness of Biosphere II in recycling nutrients.

• It was completely successful in recycling all nutrients.

• It failed to recycle any nutrients.

• It worked to some extent but required occasional opening to balance nutrients.

• It was only successful in recycling water.

Answer explanation

Biosphere II was partially effective in recycling nutrients but needed to be opened occasionally to maintain balance, indicating it wasn't fully self-sustaining.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

What process do plants use to remove carbon from the atmosphere?

• Respiration

• Photosynthesis

• Decomposition

• Combustion

Answer explanation

Plants use photosynthesis to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, converting it into glucose and oxygen using sunlight. This process is essential for their growth and helps reduce atmospheric carbon levels.

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NGSS.MS-LS1-6