Investigating Cell Structures and Functions

Part A: The image shows a cross-section of a plant cell. Which organelle controls the functions of the cell?

• A. 1

• B. 2

• C. 3

• D. 4

Which statement best explains the significance of the organelle from Part A?

• It contains the chromosomes which store the DNA of the cell.

• It allows DNA to pass into the cell which stores the chromosomes of the cell.

• It contains the DNA that matches with the chromosomes.

• It allows the DNA to create genes made of chromosomes.

Pictured is an animal cell and a plant cell. Which organelle labeled in the plant cell produces the energy for the cell?

• Organelle 1

• Organelle 2

• Organelle 3

• Organelle 4

The table shows the same plant at three different times throughout the week. The plant is watered on Day 5. Identify the function of the vacuoles in plant cells, AND relate the function of the vacuoles to what is happening in the three images of the same plant.

• The vacuoles store nutrients and waste products, and help maintain turgor pressure in the cell, which is why the plant appears more turgid after watering.

• The vacuoles are responsible for photosynthesis, which is why the plant appears greener after watering.

• The vacuoles transport water throughout the plant, which is why the plant appears taller after watering.

• The vacuoles produce energy for the plant, which is why the plant appears more vibrant after watering.

A plant with yellow flowers is crossed with a plant with red flowers. The offspring plants all have red flowers. Which of the following BEST explains why the offspring had red flowers?

• A. Red flowers turn into fruit.

• B. Only red-flowered plants survive.

• C. Only red flowers can reproduce.

• D. Red-colored flowers have a strong inherited trait.

Which of the following characteristics accurately describes an inherited trait?

• only come from the fraternal DNA

• organisms each have their own unique set

• influenced by the environment the organism lives in

• can change and improve with practice

Living organisms have both inherited and acquired traits. Which of the statements below accurately describes the difference between the two types of traits?

• A. Inherited traits are passed from a parent's genes. Acquired traits are learned from our environment.

• B. Inherited traits are passed through genes as we grow. Acquired traits are learned for a short time.

• C. Inherited and acquired traits are the same in every organism, but acquired traits can be removed.

• D. Inherited traits are found in our DNA. Acquired traits are learned and stored in our chromosomes.

Which statement of the following accurately describes chromosomes?

• Chromosomes are structures that contain genetic information.

• Chromosomes are structures that perform photosynthesis.

• Chromosomes are structures that are found in the nucleus of prokaryotic cells.

• Chromosomes are structures that control what enters and exits the cell.

When a litter of puppies is born, the pups will exhibit certain physical characteristics that can be found in one or both of the parent dogs. These characteristics passed down from parent to offspring are considered to be:

• acquired traits

• recessive traits

• genotypes

• inherited traits

Physical characteristics that can be passed down from parent to offspring are found within an organelle within the cell. What is the correct level of organization in which these characteristics are found?

• A. Genes are found within the DNA. DNA is found within the chromosome. Chromosomes are found within the nucleus.

• B. DNA is found within the gene. Genes are found within the chromosome. Chromosomes are found within the nucleus.

• C. The nucleus is found within the cell. The cell is found within the DNA. The DNA is found within the gene.

• D. The nucleus is found within the chromosome. Chromosomes are found within the DNA. DNA is found within the gene.