Honors Biology Exam Quiz

Water is a reactant in photosynthesis, not an end product. Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy in the form of glucose (a sugar). The simplified chemical equation for photosynthesis is:

6CO2 + 6H2O + light energy → C6H12O6 + 6O2

This shows that carbon dioxide and water are used in the presence of light energy to produce glucose and oxygen. Starch is a complex carbohydrate formed from the storage of excess glucose in plants.

Soil fertility is not a factor that affects photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water into glucose and oxygen. Light is necessary for photosynthesis to occur as it provides the energy needed for the process. Carbon dioxide concentration is also important as it is one of the raw materials required for photosynthesis. Temperature affects the rate of photosynthesis, as enzymes involved in the process have optimal temperature ranges. However, soil fertility, which refers to the nutrient content and composition of the soil, does not directly impact photosynthesis.

The given correct answer is "vestigial structure." This is because the passage mentions that whales still have small hind limb structures, which were once used as back legs on land. These structures are now barely there and serve no purpose in the water, indicating that they have become reduced and functionless over time. This is a classic example of a vestigial structure, which is a remnant of an organ or structure that was functional in an ancestor but is no longer useful in the current organism.

Bacteria play important roles in the nitrogen cycle, including fixing nitrogen, turning nitrates into nitrogen gas, and changing nitrates to ammonia. However, changing urea to ammonia is not a role performed by bacteria in the nitrogen cycle. Urea is typically converted to ammonia by the enzyme urease, which is not produced by bacteria but by other organisms such as plants and fungi.

Cyanobacteria are believed to be the organisms that originally formed the oxygen that became the ozone in Earth's atmosphere through photosynthesis. Cyanobacteria are capable of carrying out oxygenic photosynthesis, which involves the conversion of sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into oxygen and glucose. This process is thought to have been responsible for the accumulation of oxygen in the atmosphere, leading to the formation of the ozone layer.

The correct answer is "molecules of non-living matter reacted chemically." This answer suggests that the development of living things started when molecules of non-living matter underwent chemical reactions. This process could have led to the formation of more complex molecules, eventually giving rise to the first living organisms. This explanation aligns with the theory of abiogenesis, which proposes that life originated from non-living matter through chemical reactions.

Binomial nomenclature is a system developed by Carl Linnaeus for naming organisms using two words, the genus and species name. This system, also known as scientific name, helps to provide a standardized and universally recognized way to identify and classify different species. The use of two words, rather than more than three, simplifies the naming process and allows for easier communication and organization in the field of biology.

Dermal tissue is responsible for forming the protective outer layer of a plant, as well as the "skin" called the epidermis in non-woody plant parts. In woody stems and roots, dermal tissue consists of several dead cell layers known as cork.

Vascular tissue in plants is responsible for the transportation of water, nutrients, and sugars throughout the plant. It consists of two types: xylem and phloem. Xylem is responsible for the upward movement of water and minerals from the roots to the rest of the plant, while phloem transports sugars and other organic molecules from the leaves to other parts of the plant. Xylem and phloem can be compared to tiny pipes, as they function as conduits for the movement of fluids. The vascular system in plants can be likened to a plumbing system, as it serves a similar purpose of distributing resources throughout the plant. Within xylem, conducting strands called vessels are responsible for the transport of water, while in phloem, conducting strands are called sieve tubes.

Euglena is a single-celled organism that belongs to the phylum Euglenozoa. It is known for having a flagellum, which is a whip-like structure that helps it move. Euglena is also unique because it can perform both photosynthesis and heterotrophy. This means it can produce its own food through photosynthesis using chloroplasts, but it can also consume organic matter from its environment. Additionally, Euglena is capable of surviving in environments with low light levels, allowing it to adapt and thrive in various conditions. Lastly, Euglena has a pellicle, which is a flexible outer covering that provides shape and support to the cell.

Domain Eukarya is characterized by highly organized cell interior, multicellularity, sexual reproduction, asexual reproduction, cell walls made of cellulose, and cell walls made of chitin. Eukaryotic cells have membrane-bound organelles, such as a nucleus, which contribute to their highly organized cell interior. Multicellularity refers to the presence of multiple cells working together to form complex organisms. Eukaryotes reproduce both sexually and asexually, allowing for genetic diversity and efficient reproduction. Cell walls made of cellulose are found in plants, while cell walls made of chitin are found in fungi. These characteristics distinguish Domain Eukarya from other domains such as Bacteria and Archaea.

Ground tissue is a type of plant tissue that makes up the inside of non-woody parts of plants, including roots, stems, and leaves. It consists of thin-walled cells that remain alive and keep their nucleus even after maturity. This tissue is not chloroplast and does not help with photosynthesis. It is also not surrounded by vascular tissue.