Midterm Test Practice Quiz

Cells are the basic unit of life because they are the smallest entities that can carry out all life processes. All living organisms are made up of one or more cells.

Mitochondria convert nutrients into ATP, which powers the cell. They are often referred to as the powerhouse of the cell.

Plants use photosynthesis to convert sunlight into chemical energy, producing glucose and oxygen. This process is essential for life on Earth.

Living organisms are defined by their cellular organization, meaning they are made up of cells. This characteristic distinguishes them from non-living matter.

The nucleus houses the cell's genetic material (DNA) and regulates activities such as growth and reproduction. It acts as the control center of the cell.

DNA replication occurs during the S phase when the cell duplicates its genetic material in preparation for division. This ensures that each daughter cell inherits an exact copy of the DNA.

A Punnett square is a diagram used to predict the probability of an offspring inheriting certain traits. It visually represents the possible allelic combinations from parental cross-breeding.

DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) carries the genetic blueprint for most organisms. It stores and transmits genetic information from one generation to the next.

Meiosis is the specialized cell division that produces gametes with half the number of chromosomes. This reduction is crucial for maintaining the correct chromosome number upon fertilization.

Cellular respiration breaks down glucose to produce ATP, which is the primary energy currency of the cell. This energy is essential for carrying out various cellular processes.

Herbivores feed directly on producers like plants and are classified as primary consumers. They play a key role in transferring energy from the sun to higher trophic levels in the ecosystem.

The phenotype is the set of observable characteristics of an organism resulting from the interaction of its genotype with the environment. It includes traits such as morphology, development, and behavior.

Crossing over is the exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes during meiosis, which increases genetic variation. This recombination is a key component of sexual reproduction.

The tundra biome is known for its low temperatures, permafrost, and limited species diversity due to harsh climatic conditions. Its short growing season supports only specialized life forms.

Roots are the primary structures that anchor a plant and absorb water and essential minerals from the soil. They play a crucial role in the overall nutrition and stability of the plant.

Decomposers break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem. This process is essential for maintaining the nutrient balance and overall health of the environment.

Homozygous refers to having two identical alleles for a particular gene. This condition can result in a consistent expression of traits in an organism.

Natural selection increases the frequency of traits that are advantageous for survival and reproduction. Over time, this process shapes the genetic makeup of a population and drives evolution.

An adaptation is a heritable trait that enhances an organism's ability to survive and reproduce in its environment. Adaptations result from the process of natural selection acting on genetic variation.

Ribosomes synthesize proteins by translating mRNA into amino acid sequences during the process known as translation. This step is crucial for expressing the genetic code into functional proteins.