Whole Passage Analysis Practice Quiz

Mitochondria produce ATP, the energy currency of the cell, which is why they are known as the powerhouse. The other organelles perform important roles but are not primarily involved in energy production.

Cells are the fundamental and smallest units that perform all life processes. Although atoms and molecules are parts of cells, they are not considered living units on their own.

Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into glucose and oxygen. The other processes serve different functions unrelated to converting sunlight into energy.

DNA is the primary carrier of genetic information in most living organisms. RNA, proteins, and carbohydrates have other roles within the cell.

Evolution explains how species change over generations through natural selection and adaptation, leading to biodiversity. The other options do not comprehensively explain the observed variety of life.

Prokaryotic cells are characterized by the absence of a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, unlike eukaryotic cells which have both. The other statements mix up cell characteristics and are incorrect.

ATP is the direct energy currency produced during cellular respiration, fueling various cellular processes. The other molecules either serve as inputs or intermediates rather than as the final energy product.

An ecological niche defines an organism's role within an ecosystem, including its interactions and resource utilization. The other options refer to where organisms live or general characteristics of communities.

Alleles are variants of a gene found at the same locus on homologous chromosomes. They contribute to genetic diversity and differences in traits, unlike the other choices which represent different genetic concepts.

Natural selection favors individuals with advantageous trait variations that increase survival and reproduction, thereby passing those traits on. Environmental factors and behavior influence this process, but the key driver is variation in traits.

Photosynthesis involves light-dependent reactions that capture energy from sunlight and the Calvin cycle that uses this energy to fix carbon dioxide into sugars. The other processes listed are part of cellular respiration or unrelated pathways.

Mitosis serves to produce new cells that are genetically identical, allowing for growth and repair in multicellular organisms. Gamete production and genetic recombination occur during meiosis, and nutrient assimilation is not a function of cell division.

Homeostasis involves the regulation of an organism's internal environment to maintain stable conditions, which is essential for survival. The other options incorrectly describe the effects of homeostasis.

Epigenetics refers to heritable changes in gene expression that do not involve changes to the underlying DNA sequence. Unlike mutations or the processes of transcription and replication, epigenetic modifications are reversible and affect how genes are expressed.

Decomposers break down dead organic matter, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem, which is crucial for maintaining ecological balance. The other roles described do not accurately represent the function of decomposers.

DNA polymerase is responsible for synthesizing the new DNA strand by adding nucleotides and also possesses proofreading capabilities to correct errors. The other enzymes have different roles such as unwinding DNA or joining fragments but do not add nucleotides.

Fitness in evolutionary biology refers to an organism's ability to survive and reproduce, thereby passing its genes to the next generation. The other options mischaracterize fitness by focusing on unrelated attributes.

Photosynthesis and cellular respiration are interconnected processes; photosynthesis converts carbon dioxide into organic molecules, and cellular respiration breaks them down back into carbon dioxide, maintaining the carbon cycle. The other statements oversimplify or misrepresent this interdependency.

Transcription factors bind to specific DNA sequences to either promote or inhibit the transcription of genes, making them essential for regulating gene expression. Their role is crucial for cellular function, distinguishing them from proteins involved in replication, mRNA degradation, or protein transport.

Homologous structures are anatomical features shared by different species due to a common evolutionary origin, such as the forelimbs of humans, birds, and whales. The other options describe analogous structures or features that do not indicate a shared ancestry.