SC Biology EOC Practice Test

A hypothesis is a testable prediction that guides scientific investigation. It is based on observations and can be supported or refuted through experimentation.

The cell membrane controls the movement of substances in and out of the cell, maintaining the internal environment. Its selective permeability is essential for homeostasis.

Mitochondria generate the majority of the cell's ATP through respiration, making them essential for energy production. This is why they are often referred to as the powerhouse of the cell.

Cells are the fundamental building blocks of all living organisms. They are the smallest units that exhibit all the characteristics of life.

Photosynthesis converts light energy into chemical energy stored in sugars. This process is essential for the growth of plants and provides energy for almost all living organisms.

DNA replication takes place during the S phase of interphase. This ensures that each daughter cell receives a complete copy of the genome before cell division.

Enzymes function as catalysts by lowering the activation energy required for biochemical reactions. This acceleration is crucial for sustaining the rapid metabolic processes necessary for life.

Nucleic acids, such as DNA and RNA, are the carriers of genetic information in cells. Their sequences encode the instructions required for building and maintaining an organism.

Natural selection is a mechanism by which traits that improve survival and reproduction become more common in a population. This process drives evolutionary change by allowing better-adapted organisms to thrive.

Meiosis is a specialized cell division process that generates genetic variation through crossing over and independent assortment. This variation is essential for the adaptation and evolution of species.

Energy transfer between trophic levels is inefficient, with a significant loss at each step primarily as heat. Tertiary consumers, being at the top of the food chain, receive the least energy from primary producers.

Ribosomes are responsible for translating mRNA into proteins by linking amino acids in the correct order. This protein synthesis is critical for virtually all cellular processes.

Eukaryotic cells are characterized by a membrane-bound nucleus, whereas prokaryotic cells do not have this structure. This fundamental difference is key to understanding the diversity of cellular organization.

Water movement in plant roots primarily occurs through osmosis, which is driven by differences in water potential. This passive process allows plants to absorb water efficiently from the soil.

Cellular respiration is the metabolic process that oxidizes glucose to produce ATP. This process, which includes glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and the electron transport chain, provides the energy required for cellular functions.

DNA polymerase not only synthesizes new DNA strands but also has a proofreading function that corrects errors during replication. This mechanism is critical for maintaining the genetic integrity of cells.

Keystone predators are vital in regulating the populations of prey species and maintaining ecosystem balance. Their removal can result in an overabundance of prey, which may lead to overgrazing and subsequent ecological disruption.

Allosteric regulation involves the binding of an effector molecule at a site other than the enzyme's active site, resulting in a change in its conformation and activity. This reversible modulation allows the cell to fine-tune enzyme functions according to its needs.

Phenotypic plasticity is the ability of an organism to change its morphology, physiology, or behavior in response to environmental conditions. This allows organisms with the same genetic makeup to exhibit different traits based on external factors.

Photosynthesis converts carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen, which are essential for cellular respiration. In turn, cellular respiration uses glucose and oxygen to produce energy, releasing carbon dioxide as a byproduct, thereby creating a cyclical interdependence.