Regents Questions
Cell Biology
Food Chain
100

What is the main difference between an organ and an organelle?

  1. Organs are found in cells, while organelles are found in larger organisms.
  2. Organs are made up of cells, while organelles are structures within cells.
  3. Organs perform specific functions in multicellular organisms, while organelles perform general functions in single-celled organism
  4. Organs are only found in animals, while organelles are only found in plants.

2) Organs are made up of cells, while organelles are structures within cells.

Organs are larger structures made up of different types of cells, found in multicellular organisms like animals and plants. Organelles, on the other hand, are small structures found within cells, each with specific functions to help the cell survive and function properly. So, while organs are like big teams working together in the body, organelles are like tiny machines within each cell.

100

Which cellular organelle is responsible for converting food molecules into usable energy for the cell?

A) Nucleus
B) Golgi apparatus
C) Mitochondria
D) Endoplasmic reticulum

C) Mitochondria

Mitochondria are like tiny powerhouses inside cells. They take in food molecules and use them to produce energy for the cell. Just like how we eat food to get energy, cells use mitochondria to convert food into a form of energy they can use to do their jobs.

100

In which part of the food chain do organisms primarily obtain their energy from producers?

A) Primary consumers
B) Secondary consumers
C) Tertiary consumers
D) Decomposers

A) Primary consumers

Primary consumers, also known as herbivores, obtain their energy by consuming producers, such as plants or algae, in the food chain. They are the first level of consumers in the food chain and directly rely on producers for their energy needs.


200

Homeostasis in single-celled organisms is maintained through the proper functioning of 

(1) organelles 

(2) estrogen

(3) guard cells  

(4) antibodies

1) organelles 

In single-celled organisms, like bacteria or amoebas, they have tiny structures inside them called organelles. These organelles act like small organs, each with its own specific job. For example, some organelles help the cell take in food, while others help the cell get rid of waste.

To keep the cell working properly, these organelles need to do their jobs correctly. If any of them stop working, the cell can't function properly, just like if a part of a car stopped working, the car wouldn't run smoothly. 

200

Which organelle is responsible for packaging and shipping proteins within the cell?

A) Nucleus
B) Ribosome
C) Golgi apparatus
D) Vacuole

C) Golgi apparatus

Think of the Golgi apparatus as a shipping center inside the cell. It receives proteins made by ribosomes and then packages and ships them to where they're needed within the cell or outside of it. It's like a distribution center that ensures proteins get to their destinations correctly.

200

Which organisms in the food chain primarily feed on other consumers?

A) Producers
B) Primary consumers
C) Secondary consumers
D) Decomposers

C) Secondary consumers

Secondary consumers are organisms that primarily feed on primary consumers (herbivores) in the food chain. They are one level higher in the food chain hierarchy and obtain their energy by consuming other consumers rather than directly from producers.

300

In a stable ecosystem, each niche is usually occupied by only one species. The species occupying a particular niche is able to continue to remain there as a direct result of 

(1) ecological succession 

(2) favorable adaptations 

(3) a new mutation 

(4) selective breeding

(2) favorable adaptations 

niche = specific role or function a species has in its environment

favorable adaptation =  refers to traits or characteristics that help a species survive and thrive in its niche. For example, a bird with a long beak might be adapted for eating nectar from flowers, which could be its niche

300

Which cellular structure is responsible for storing genetic information in the form of DNA?

A) Nucleus
B) Mitochondria
C) Chloroplast
D) Ribosome

A) Nucleus

The nucleus acts like the cell's control center, storing DNA, which contains all the instructions needed for the cell to function properly.

300

Which organisms play a crucial role in breaking down dead organic matter and returning nutrients to the soil in an ecosystem?

A) Producers
B) Primary consumers
C) Secondary consumers
D) Decomposers

D) Decomposers

Decomposers are organisms such as bacteria, fungi, and certain insects that break down dead organic matter into simpler substances. They play a vital role in nutrient recycling by returning essential nutrients to the soil, which can then be used by producers to grow and sustain the ecosystem.

400

When exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light, human skin cells produce the protein melanin. This protein helps protect skin cells from damage caused by UV light. This is an example of 

(1) a gene that cannot be passed on to offspring 

(2) natural selection producing a new species 

(3) sexual reproduction that will produce variation 

(4) environmental factors affecting gene expression

(4) environmental factors affecting gene expression


 It's not a permanent change to the genetic code, but rather a temporary adaptation in response to environmental conditions.


400

Which cellular organelle is responsible for producing proteins?

A) Nucleus
B) Golgi apparatus
C) Endoplasmic reticulum
D) Lysosome

C) Endoplasmic reticulum

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is like a protein factory inside the cell. It's involved in the synthesis and folding of proteins, helping them to form correctly before they're sent to their final destinations in the cell or outside of it.

400

Which organisms are responsible for converting sunlight into chemical energy in an ecosystem?

A) Primary consumers
B) Secondary consumers
C) Producers
D) Decomposers

C) Producers

Producers, such as plants and algae, are capable of photosynthesis, a process where they convert sunlight into chemical energy. This energy is stored in the form of glucose, which serves as the basis for the entire food chain, providing energy for consumers and ultimately sustaining life in the ecosystem.

500

The human pancreas contains cells that secrete insulin. Only these cells produce insulin because 

(1) cells eliminate the parts of the genetic code they do not use 

(2) all other cells lack the genes for insulin production 

(3) different cells use different parts of the genetic information that they contain (4) they are the only cells associated with the digestion of sugar

(3) different cells use different parts of the genetic information that they contain


In the human pancreas, only certain cells have the genetic information needed to produce insulin. Each type of cell in the body uses specific parts of the genetic code to carry out its unique functions. In this case, only the pancreatic cells responsible for insulin production have the necessary genes activated to make insulin.


500

Which cellular structure is responsible for capturing sunlight to convert it into chemical energy through photosynthesis?

A) Nucleus
B) Mitochondria
C) Chloroplast
D) Ribosome

C) Chloroplast

Chloroplasts are the cellular structures where photosynthesis occurs in plant cells. They contain chlorophyll, a pigment that captures sunlight, allowing plants to convert light energy into chemical energy in the form of sugars.

500

A self-sustaining ecosystem in a glass tank must include 

(1) producers, decomposers, light, and water

(2) herbivores, consumers, decomposers, and water 

(3) decomposers, heterotrophs, light, water, and carbon 

(4) heterotrophs, water, and carbon dioxide

(1) producers, decomposers, light, and water 

  1. Producers: Producers, such as plants, are essential for initiating the food chain. They convert sunlight into energy through photosynthesis, providing food for other organisms in the ecosystem.

  2. Decomposers: Decomposers break down dead organic matter into simpler substances, releasing nutrients back into the ecosystem. They play a crucial role in nutrient recycling and waste decomposition.

  3. Light: Light is necessary for photosynthesis, enabling producers to convert light energy into chemical energy. It is a primary energy source for the ecosystem.

  4. Water: Water is essential for life and is involved in various metabolic processes. It provides a medium for chemical reactions and is vital for the survival of organisms in the ecosystem.