Cell Division: Biology Trivia Questions Quiz
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Questions and Answers
- 1.
Which of the following takes place in the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis?
- A.
Sugars are made.
- B.
Energy is captured.
- C.
Chlorophyll is pumped.
- D.
Carbon dioxide is formed.
Correct Answer
B. Energy is captured.Explanation
In the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis, energy is captured from sunlight by the pigment chlorophyll. This energy is then used to convert water into oxygen and to produce ATP, a molecule that stores energy. This process takes place in the thylakoid membranes of the chloroplasts. Sugars are not made in the light-dependent reactions, but rather in the light-independent reactions (also known as the Calvin cycle), where carbon dioxide is used to produce glucose. Therefore, the correct answer is "Energy is captured."Rate this question:
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- 2.
The main light-absorbing molecules found in plant leaves are called
- A.
Chloroplasts
- B.
Thylakoids
- C.
Chlorophyll
- D.
Grana
Correct Answer
C. ChloropHyllExplanation
Chlorophyll is the correct answer because it is the main light-absorbing pigment found in plant leaves. It is responsible for capturing light energy during photosynthesis and converting it into chemical energy. Chlorophyll molecules are located within the chloroplasts, which are the organelles where photosynthesis takes place. Thylakoids are membrane-bound structures within the chloroplasts where the chlorophyll molecules are embedded. Grana are stacks of thylakoids. While all of these terms are related to chlorophyll and photosynthesis, chlorophyll itself is the specific molecule that absorbs light.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Which of the following statements best describes the process of photosynthesis?
- A.
Plants use oxygen to make simple sugars.
- B.
Chlorophyll builds sugars in the thylakoid membrane.
- C.
Light breaks down water molecules and releases carbon dioxide.
- D.
Chloroplasts absorb sunlight and store chemical energy.
Correct Answer
D. Chloroplasts absorb sunlight and store chemical energy.Explanation
Chloroplasts are the organelles in plant cells responsible for photosynthesis. They contain chlorophyll, a pigment that absorbs sunlight. During photosynthesis, chloroplasts capture sunlight and convert it into chemical energy in the form of glucose. This process involves the conversion of carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. Therefore, the statement "Chloroplasts absorb sunlight and store chemical energy" best describes the process of photosynthesis.Rate this question:
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- 4.
What is the term for the jelly-like substance that is contained inside the cell membrane?
- A.
Cytoplasm
- B.
Nucleus
- C.
Organelle
- D.
DNA
Correct Answer
A. CytoplasmExplanation
Cytoplasm is the correct answer because it refers to the jelly-like substance that is contained inside the cell membrane. It is a semi-fluid substance that contains various organelles, such as mitochondria and ribosomes, and is responsible for supporting the cell's structure and carrying out various cellular functions. The nucleus, organelle, and DNA are all important components of a cell, but they are not specifically the jelly-like substance contained inside the cell membrane.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Which of the following is a characteristic of S phase?
- A.
Cell growth and normal function.
- B.
Cell growth and preparation for mitosis.
- C.
Nuclear membrane reforms.
- D.
DNA is replicated.
Correct Answer
D. DNA is replicated.Explanation
During the S phase of the cell cycle, DNA replication takes place. This means that the DNA molecule unwinds and each strand serves as a template for the synthesis of a new complementary strand. This process ensures that each daughter cell receives a complete set of genetic information. The other options mentioned, such as cell growth and normal function, preparation for mitosis, and nuclear membrane reforms, are not specific characteristics of the S phase.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Which of the following is a characteristic of prophase?
- A.
Nuclear membrane breaks down.
- B.
Chromosomes line up in the middle of the cell.
- C.
Sister chromatids are pulled to opposite sides of the cell.
- D.
The cytoplasm splits.
Correct Answer
A. Nuclear membrane breaks down.Explanation
During prophase, the nuclear membrane breaks down, allowing the chromosomes to be exposed in the cytoplasm. This breakdown is necessary for the subsequent steps of mitosis, as it allows the chromosomes to be properly organized and separated during cell division. The breakdown of the nuclear membrane is a distinct characteristic of prophase and helps facilitate the efficient distribution of genetic material to the daughter cells.Rate this question:
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- 7.
What is the main function of the Golgi apparatus?
- A.
Convert solar energy to chemical energy
- B.
Communicate with other cells
- C.
Process and deliver proteins
- D.
Copy genetic material
Correct Answer
C. Process and deliver proteinsExplanation
The Golgi apparatus is responsible for processing and delivering proteins within the cell. It receives proteins from the endoplasmic reticulum, modifies them by adding sugars and lipids, and then packages them into vesicles for transport to their final destination within or outside the cell. This process ensures that proteins are properly folded, modified, and sorted before being transported to their required locations, allowing them to carry out their specific functions effectively.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Unlike a eukaryoteic cell, a prokaryotic cell does not have...
- A.
DNA.
- B.
A nucleus.
- C.
Cytoplasm.
- D.
A cell membrane.
Correct Answer
B. A nucleus.Explanation
A prokaryotic cell does not have a nucleus. Unlike eukaryotic cells, prokaryotic cells lack a membrane-bound nucleus where the DNA is stored. Instead, the DNA in prokaryotic cells is located in the cytoplasm, which is a gel-like substance that fills the cell. Prokaryotic cells do have DNA, but it is not enclosed within a nucleus like in eukaryotic cells. The absence of a nucleus is one of the key distinguishing features of prokaryotic cells.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Which phrase best describes the effect of a catalyst on a chemical reaction?
- A.
Decreases the rate of reaction
- B.
Increases the temperature
- C.
Decreases the activation energy
- D.
Increases the volume of the reactants
Correct Answer
C. Decreases the activation energyExplanation
A catalyst is a substance that speeds up a chemical reaction by lowering the activation energy required for the reaction to occur. By decreasing the activation energy, the catalyst provides an alternative pathway for the reaction, allowing it to proceed at a faster rate. Therefore, the correct answer is "decreases the activation energy."Rate this question:
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- 10.
Which of the following organelles can be found on the surface of the endoplasmic reticulum?
- A.
Golgi apparatus
- B.
Mitochondria
- C.
Ribosomes
- D.
Centrioles
Correct Answer
C. RibosomesExplanation
Ribosomes can be found on the surface of the endoplasmic reticulum. The endoplasmic reticulum is an organelle involved in protein synthesis and lipid metabolism. It is made up of a network of membrane-bound tubules and sacs. Ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis and can be found either free in the cytoplasm or attached to the endoplasmic reticulum. When ribosomes are attached to the endoplasmic reticulum, it is called the rough endoplasmic reticulum. Therefore, ribosomes are the correct organelles that can be found on the surface of the endoplasmic reticulum.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Which organelle is the storehouse for most of a cell's genetic information?
- A.
Nucleus
- B.
Mitochondrion
- C.
Centriole
- D.
Chloroplast
Correct Answer
A. NucleusExplanation
The nucleus is the storehouse for most of a cell's genetic information. It contains the cell's DNA, which carries the instructions for the cell's functions and characteristics. The DNA is organized into structures called chromosomes, which are located within the nucleus. The nucleus is surrounded by a nuclear membrane that separates it from the rest of the cell. This membrane has pores that allow certain molecules, such as RNA, to pass in and out of the nucleus. Overall, the nucleus plays a crucial role in storing and protecting the cell's genetic information.Rate this question:
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- 12.
In the diagram to the right, what is structure A?
- A.
Folded inner membrane
- B.
Mitochondrial matrix
- C.
Stroma
- D.
Thylakoid membrane
Correct Answer
A. Folded inner membraneExplanation
The correct answer is folded inner membrane. In the diagram, structure A is shown as a folded membrane within the mitochondria. This folded inner membrane is known as the cristae and it plays a crucial role in the production of ATP through cellular respiration. The folds provide a large surface area for the enzymes and proteins involved in ATP synthesis to be located, allowing for more efficient energy production.Rate this question:
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- 13.
The part of cellular respiration in which glucose is broken down is called
- A.
Photosynthesis.
- B.
Aerobic respiration.
- C.
Electron transport.
- D.
Glycolysis.
Correct Answer
D. Glycolysis.Explanation
Glycolysis is the correct answer because it is the initial step in cellular respiration where glucose is broken down into two molecules of pyruvate. It takes place in the cytoplasm of the cell and does not require oxygen. Photosynthesis, on the other hand, is the process by which plants convert sunlight into energy, while aerobic respiration and electron transport are subsequent steps in cellular respiration that occur in the mitochondria and require oxygen.Rate this question:
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- 14.
In the Linnaean system of classification, which of the following is most commonly defined as a group of organisms that can breed and produce offspring?
- A.
Phylum
- B.
Species
- C.
Genus
- D.
Order
Correct Answer
B. SpeciesExplanation
In the Linnaean system of classification, a species is most commonly defined as a group of organisms that can breed and produce offspring. This is because members of the same species share similar genetic traits and can interbreed to produce fertile offspring. The concept of a species is fundamental in understanding the diversity of life and organizing organisms into distinct groups based on their ability to reproduce with one another.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Where does glycolysis take place?
- A.
Cytoplasm
- B.
Mitochondrial matrix
- C.
Mitochondrial inner membrane
- D.
Chloroplast
Correct Answer
A. CytoplasmExplanation
Glycolysis is the metabolic pathway that converts glucose into pyruvate. It is the first step in cellular respiration and occurs in the cytoplasm of cells. The cytoplasm is the fluid-filled region between the cell membrane and the nucleus, where many cellular processes take place. In glycolysis, glucose is broken down into two molecules of pyruvate, generating a small amount of ATP and NADH. This process does not occur in the mitochondria or chloroplasts, which have their own specific metabolic pathways.Rate this question:
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- 16.
Which kingdom is not included in domain Eukarya?
- A.
Bacteria
- B.
Plantae
- C.
Protista
- D.
Animalia
Correct Answer
A. BacteriaExplanation
The kingdom that is not included in domain Eukarya is Bacteria. Bacteria belong to the domain Bacteria, which is separate from the domain Eukarya. Eukarya includes organisms that have cells with a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, while bacteria are prokaryotic organisms that lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. Therefore, bacteria are not part of the domain Eukarya.Rate this question:
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- 17.
How many kingdoms are in the current tree of life?
- A.
Four
- B.
Five
- C.
Six
- D.
Eight
Correct Answer
C. SixExplanation
The correct answer is six because the question is asking about the number of kingdoms in the current tree of life. The tree of life is a diagram that represents the evolutionary relationships between different organisms. In the current understanding of the tree of life, there are six main kingdoms: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, Protista, Archaea, and Bacteria. Each kingdom represents a distinct group of organisms with similar characteristics and evolutionary history.Rate this question:
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- 18.
The process by which individuals that are better suited to their environment survive and reproduce more successfully than others is known as ___.
- A.
Natural selection
- B.
Sexual selection
- C.
Genetic drift
- D.
Gene flow
Correct Answer
A. Natural selectionExplanation
Natural selection is the process by which individuals that are better adapted to their environment have a higher chance of survival and reproduction compared to those who are less suited. This leads to the passing on of beneficial traits to future generations, resulting in the gradual evolution of a species. Sexual selection refers to the selection of mates based on certain traits, genetic drift is the random change in gene frequencies in a population, and gene flow is the transfer of genes between populations.Rate this question:
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- 19.
Bipedalism is an important adaptive advantage for all of the following reasons EXCEPT ___.
- A.
Bipedalism frees the hands to use tools
- B.
Bipedalism frees the hands to carry food
- C.
Bipedalism frees the hands to carry young
- D.
Bipedalism frees the hands to walk faster
Correct Answer
D. Bipedalism frees the hands to walk fasterExplanation
Bipedalism is an important adaptive advantage for various reasons, including freeing the hands to use tools, carry food, and carry young. However, it does not directly contribute to walking faster. While bipedalism may have other advantages, such as better energy efficiency and increased visibility, it does not specifically enhance walking speed.Rate this question:
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- 20.
In natural selection, the selective agent is ___.
- A.
The environment
- B.
A breeder
- C.
Mutation
- D.
A virus
Correct Answer
A. The environmentExplanation
In natural selection, the selective agent refers to the factor or condition in the environment that determines which traits are advantageous for survival and reproduction. The environment acts as the selective agent because it determines which individuals are better adapted to their surroundings and are therefore more likely to survive and pass on their genes to the next generation. This process leads to the gradual evolution of species over time as individuals with advantageous traits become more prevalent in the population.Rate this question:
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- 21.
Which term means the crossing of two different species that share common genes?
- A.
Hybridization
- B.
Mutation
- C.
Natural selection
- D.
Sexual selection
Correct Answer
A. HybridizationExplanation
Hybridization refers to the process of crossing two different species that share common genes. This can occur naturally or be induced by humans through selective breeding. During hybridization, the genetic material from both species combines, resulting in offspring that exhibit traits from both parent species. This can lead to the creation of new and unique characteristics in the hybrid offspring. Hybridization plays an important role in both natural and artificial selection, as it introduces genetic diversity and can contribute to the evolution of species.Rate this question:
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- 22.
Genetic variation can arise from a random change in the DNA of a gene. This change is called a(n) ___.
- A.
Mutation
- B.
Gene flow
- C.
Gene pool
- D.
Allele
Correct Answer
A. MutationExplanation
A genetic variation can occur when there is a random change in the DNA of a gene, which is known as a mutation. Mutations can lead to differences in the genetic material, resulting in variations within a population. This variation is essential for evolution to occur as it introduces new traits or characteristics that can be selected for or against in different environments. Gene flow refers to the transfer of genetic material from one population to another, gene pool refers to the total set of genes in a population, and an allele is a variant form of a gene.Rate this question:
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- 23.
The development by scientists of a new color in a rose is the result of
- A.
Artificial selection
- B.
Natural selection
- C.
Descent with modification
- D.
Overproduction
Correct Answer
A. Artificial selectionExplanation
Artificial selection refers to the intentional breeding of plants or animals with desired traits by humans. In the given context, scientists developing a new color in a rose implies that they have selectively bred roses with specific color traits over generations, resulting in the creation of a new color. This process involves choosing parent plants with desired color characteristics and allowing them to reproduce, gradually increasing the frequency of the desired trait in the population. Therefore, artificial selection is the most fitting explanation for the development of a new color in a rose by scientists.Rate this question:
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- 24.
Two organisms that are closeley related would have ___.
- A.
Very similar DNA sequences
- B.
Exactly the same DNA sequences
- C.
No proteins in common
- D.
Completely different DNA sequences
Correct Answer
A. Very similar DNA sequencesExplanation
Organisms that are closely related are likely to have very similar DNA sequences. This is because DNA is responsible for encoding genetic information, and closely related organisms share a common ancestry. Over time, genetic mutations may occur, leading to slight differences in DNA sequences, but overall, the DNA of closely related organisms will be highly similar. Therefore, it is expected that two closely related organisms would have very similar DNA sequences.Rate this question:
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- 25.
Which of the following is the oldest of this group?
- A.
Australopithecus aferensis
- B.
Australopithecus africanus
- C.
Homo erectus
- D.
Homo neanderthalensis
Correct Answer
A. Australopithecus aferensisExplanation
Australopithecus aferensis is the oldest of the group because it is the earliest known species in the genus Australopithecus. It lived between 3.9 and 2.9 million years ago, while Australopithecus africanus lived between 3 and 2 million years ago. Homo erectus and Homo neanderthalensis are even more recent species in the human evolutionary timeline.Rate this question:
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- 26.
Which of the following is the youngest of this group?
- A.
Australopithecus aferensis
- B.
Australopithecus africanus
- C.
Homo erectus
- D.
Homo neanderthalensis
Correct Answer
D. Homo neanderthalensisExplanation
Homo neanderthalensis is the correct answer because it is believed to have lived most recently compared to the other options. Australopithecus aferensis and Australopithecus africanus are both extinct hominid species that lived millions of years ago. Homo erectus is an extinct species that lived around 1.9 million to 143,000 years ago. Homo neanderthalensis, on the other hand, is believed to have lived around 400,000 to 40,000 years ago, making it the youngest species in this group.Rate this question:
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- 27.
Homo erectus is considered to be the most successful hominid species ever because it survived for ___.
- A.
2 million years
- B.
2 thousand years
- C.
6 million years
- D.
6 thousand years
Correct Answer
A. 2 million yearsExplanation
Homo erectus is considered to be the most successful hominid species ever because it survived for 2 million years. This species had a remarkable adaptability and was able to thrive in various environments across Africa, Asia, and Europe. Their ability to use tools and control fire played a crucial role in their survival and expansion. Additionally, Homo erectus had a larger brain size and a more advanced social structure compared to earlier hominids, which contributed to their success as a species.Rate this question:
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- 28.
Approximately how long has Homo sapiens been on Earth?
- A.
2000 years
- B.
6 million years
- C.
6000 years
- D.
200,000 years
Correct Answer
D. 200,000 yearsExplanation
Homo sapiens has been on Earth for approximately 200,000 years. This is based on scientific evidence and research that suggests the emergence of Homo sapiens as a species around this time. This timeline aligns with the fossil record and genetic studies that trace the origins of modern humans back to Africa around 200,000 years ago.Rate this question:
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- 29.
In the following scientific name, which word indicates the genus of the organism? Panthera tigris
- A.
Panthera
- B.
Tigris
- C.
Both words
- D.
Neither word
Correct Answer
A. PantheraExplanation
The word "Panthera" indicates the genus of the organism.Rate this question:
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- 30.
If two organisms belong to the same order, what other taxonomic group must they have in common?
- A.
Species
- B.
Genus
- C.
Phylum
- D.
Family
Correct Answer
C. pHylumExplanation
If two organisms belong to the same order, they must have the phylum in common. Order is a taxonomic rank that is lower than phylum and higher than family. Organisms within the same order share certain characteristics and traits, but they may belong to different families or even different genera. However, all organisms within the same order belong to the same phylum, which is a higher taxonomic group that groups organisms based on broader characteristics and evolutionary relationships. Therefore, if two organisms belong to the same order, they must also belong to the same phylum.Rate this question:
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Sep 16, 2024Quiz Edited by
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Jan 14, 2015Quiz Created by
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