Question 1 (Worth 2 points)
(03.03, 03.04 MC)
A type of plant that produces red flowers is crossed with a plant that produces white flowers. The
alleles for flower color exhibit incomplete dominance, and all of their offspring have pink flowers. If
two of the pink-flowered offspring were crossed, which of the following ratios of red, pink, and white
flowers would you find in their offspring?
33 percent red : 33 percent pink : 33 percent white
50 percent red : 0 percent pink : 50 percent white
0 percent red : 100 percent pink : 0 percent white
25 percent red : 50 percent pink : 25 percent white
Points earned on this question: 2
Question 2 (Worth 2 points)
(01.02 LC)
A farmer is trying to determine why some weeds sprayed with weed killer do not die. To begin a
scientific investigation of this issue, what would be the first step for the farmer?
Research what others have already found.
Draw conclusions about the plants in his field.
Begin an experiment with a control group.
Analyze the data collected from the experiment.
Points earned on this question: 2
Question 3 (Worth 2 points)
(03.03, 03.04 MC)
In humans, the allele for brown eyes is dominant to the allele for blue eyes. If a man with blue eyes
and a woman with brown eyes who is homozygous for eye color have children, what is the
probability of having a child with blue eyes?
25 percent
100 percent
50 percent
0 percent
Points earned on this question: 2
Question 4 (Worth 2 points)
(04.04 MC)
What will most likely happen if the level of greenhouse gases continues to rise?
Global temperatures will gradually decrease.
Global temperatures will continue to increase.
Global temperatures will fall rapidly.
Global temperatures will remain constant.
Points earned on this question: 2
Question 5 (Worth 2 points)
(04.03, 04.04 MC)
A large, old tree deep in the forest was knocked down in a windstorm. As it fell, it pushed four other
somewhat smaller trees down with it, opening up quite a large patch of sunlight in an area that had
been shady for many decades. What is most likely to happen in the sunny patch in terms of plant
growth?
No plants will be able to grow in it until neighboring trees shade it more.
Seeds of sun-loving plants will germinate and grow in it.
Primary succession will start with very small plants or lichens.
Shade-loving plants will grow in it since it is in the forest.
Points earned on this question: 2
Question 6 (Worth 2 points)
(04.01 MC)
Which organism on this food web receives the least amount of energy from the Sun?
Elm tree
Hawk
Mouse
Bacteria
Points earned on this question: 2
Question 7 (Worth 2 points)
(03.01 MC)
Which of the following best describes how the process of mitosis results in the formation of new
cells?
Cells grow during prophase, their DNA replicates during metaphase and separates into two
nuclei during anaphase, and the cytoplasm divides during telophase.
DNA condenses into chromosomes during prophase, chromosomes line up during metaphase
and separate during anaphase, and separate nuclei form during telophase.
Chromosomes replicate during prophase, separate during metaphase and replicate again during
anaphase, and nuclei form around the chromosomes during telophase.
Chromatids separate during prophase, replicate during metaphase and are pulled to opposite
ends of the cell during anaphase, and cytokinesis splits the cell in half during telophase.
Points earned on this question: 2
Question 8 (Worth 2 points)
(03.08 LC)
A genetic disorder is an illness which is caused by which of the following?
Uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body
Viruses passed from parents to children
Abnormality in the alleles passed from parents to children
Excessive use of narcotics and alcohol
Points earned on this question: 2
Question 9 (Worth 2 points)
(02.01 MC)
Acetylcholinesterase is an enzyme that catalyzes the breakdown of the neurotransmitter
acetylcholine. Which of the following explains why acetylcholinesterase cannot be used to catalyze
the breakdown of other neurotransmitters, like norepinephrine?
It would require a level of activation energy too high for acetylcholinesterase to react with other
neurotransmitters.
Binding with an alternate neurotransmitter would inhibit the reaction of the enzyme with
acetylcholine.
Reacting with another neurotransmitter would halt the production of the enzyme and raise the
overall activation energy.
Its shape determines the neurotransmitters that can reach its active center where activation
energy is lowered.
Points earned on this question: 0
Question 10 (Worth 2 points)
(01.02 HC)
Phoebe is taking samples from a lake to determine how the populations of aquatic life change during
the summer. Each week for a month she takes samples from different areas of the lake. Over the
course of a month, she finds the marine life listed in the chart below. What should Phoebe change
about her methodology to better address her question?
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Location 1
Location 2
Location 3
Location 4
Insects
13
20
18
15
Crawfish
8
15
20
22
Fish
3
11
13
12
Other
5
2
8
4
Provide details about the creatures in the "other" category.
Take samples from the same location each time.
Collect samples from nearby lakes for comparison.
Use a more sophisticated net to collect smaller creatures.
Points earned on this question: 0
Question 11 (Worth 2 points)
(04.03 HC)
Most states have deer hunting seasons designed to reduce the size of the deer herd before it gets
so large that deer starve to death during winters with little food. How might having humans as
predators rather than wolves be expected to affect the deer population?
The deer population would drop below carrying capacity since forest managers could choose to
bring food to the deer.
The deer population would grow larger each year since humans can set rules about how many
deer to remove each hunting season.
The deer population would be healthier since killing deer with guns or arrows is much less
traumatic for the deer than being hunted by a pack of wolves.
The deer population would be less healthy since humans choose to kill the largest, healthiest
individuals while wolves choose the weak or sick ones.
Points earned on this question: 0
Question 12 (Worth 2 points)
(01.03 LC)
Transmission electron microscopes are best for viewing
microorganisms in pond water
internal organs of a mouse
internal structures of a cell
surface features of a specimen
Points earned on this question: 2
Question 13 (Worth 2 points)
(03.08 MC)
One of the main water lines supplying the houses in a town has broken. The town officials have
issued an order telling everyone to boil their drinking water until the water supply has been retested
and found safe. If some of the people chose to drink the water without boiling it first, how might their
health be affected differently than that of people who boiled their drinking water?
They might get infected with living organisms that could make them sick.
Any heavy metals that got into the water could cause birth defects in their children.
The silt in the water could be carrying fertilizer residue which could kill them.
They could potentially develop cancer if pesticides got into the water.
Points earned on this question: 2
Question 14 (Worth 2 points)
(02.01 MC)
Which of the following lists correctly summarizes the main functions of proteins in the human body?
Primary energy source, structural support, providing insulation, enzyme production, and
signaling
Hormone production, primary energy source, antibody development, and control of metabolic
functions
Providing insulation, powering movement, providing defense, and storage of genetic code
Powering movement, structural support, hormone production, antibody and enzyme production
Points earned on this question: 2
Question 15 (Worth 2 points)
(04.05 MC)
Compare the costs and benefits of biomass energy with coal, another carbon-based resource.
Both biomass and coal energies are expensive, but they do not release greenhouse gases.
Both biomass and coal energies are renewable, and they help protect habitats.
Both biomass and coal energies are inexpensive, but they release greenhouse gases.
Both biomass and coal energies are nonrenewable, and they do not help protect habitats.
Points earned on this question: 2
Question 16 (Worth 2 points)
(03.02 HC)
In an ecosystem, a wide range of organisms coexist. In a pond ecosystem, one can find amoebae,
bacteria, green algae, and fish. Which of the following is the best conclusion one can make
regarding the genetic diversity of these organisms?
Green algae will have the greatest genetic diversity because they are photosynthetic and do not
depend on other organisms to survive.
Fish will have the greatest genetic diversity because they receive genetic material from a male
and female source.
Bacteria will have the greatest genetic diversity because their high reproductive rate ensures
that some will survive.
Amoebae will have the greatest genetic diversity because their genetic makeup allows them to
survive in many environments.
Points earned on this question: 2
Question 17 (Worth 2 points)
(02.02 MC)
The cell theory was first proposed in 1838. Evidence obtained through additional scientific
investigations resulted in the current cell theory. Which statement describes a component of the
original cell theory that was removed because of the new scientific knowledge?
All living things are made of cells.
All cells come from other preexisting cells.
Cells are the basic structural and functional units of life.
Cells form through spontaneous generation.
Points earned on this question: 2
Question 18 (Worth 2 points)
(01.05 MC)
The human GM-CSF gene and the mouse GM-CSF gene vary by more than 60% in their DNA
sequence. However, when scientists place the human gene into mice, it functions properly. What
best explains why this happens?
The difference between genes sequences does not change the structure of the proteins.
The mouse DNA is a mutated form of the human GM-CSF gene.
Mice can make human protein without the use of the human GM-CSF gene.
The resulting proteins made by the human gene are similar to the proteins made by the mouse
gene.
Points earned on this question: 2
Question 19 (Worth 2 points)
(04.05 MC)
Cellular respiration converts the reactants' oxygen and glucose into carbon dioxide, water, and
energy. The reverse reaction of photosynthesis converts reactants of carbon dioxide and water into
oxygen and glucose. These two reactions are part of which biogeochemical cycle?
Water cycle
Carbon cycle
Phosphorus cycle
Nitrogen cycle
Points earned on this question: 2
Question 20 (Worth 2 points)
(03.07 MC)
Which of the following correctly summarizes the main issue with most genetically engineered food
crops?
Resulting crops are less nutritious
Creating a market for the resulting crops has proven difficult
Increasing one quality in a food crop may degrade other qualities
Resulting crops are too expensive because of the engineering
Points earned on this question: 0
Question 21 (Worth 2 points)
(02.05 LC)
Which of the following correctly identifies the reactants and products of aerobic cellular respiration?
Carbon dioxide + ATP + water → glucose + oxygen
Glucose + oxygen → water + carbon dioxide + ATP
Pyruvate + carbon dioxide → oxygen + water + ATP
NADH + pyruvate → carbon dioxide + alcohol + NAD+
Points earned on this question: 2
Question 22 (Worth 2 points)
(03.06 HC)
A man who smokes heavily has developed lung cancer. The tobacco smoke has caused mutations
in some of the cells in his lungs, making them unable to stop reproducing and dividing. He is worried
that his children, none of whom smoke, may have inherited the lung cancer from him. Under what
circumstances might his concern for his children be justified?
If his smoking had already mutated the DNA in the cells in his lungs at the time his children were
conceived, the mutations would have been passed to his children.
If he inherited a mutation which made him more susceptible to lung cancer, it may have been
present in some of the gametes he produced and passed to his children.
If the mutation resulted from the duplication of a gene in his lung cells, his children would be at
greater risk than if it were caused by a base pair substitution.
If the smoke had caused multiple different mutations in his lung cells, it would be more likely that
one or more of the mutations would be passed to his children.
Points earned on this question: 0
Question 23 (Worth 2 points)
(02.04 HC)
Cells use ATP as a source of energy to carry out various functions within the cell. In order for ATP to
be useful, a chemical reaction that converts ATP to ADP occurs, releasing energy. Which of the
following changes in cellular conditions do you predict would cause a decrease in energy production
for the cell?
A lack of water molecules in the cell's mitochondria
A lack of carbon dioxide in the cell's mitochondria
An abundance of mitochondria in the cell
An abundance of ATP molecules in the cell
Points earned on this question: 2
Question 24 (Worth 2 points)
(02.06 MC)
Which of the following would most likely happen if the ATP synthesis in the mitochondria of a plant's
cells suddenly operated poorly?
The plant cells would use ADP for fuel instead of ATP since there would be an abundance of
ADP.
The plant cells would stop photosynthesis so there is no build-up of excess glucose in the
cytoplasm.
The plant cells would die because they wouldn't extract enough energy from the glucose
produced in photosynthesis.
The plant cells would function normally since they would make all the sugars they need during
photosynthesis.
Points earned on this question: 2
Question 25 (Worth 2 points)
(01.02 HC)
Jamie is reviewing a new diet plan that involves purchasing pre-packaged meals and taking a
patented energy supplement. In an ad explaining how it works, Jamie reads about a study cited as
evidence supporting the effectiveness of the plan. In the study, two groups were followed: one
following the plan and another following a simple low-carbohydrate diet. What should Jamie look for
in the study to have full confidence in its scientific reliability?
A list of differences between the two diets in the study
A comparison of the plan to a variety of diets
Testimony from a wide range of users
Details on the number of studies conducted and the results of each trial
Points earned on this question: 0
Question 26 (Worth 2 points)
(03.06 LC)
Which type of mutation results in an extra copy of all or part of a chromosome?
Inversion
Translocation
Insertion
Duplication
Points earned on this question: 2
Question 27 (Worth 2 points)
(01.02 HC)
During a science fair, a group of students came up with the following question: "Is color an inherent
property in objects or is it a product of the mind?" Why would this question be extremely difficult to
answer scientifically?
Color is not an observable phenomenon.
It does not attempt to explain the natural world.
The experimental group would be too large.
How people experience color varies
Points earned on this question: 2
Question 28 (Worth 2 points)
(02.06 LC)
Photosynthesis is made up of both light-dependent and light-independent reactions. Identify the
products of the light-dependent portion of photosynthesis.
ADP, NADP+, and glucose
ATP, NADPH, and oxygen
NADP+, oxygen, and glucose
Carbon dioxide, water, and ATP
Points earned on this question: 2
Question 29 (Worth 2 points)
(04.04 MC)
Which of the following would be the best way to restore a forest to its natural state and increase the
biodiversity of an area that had previously been logged for paper?
Till the area and plant agricultural crops.
Replant the area with slash pine seedlings.
Burn the area repeatedly to kill weed seedlings.
Encourage the regrowth of native plants.
Points earned on this question: 2
Question 30 (Worth 2 points)
(01.05 MC)
Which of the following best describes how the first organic molecules on the early Earth may have
been formed?
Tidal flow and ocean currents helped mix molecules together so that they could react to build
larger molecules.
Lightning provided the energy needed for gases to react with each other and form amino acids.
Heat energy became trapped in the atmosphere by greenhouse gases and was used as an
energy source in the building of macromolecules.
Enzymes catalyzed reactions between smaller organic molecules to form larger ones.
Points earned on this question: 2
Question 31 (Worth 2 points)
(01.02 MC)
Jason and Matt have developed a new computerized timer for recording race times. Which of the
following would be the best way to confirm the timer's accuracy?
Independent testing, repeated in multiple trials
Consistent testing conducted by a single person
First-person testimony from a variety of racers
Multiple publications of data in a wide range of media
Points earned on this question: 2
Question 32 (Worth 2 points)
(03.05 HC)
U
C
A
G
UUU Phenylalanine
UCU Serine
UAU Tyrosine
UGU Cysteine
U
U UUC Phenylalanine
UCC Serine
UAC Tyrosine
UGC Cysteine
C
UUA Leucine
UCA Serine
UAA Stop
UGA Stop
A
UUG Leucine
UCG Serine
UAG Stop
UGG Tryptophan
G
CUU Leucine
CCU Proline
CAU Hisitidine
CGU Arginine
U
C CUC Leucine
CCC Proline
CAC Hisitidine
CGC Arginine
C
CUA Leucine
CCA Proline
CAA Glutamine
CGA Arginine
A
CUG Leucine
CCG Proline
CAG Glutamine
CGG Arginine
G
AUU Isoleucine
ACU Threonine
AAU Asparagine
AGU Serine
U
A AUC Isoleucine
ACC Threonine
AAC Asparagine
AGC Serine
C
AUA Isoleucine
ACA Threonine
AAA Lysine
AGA Arginine
A
AUG Methionine/Start
ACG Threonine
AAG Lysine
AGG Arginine
G
GUU Valine
GCU Alanine
GAU Aspartate
GGU Glycine
U
G GUC Valine
GCC Alanine
GAC Aspartate
GGC Glycine
C
GUA Valine
GCA Alanine
GAA Glutamate
GGA Glycine
A
GUG Valine
GCG Alanine
GAG Glutamate
GGG Glycine
G
If an error in transcription causes the last cytosine in an mRNA sequence that was supposed to read
UUG AUC CAA UGC to be replaced with a guanine, which of the following do you predict would
happen?
Nothing will happen since the last codon will still correspond to threonine.
Only three amino acids will be produced instead of four.
The last amino acid in the chain will be tryptophan instead of cysteine.
The first amino acid in the chain will be glycine instead of arginine.
Points earned on this question: 2
Question 33 (Worth 2 points)
(04.04 HC)
Hilary arrived home from school one afternoon and decided she needed a snack. Which of the
following would be the best choice if she is trying to pick the most sustainable snack option?
Some canned pineapple from Hawaii since it was efficiently processed
A bowl of ice cream since it has a very high calorie content
An orange from the tree in her yard since it did not have to be transported
Two hard boiled eggs from her own chickens since they were locally raised
Points earned on this question: 2
Question 34 (Worth 2 points)
(02.02, 02.03 MC)
One cell has more mitochondria than the other. How would having more mitochondria affect the
cell's function?
It would release less energy from glucose molecules.
It would absorb more energy in glucose molecules.
It would release more energy from glucose molecules.
It would absorb less energy in glucose molecules.
Points earned on this question: 2
Question 35 (Worth 2 points)
(04.03 MC)
Courtney is making regular observations of the growth rate of kudzu vines on a ditch in her
neighborhood. She isolated and tagged five tendrils of the vine, and takes weekly cumulative
measurements for a year. A portion of her results are shown below. What issue with her data does
Courtney need to resolve?
Tendril #
Week 1
Week 3
Week 6
1
1.2 cm
5.9 in
1.2 ft
2
2.0 cm
4.8 in
0.98 ft
3
0.8 cm
3.2 in
0.55 ft
4
0.2 cm
1.6 in
0.35 ft
5
1.5 cm
4.3 in
1.01 ft
Inconsistent units of measure
Insufficient amount of data
Duration of the study
Number of samples
Points earned on this question: 2
Question 36 (Worth 2 points)
(01.04 LC)
Jason is viewing slides showing various phases of mitosis. He determines the percentages of cells in
each phase. Which of the following visuals would best display his findings?
Simple table
Venn Diagram
Pie Chart
Line chart
Points earned on this question: 0
Question 37 (Worth 2 points)
(01.04 MC)
Which of the following best explains how water is able to dissolve ionic substances?
The positive and negative charges of the water molecule pull on the negative and positive ends
of the ionic molecule to break them apart.
The strong hydrogen bond on water attracts the positive end of the ionic molecule and breaks
the ionic bond.
Water acts as a proton donor for the negative end of the ionic molecule to attract the anion and
form a new ionic molecule.
The water molecule shares its electrons in a covalent bond with the positive end of the ionic
molecule to break the ionic bond.
Points earned on this question: 2
Question 38 (Worth 2 points)
(03.06 LC)
Mutations can occur as a result of many factors, including ultraviolet light or environmental pollutants
such as pesticides and cigarette smoke. Which of the following best describes the most likely
consequence of these mutations in cells?
The cells can become resistant to drug therapy.
The cells can become phagocytes.
The cells can become unable to divide.
The cells can become cancer cells.
Points earned on this question: 2
Question 39 (Worth 2 points)
(02.02, 02.03 MC)
Which of the following describes a structure that both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells have in
common?
This membrane-bound organelle encloses the cell’s DNA and is where DNA replication occurs.
This organelle is composed of a stack of membrane sacs where proteins are modified and
stored.
This organelle extracts energy stored in glucose molecules to power cell functions.
This organelle is composed of protein and RNA and is used to make proteins for the cell.
Points earned on this question: 2
Question 40 (Worth 2 points)
(01.02 MC)
Phoebe is taking samples to determine the populations of aquatic life in different areas of a lake.
She takes samples from different areas of the lake and finds the marine life listed in the chart below.
What can Phoebe infer from the data in the table?
Location 1
Location 2
Location 3
Location 4
Insects
13
20
18
15
Crawfish
8
15
20
22
Fish
3
11
13
12
Other
5
2
8
4
Location 1 has a larger food source than location 4.
Location 3 gets more sunlight than location 2.
Crawfish prefer the food source at location 4.
Fish prefer the food source at location 1.
Points earned on this question: 2
Question 41 (Worth 2 points)
(04.02 HC)
New findings suggest that, due to rising levels of carbon dioxide in the air and an increase in the
acidity of the oceans, most coral reefs that exist today will disintegrate by the end of the century. If
carbon dioxide levels continue to rise, what is the most likely effect on marine organisms that rely on
these reefs for food and shelter?
Their numbers and diversity will be drastically reduced.
They will be able to use the area for shelter but will have to travel to find food.
Their ability to reproduce will increase as competition for space decreases.
They will be forced to adapt to living in different areas.
Points earned on this question: 2
Question 42 (Worth 2 points)
(03.02 MC)
Which of the following best describes the result of meiosis II?
Four genetically different, diploid daughter cells
Four genetically different, haploid daughter cells
Four genetically identical, diploid daughter cells
Four genetically identical, haploid daughter cells
Points earned on this question: 2
Question 43 (Worth 2 points)
(01.02 MC)
If a scientist collects evidence that questions the basics of a scientific theory, this means the theory
is
flawed to the point of being invalid
going to be refined by further investigation
going to be proven wrong
not based on fact or evidence
Points earned on this question: 2
Question 44 (Worth 2 points)
(03.05 HC)
Which of the following would most likely happen if DNA polymerase were not functioning properly
during DNA replication?
Any of the nitrogenous bases in the DNA strands would be able to form base pairs with each
other.
The new strands of DNA would not be an exact copy of the original DNA.
The two strands of DNA would separate from each other and be unable to reform.
Hydrogen bonding between nitrogenous bases would cause the DNA to fold upon itself.
Points earned on this question: 2