what is the function of water in photosynthesis

HESI A2

HESI A2 Practice Test Biology

1. What is the function of water in photosynthesis?

A. Combine with carbon dioxide
B. Absorb light energy
C. Supply electrons in the light reactions
D. Transport hydrogen ions in the dark reactions

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Supply electrons in the light reactions.' In photosynthesis, water is split during the light reactions of photosynthesis, releasing electrons that are used in the formation of ATP and NADPH, crucial for the synthesis of glucose. Choice A is incorrect because water does not combine with carbon dioxide in photosynthesis. Choice B is incorrect as water does not absorb light energy directly. Choice D is incorrect because the transportation of hydrogen ions mainly occurs in the electron transport chain, which is part of the light reactions, not the dark reactions.

2. Patient A, who weighs 68 kilograms, steps onto a scale 20 times. The scale consistently weighs Patient A as 75 kilograms. What is true of the measurement?

A. It is valid, but not reliable.
B. It is reliable, but not valid.
C. It is both valid and reliable.
D. It is neither reliable nor valid.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'It is reliable, but not valid.' The measurement is reliable because it consistently provides the same result (75 kg). However, it is not valid because it does not accurately reflect the true weight of Patient A (68 kg). Choice A is incorrect because if the scale consistently shows the same weight (75 kg), it is reliable. Choice C is incorrect because although the scale is consistent, the measurement does not reflect the true weight, making it not valid. Choice D is incorrect as the measurement is reliable but lacks validity.

3. Which, if any, of the following statements are true?

A. Water boils at approximately 100°C (212°F) at standard atmospheric pressure
B. The boiling point is the temperature at which the vapor pressure is higher than the atmospheric pressure around the water
C. Water boils at a lower temperature in areas of lower pressure
D. A and C are true

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Both statements A and C are true. Water indeed boils at approximately 100°C (212°F) at standard atmospheric pressure. However, water boils at a lower temperature in areas of lower pressure due to the decreased atmospheric pressure, which affects the vapor pressure and boiling point of water. Statement B is incorrect because the boiling point is the temperature at which the vapor pressure equals the external pressure (atmospheric pressure in this case), not when it is higher.

4. Why does cytokinesis happen?

A. DNA can duplicate
B. Organelles can convert energy
C. Bacteria can be killed
D. Daughter cells can divide

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Cytokinesis happens at the end of mitosis to physically separate the newly formed daughter cells. This allows the cell to divide into two separate daughter cells, each containing a complete set of genetic material (DNA) and organelles. The purpose of cytokinesis is to ensure that each daughter cell receives the necessary components to function independently. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because cytokinesis does not directly involve DNA duplication, organelles converting energy, or killing bacteria.

5. Tonicity refers to the movement of:

A. Water
B. Solute
C. Cells
D. None of the above

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Tonicity refers to the movement of water across a membrane in response to differences in solute concentration. In a hypertonic solution, where there is a higher concentration of solutes outside the cell, water will move out of the cell to try to reach equilibrium. In a hypotonic solution, where there is a lower concentration of solutes outside the cell, water will move into the cell to balance the concentrations. Cells and solutes themselves do not actively move in response to tonicity; it is the movement of water that helps achieve equilibrium. Therefore, the correct answer is water (Choice A). Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as tonicity specifically refers to water movement and not the movement of solutes, cells, or none of the above.