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. Which statement regarding energy content is true?

A. Decomposers < secondary consumers
B. Primary consumers < producers
C. Producers > secondary consumers
D. Secondary consumers < primary consumers

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: "Producers > secondary consumers." Producers, like plants, are the foundation of the energy pyramid, containing the highest energy content in an ecosystem. They convert solar energy into chemical energy through photosynthesis. Secondary consumers, being organisms that feed on other organisms, have lower energy content compared to producers. This hierarchy in energy content is due to the transfer of energy through trophic levels. Choice A is incorrect because decomposers, though essential for nutrient recycling, typically have lower energy content than secondary consumers. Choice B is incorrect because primary consumers, which feed directly on producers, have lower energy content than producers. Choice D is incorrect because secondary consumers have lower energy content compared to primary consumers.

3. How does an enzyme work on a chemical reaction that occurs in a substrate?

A. An enzyme slows down the chemical reaction.
B. An enzyme speeds up the chemical reaction.
C. An enzyme has no effect on the chemical reaction.
D. An enzyme stops most chemical reactions.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Enzymes are biological catalysts that facilitate chemical reactions by lowering the activation energy required for the reaction to occur. This allows the reaction to proceed more quickly and efficiently. Enzymes do not change the overall outcome of the reaction, but they significantly increase the rate at which it takes place. Therefore, choice B, 'An enzyme speeds up the chemical reaction,' is the correct answer. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because enzymes do not slow down, have no effect, or stop chemical reactions; instead, they accelerate the process by lowering the activation energy.

4. In an example of a male with hemophilia and a female carrier, what percentage of the offspring is predicted to be carriers only?

A. 0%
B. 25%
C. 50%
D. 100%

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the male offspring will inherit the X chromosome with the hemophilia gene from the mother, as males have one X chromosome inherited from their mother. The female offspring will inherit one normal X chromosome from the father and one X chromosome with the hemophilia gene from the mother, making them carriers of the hemophilia trait. Therefore, 50% of the offspring will be carriers only. Option A (0%) is incorrect as female offspring will inherit the X chromosome with the hemophilia gene from the mother. Option B (25%) is incorrect as the female offspring will not be unaffected. Option D (100%) is incorrect as not all offspring will be carriers, only the female offspring.

5. What kind of bond connects sugar and phosphate in DNA?

A. hydrogen
B. ionic
C. covalent
D. overt

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Sugar and phosphate are indeed connected by covalent bonds in DNA. Covalent bonds involve the sharing of electrons between atoms, which is essential for forming the backbone of the DNA molecule. Hydrogen bonds (Choice A) are important in holding the nitrogenous bases together in the DNA double helix but do not connect sugar and phosphate. Ionic bonds (Choice B) involve the transfer of electrons between atoms and are not the primary bond connecting sugar and phosphate in DNA. 'Overt' (Choice D) is not a type of chemical bond and is an incorrect distractor.