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. What is the correct order of the hierarchy of levels in the biological classification of organisms?

A. Kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, and species
B. Phylum, kingdom, class, order, family, genus, and species
C. Order, phylum, class, kingdom, family, genus, and species
D. Kingdom, phylum, order, class, family, genus, and species

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct order of the hierarchy of levels in the biological classification of organisms is Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, and Species. This order is based on the Linnaean system of classification, with each level representing a progressively more specific grouping of organisms. Choice B is incorrect because it starts with Phylum instead of Kingdom. Choice C is incorrect as it places Order before Phylum. Choice D is incorrect because it does not follow the correct order of the biological classification hierarchy.

3. A cell is in a solution in which the concentration of solutes is higher inside the cell than outside the cell. What would you expect to happen to the cell?

A. It will swell and possibly burst.
B. It will shrivel and shrink.
C. It will maintain its current size.
D. It will grow a supportive cell wall.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a cell is in a solution where the concentration of solutes is higher inside the cell than outside, it is in a hypertonic environment. In this situation, water will move into the cell in an attempt to equalize the concentration of solutes on both sides of the cell membrane through the process of osmosis. As a result, the cell will swell as it takes in more water, potentially leading to bursting or cell lysis. Choice B is incorrect because a cell in a hypertonic solution will not shrivel and shrink due to water moving into the cell. Choice C is incorrect because the cell will not maintain its current size; it will swell. Choice D is incorrect because growing a supportive cell wall is not the immediate response to being in a hypertonic environment.

4. If bacteria are placed in a strong solution of salt water, they will shrink as water moves out of the bacteria. What is this process called?

A. Dehydration synthesis
B. Hydrolysis
C. Osmosis
D. Isotonic transport

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Osmosis is the process by which water molecules move across a semipermeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration. In this case, when bacteria are placed in a strong solution of salt water, the high concentration of solutes outside the bacteria causes water to move out of the bacteria, leading to shrinkage. This process is known as osmosis. Dehydration synthesis (Choice A) is a process where molecules combine by removing water. Hydrolysis (Choice B) is the breakdown of molecules by the addition of water. Isotonic transport (Choice D) does not accurately describe the specific movement of water in or out of bacterial cells in a hypertonic solution.

5. What are the two catabolic pathways that lead to cellular energy production?

A. Fermentation and internal respiration
B. Fermentation and external respiration
C. Fermentation and cellular respiration
D. Fermentation and anaerobic respiration

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Fermentation and cellular respiration.' Fermentation is an anaerobic catabolic process that occurs in the absence of oxygen, producing limited amounts of ATP. Cellular respiration, on the other hand, is the aerobic catabolic pathway that occurs in the presence of oxygen and is the most efficient way of producing ATP. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because internal respiration, external respiration, and anaerobic respiration are not the correct pathways leading to cellular energy production.