what is another name for the light independent reaction in plants
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HESI A2

Biology HESI A2 Practice Exam

1. What is another name for the light-independent reaction in plants?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The light-independent reaction in plants is also known as the Calvin cycle. This biochemical pathway, named after Melvin Calvin who discovered it, takes place in the stroma of chloroplasts and is responsible for converting carbon dioxide into glucose using ATP and NADPH generated during the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis. The Calvin cycle does not directly require light to function, hence the alternative name as the light-independent reaction. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Photosynthesis is the overall process of converting light energy into chemical energy, which includes both light-dependent and light-independent reactions. Germination is the process where a seed sprouts into a new plant. The phosphorus cycle is the biogeochemical cycle that describes the movement of phosphorus through the lithosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere.

2. Which is an example of a gymnosperm?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Red cedar is the correct answer as it is an example of a gymnosperm. Gymnosperms are plants that produce seeds not enclosed within an ovary or fruit. In the case of red cedar, it belongs to the gymnosperm group and has naked seeds that are exposed on the surface of scales or leaves. Choices B, C, and D are angiosperms, not gymnosperms. Japanese cherry, flowering dogwood, and American chestnut are all examples of angiosperms, which are flowering plants with seeds enclosed within an ovary.

3. Which of the following bases is not present in RNA?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Thymine is not present in RNA. RNA uses uracil as one of its bases, which pairs with adenine. In RNA, adenine does not pair with thymine as in DNA. Cytosine and guanine are the other two bases found in both RNA and DNA.

4. Choose the two bases that have two carbon rings:

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Adenine and guanine have two carbon rings and are known as purines. These bases are found in nucleic acids such as DNA and RNA. Adenine (option A) and guanine (option D) are the correct choices as they both have two carbon rings in their molecular structure. Cytosine (option B) and thymine (option C) have a single carbon ring each, making them incorrect choices for bases with two carbon rings.

5. What organelle pushes water out of the cell?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Vacuoles (contractile). Vacuoles (contractile) are responsible for expelling excess water out of the cell. Lysosomes are involved in the digestion and removal of waste materials, mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell involved in energy production, and the nucleus contains the cell's genetic material but does not play a role in pushing water out of the cell.

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