PSSA PSSA Life Science 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the basic unit of all living things?
- Tissue
- Organ
- Cell (Correct answer)
- Molecule
Correct answer: Cell
The cell is the basic structural and functional unit of all living organisms.
Question 2: Which organelle is known as the 'powerhouse of the cell'?
- Nucleus
- Ribosome
- Mitochondria (Correct answer)
- Vacuole
Correct answer: Mitochondria
The mitochondria produce ATP through cellular respiration, providing energy for the cell's activities.
Question 3: What is the process by which cells divide to produce two identical daughter cells?
- Meiosis
- Mitosis (Correct answer)
- Fertilization
- Diffusion
Correct answer: Mitosis
Mitosis is cell division that produces two genetically identical daughter cells, used for growth and repair.
Question 4: Which of the following is an example of a producer in an ecosystem?
- Deer
- Wolf
- Oak tree (Correct answer)
- Mushroom
Correct answer: Oak tree
An oak tree is a producer because it makes its own food through photosynthesis.
Question 5: What does DNA stand for?
- Deoxyribonucleic acid (Correct answer)
- Dioxyribonuclear acid
- Deoxyribose nucleotide array
- Dual nitrogen acid
Correct answer: Deoxyribonucleic acid
DNA stands for deoxyribonucleic acid, the molecule that carries genetic information in living organisms.
Question 6: Which type of organism breaks down dead organic matter and recycles nutrients?
- Producers
- Primary consumers
- Decomposers (Correct answer)
- Apex predators
Correct answer: Decomposers
Decomposers such as bacteria and fungi break down dead organic matter and return nutrients to the ecosystem.
PSSA PSSA Life Science 1
What is the basic unit of all living things?