Life Processes in Organisms

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Questions and Answers

In the context of multicellular organisms, what is the primary challenge that arises from the increased complexity of their body design, specifically in relation to the intake of food and oxygen?

The difficulty of transporting food and oxygen to all cells of the body, given that they are not all in direct contact with the external environment. (correct)
The potential for waste accumulation due to the increased metabolic activity of a larger organism.
The need for specialized tissues to perform specific tasks, such as digestion and respiration.
The increased demand for energy and materials due to the larger size of the organism.

Why is respiration considered an essential process for maintaining life in an organism?

Respiration is the process of removing waste by-products from the cell, preventing their accumulation and potential harm.
Respiration is the process of acquiring nutrients from the environment and converting them into usable energy for the cell.
Respiration is the process of generating energy by breaking down nutrients in the presence of oxygen, thus providing energy for cellular activities. (correct)

The passage mentions "autotrophs" and "heterotrophs". What is the fundamental difference between these two groups of organisms in terms of their nutrition?

Autotrophs are typically single-celled organisms, while heterotrophs are multicellular organisms.
Autotrophs obtain their energy from inorganic sources like carbon dioxide and water, while heterotrophs obtain their energy from complex organic substances.
Autotrophs are capable of creating their own food through photosynthesis, while heterotrophs obtain food from external sources. (correct)
Autotrophs primarily use photosynthesis for energy production, while heterotrophs utilize a process called chemosynthesis.

The passage discusses the role of enzymes in heterotrophic organisms. What is the primary function of enzymes in the context of heterotrophic nutrition?

Enzymes are biocatalysts that break down complex food molecules into simpler, usable forms for the organism. (C) Signup and view all the answers

The text describes how during photosynthesis, carbon dioxide and water are converted into carbohydrates. What is the significance of this process for the plant?

All of the above. (D) Signup and view all the answers

The statement 'If diffusion were to move oxygen in our body, it is estimated that it would take 3 years for a molecule of oxygen to get to our toes from our lungs' highlights which concept?

The limitations of diffusion over long distances in large organisms. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a direct consequence of smoking that is described in the passage?

Enhanced absorption of oxygen in the lungs. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Based on the information provided, what is the primary role of haemoglobin in the human respiratory system?

To transport oxygen from the lungs to the body's cells. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why is it significant that the heart has separate chambers for oxygen-rich and carbon dioxide-rich blood?

To prevent the mixing of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood, ensuring efficient oxygen delivery. (C) Signup and view all the answers

The passage states that 'the lungs always contain a residual volume of air'. What is the most likely reason for this?

To ensure that there is always a supply of oxygen available for diffusion into the blood. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Consider the statement: 'When the body size of animals is large, the diffusion pressure alone cannot take care of oxygen delivery to all parts of the body'. Which of the following explanations best supports this statement?

The distance between the lungs and the farthest cells increases in larger animals, making diffusion less efficient. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately describes the role of bile in digestion?

Bile emulsifies fats, increasing their surface area and facilitating enzyme action. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the sphincter muscle at the exit of the stomach?

To control the rate at which food enters the small intestine. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for the food in the small intestine to be alkaline?

Alkalinity neutralizes the acidic chyme from the stomach, facilitating the action of pancreatic enzymes. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the villi in the small intestine?

To increase the surface area for absorption of nutrients. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following enzymes is responsible for the breakdown of starch in the mouth?

Salivary Amylase (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct sequence of organs involved in the digestive process?

Mouth, Stomach, Small Intestine, Large Intestine (D) Signup and view all the answers

During anaerobic respiration in yeast, what is the fate of pyruvate?

It is converted into ethanol and carbon dioxide. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How does the length of the small intestine vary in different animals?

Herbivores have longer small intestines than carnivores to allow for the efficient breakdown of cellulose. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of ATP in cellular processes?

To provide energy for cellular activities. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the primary difference between aerobic and anaerobic respiration?

Aerobic respiration uses oxygen, while anaerobic respiration does not. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for the body to remove waste products from the digestive system?

Waste products can be harmful to the body and can cause illness if they are not removed. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the process of gas exchange in plants is TRUE?

Plants primarily take in carbon dioxide during the night and oxygen during the day. (B) Signup and view all the answers

During which process is a three-carbon pyruvate molecule broken down into carbon dioxide and water?

Aerobic respiration. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the acid in our stomach?

To aid in the digestion of proteins and kill harmful bacteria. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why do fish breathe at a much faster rate than terrestrial animals?

The amount of dissolved oxygen in water is much lower than in air. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is TRUE regarding the exchange of gases in animals?

The organs involved in gas exchange are typically located within the body for protection. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of digestive enzymes?

To break down large food molecules into smaller, absorbable units. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately describes the role of potassium hydroxide in the experiment involving two plants, one with potassium hydroxide and one without, under bell jars?

It absorbs carbon dioxide, preventing the plant from obtaining this necessary nutrient for photosynthesis. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How is the small intestine designed to maximize the absorption of digested food?

Its length provides a large surface area for absorption. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the guard cells in the context of photosynthesis?

To control the opening and closing of stomata, regulating the exchange of gases and water vapor for photosynthesis. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the observation of starch in the leaf after the iodine test? What can you conclude about the location of starch on the leaf?

The presence of starch indicates that the plant has performed photosynthesis, and the starch is concentrated in the areas where the most light was absorbed by chlorophyll. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Consider the steps involved in photosynthesis. Which of the following scenarios accurately describes the potential order of these steps in a desert plant?

Desert plants may take in carbon dioxide at night and prepare an intermediate that is acted upon by the energy absorbed by chlorophyll during the day. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the type of nutrition seen in fungi like bread moulds? How do they obtain their nutrients?

Fungi, like bread moulds, are saprophytes, obtaining nutrition by breaking down dead organic matter. (A) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of human digestion, what is the primary function of the alimentary canal?

The alimentary canal is a storage site for food, breaking down the food into smaller particles through the release of enzymes and acids, preparing it for absorption. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why is invisible molecular movement deemed essential for life, based on the provided text?

Because it enables the constant repair and maintenance of the highly organized structures that define life. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT cited as a reason why the presence of visible movement is insufficient to definitively determine if something is alive?

The lack of visible movement in viruses is a key reason for the controversy about their life status. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Based on the text, why is the categorization of viruses as 'alive' controversial?

Viruses lack molecular movement, a characteristic deemed essential for life in the text. (D) Signup and view all the answers

The text uses the example of a plant that is not visibly growing to highlight what concept related to life processes?

The challenge of defining life solely based on visible movement. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement BEST summarizes the text's overall argument about life processes?

Life processes are essential for maintaining order within the complex structures of living organisms. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Living vs Non-Living

Characteristics that differentiate living organisms from non-living things.

Molecular Movement

Invisible movements of molecules essential for life maintenance.