LATEST PRAXIS ELEMENTARY
EDUCATION: SCIENCE (5005) OFFERED
BY ETS CERTIFICATION EXAM | Q&A WITH
RATIONALES
1. Which of the following best describes the primary
function of mitochondria in a cell?
A) To synthesize proteins
B) To store genetic information
C) To convert glucose into usable energy (ATP)
D) To transport materials within the cell
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Mitochondria are often called the
"powerhouses" of the cell because they are the site
of cellular respiration, where glucose is broken
down to produce ATP (energy).
2. What is the process by which plants convert light
energy into chemical energy?
A) Cellular respiration
B) Photosynthesis
,C) Fermentation
D) Transpiration
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Photosynthesis is the process by which
plants, algae, and some bacteria use sunlight,
water, and carbon dioxide to produce glucose
(chemical energy) and oxygen.
3. Which of the following is a renewable resource?
A) Coal
B) Natural gas
C) Solar energy
D) Petroleum
Correct answer: C
Rationale: A renewable resource is one that can be
replenished naturally over time. Solar energy is
inexhaustible and renewable, while coal, natural
gas, and petroleum are nonrenewable fossil fuels.
,4. In the water cycle, the process by which water
vapor changes directly into ice without becoming
liquid is called:
A) Condensation
B) Evaporation
C) Sublimation
D) Deposition
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Deposition is the phase change in which a
gas (water vapor) transforms directly into a solid
(ice) without passing through the liquid phase. This
occurs, for example, when frost forms on a cold
morning.
5. Which of the following is the largest organ in the
human body?
A) The liver
B) The heart
C) The skin
D) The brain
Correct answer: C
, Rationale: The skin is the largest organ of the human
body, serving as a protective barrier, regulating
temperature, and providing sensory information.
6. A student observes that a rock sample has visible
layers. This observation most likely indicates that
the rock is:
A) Igneous
B) Metamorphic
C) Sedimentary
D) Volcanic
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Sedimentary rocks are formed from the
accumulation and compaction of sediment over
time, often resulting in distinct layers (strata).
7. Which of the following is a physical change?
A) Burning wood
B) Rusting iron
C) Melting ice
D) Digesting food
EDUCATION: SCIENCE (5005) OFFERED
BY ETS CERTIFICATION EXAM | Q&A WITH
RATIONALES
1. Which of the following best describes the primary
function of mitochondria in a cell?
A) To synthesize proteins
B) To store genetic information
C) To convert glucose into usable energy (ATP)
D) To transport materials within the cell
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Mitochondria are often called the
"powerhouses" of the cell because they are the site
of cellular respiration, where glucose is broken
down to produce ATP (energy).
2. What is the process by which plants convert light
energy into chemical energy?
A) Cellular respiration
B) Photosynthesis
,C) Fermentation
D) Transpiration
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Photosynthesis is the process by which
plants, algae, and some bacteria use sunlight,
water, and carbon dioxide to produce glucose
(chemical energy) and oxygen.
3. Which of the following is a renewable resource?
A) Coal
B) Natural gas
C) Solar energy
D) Petroleum
Correct answer: C
Rationale: A renewable resource is one that can be
replenished naturally over time. Solar energy is
inexhaustible and renewable, while coal, natural
gas, and petroleum are nonrenewable fossil fuels.
,4. In the water cycle, the process by which water
vapor changes directly into ice without becoming
liquid is called:
A) Condensation
B) Evaporation
C) Sublimation
D) Deposition
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Deposition is the phase change in which a
gas (water vapor) transforms directly into a solid
(ice) without passing through the liquid phase. This
occurs, for example, when frost forms on a cold
morning.
5. Which of the following is the largest organ in the
human body?
A) The liver
B) The heart
C) The skin
D) The brain
Correct answer: C
, Rationale: The skin is the largest organ of the human
body, serving as a protective barrier, regulating
temperature, and providing sensory information.
6. A student observes that a rock sample has visible
layers. This observation most likely indicates that
the rock is:
A) Igneous
B) Metamorphic
C) Sedimentary
D) Volcanic
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Sedimentary rocks are formed from the
accumulation and compaction of sediment over
time, often resulting in distinct layers (strata).
7. Which of the following is a physical change?
A) Burning wood
B) Rusting iron
C) Melting ice
D) Digesting food
