NLN PAX Science Practice Exam Test Bank
2026/2027 – Questions & Answers | A+
Graded
Cell - correct answer-the smallest living unit and the basic unit of function and
structure for all living things.
Nucleus - correct answer-contains the genetic information, or DNA, and controls
the activities of the cell.
Plasma (cell) membrane - correct answer-separates the contents of the cell from
the surrounding fluid (interstitial fluid)
Semipermeable membrane - correct answer-refers to the selective nature of the
plasma membrane. It contains pores and channels that allow only particles of the
right size or the right chemical nature to pass through.
Interstitial fluide - correct answer-contains substances such as amino acids,
sugars, fatty acids, hormones, neurotransmitters, and salts.
,Cytoplasm - correct answer-is the fluid matrix found between the plasma
membrane and the nucleus that acts as scaffolding for the organelles.
Organelles - correct answer-(little organs) are specialized units in the cell that per
form certain functions.
Mitochondria - correct answer-are the locations for cellular respiration, that is,
the conversion of food to energy at the cellular level. The site of energy
production and of most of its ATP.
ATP (adenosine triphosphate) - correct answer-the chemical the cell uses to store
and transfer energy within itself.
Ribosomes - correct answer-are the sites of protein synthesis in the cell
Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) - correct answer-Ribosomes are attached. Serves as a
means for transport within the cell and is made up of many channels. Rough
endoplasmic reticulum named for the fact that it has ribosomes on its surface,
serves to store and deliver the proteins made by the attached ribosomes. Smooth
ER is free of ribosomes it performs varying functions in different cells, including
the storage of enzymes and minerals and the folding of proteins, among other
things. It is thought to be involved in the detoxification of chemicals and the
metabolism of fats.
Golgi complex - correct answer-modifies and packages proteins destined for use
in the cell or for export from the cell.
,Lysosomes - correct answer-are sacs that contain strong digestive enzymes. These
sacs are responsible for digesting cell structures that are no longer living or that
are malfunctioning, and for digesting waste.
Cell wall - correct answer-Only plant cells have them. It is responsible for the
protection of the cell, the maintenance of the shape, and water balance.
Chloroplasts - correct answer-contain chlorophyll, which is necessary for
photosynthesis.
Vacuoles - correct answer-plant cells also often large ones. Which are
compartments in the cytoplasm that act as places for secretion, excretion, and
storage.
Chromatin - correct answer-DNA is in this loosely structured form when it is not
dividing
Chromosomes - correct answer-DNA is seen in condensed rod-shaped bodies
when the cell is dividing
Mitosis - correct answer-When cells divide, the appropriate amount of genetic
material must be passed on to the new, or so-called daughter, cells. In somatic
(non reproductive) cells, the new cells are identical copies of the parent cells. This
is achieved by a doubling of the chromosomes prior to division. It is useful in the
growth and repair of our bodies.
Zygote - correct answer-the cell created by the union of a sperm and egg contains
a full set of chromosomes, half from each parent.
, Meiosis - correct answer-Another type of division takes place in the production of
gametes. It contains half of the normal number of chromosomes. It consists first
of doubling of chromosomes and then two subsequent divisions. Thus the
products are four daughter cells, each with half the normal number of
chromosomes.
Muscle tissue - correct answer-skeletal, cardiac, and smooth
Epithelial tissue - correct answer-skin, the lining of organs
Nervous tissue - correct answer-neurons
Connective tissue - correct answer-cartilage, blood, fat, bone
Organ - correct answer-performs a specialized function in the body.
Organ system - correct answer-made up of a number of organs working together
to carry out a major function.
Organism - correct answer-the highest level of organization such as the human
body
Evolution - correct answer-is a theory regarding the processes that have
produced the biological diversity we see today.
2026/2027 – Questions & Answers | A+
Graded
Cell - correct answer-the smallest living unit and the basic unit of function and
structure for all living things.
Nucleus - correct answer-contains the genetic information, or DNA, and controls
the activities of the cell.
Plasma (cell) membrane - correct answer-separates the contents of the cell from
the surrounding fluid (interstitial fluid)
Semipermeable membrane - correct answer-refers to the selective nature of the
plasma membrane. It contains pores and channels that allow only particles of the
right size or the right chemical nature to pass through.
Interstitial fluide - correct answer-contains substances such as amino acids,
sugars, fatty acids, hormones, neurotransmitters, and salts.
,Cytoplasm - correct answer-is the fluid matrix found between the plasma
membrane and the nucleus that acts as scaffolding for the organelles.
Organelles - correct answer-(little organs) are specialized units in the cell that per
form certain functions.
Mitochondria - correct answer-are the locations for cellular respiration, that is,
the conversion of food to energy at the cellular level. The site of energy
production and of most of its ATP.
ATP (adenosine triphosphate) - correct answer-the chemical the cell uses to store
and transfer energy within itself.
Ribosomes - correct answer-are the sites of protein synthesis in the cell
Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) - correct answer-Ribosomes are attached. Serves as a
means for transport within the cell and is made up of many channels. Rough
endoplasmic reticulum named for the fact that it has ribosomes on its surface,
serves to store and deliver the proteins made by the attached ribosomes. Smooth
ER is free of ribosomes it performs varying functions in different cells, including
the storage of enzymes and minerals and the folding of proteins, among other
things. It is thought to be involved in the detoxification of chemicals and the
metabolism of fats.
Golgi complex - correct answer-modifies and packages proteins destined for use
in the cell or for export from the cell.
,Lysosomes - correct answer-are sacs that contain strong digestive enzymes. These
sacs are responsible for digesting cell structures that are no longer living or that
are malfunctioning, and for digesting waste.
Cell wall - correct answer-Only plant cells have them. It is responsible for the
protection of the cell, the maintenance of the shape, and water balance.
Chloroplasts - correct answer-contain chlorophyll, which is necessary for
photosynthesis.
Vacuoles - correct answer-plant cells also often large ones. Which are
compartments in the cytoplasm that act as places for secretion, excretion, and
storage.
Chromatin - correct answer-DNA is in this loosely structured form when it is not
dividing
Chromosomes - correct answer-DNA is seen in condensed rod-shaped bodies
when the cell is dividing
Mitosis - correct answer-When cells divide, the appropriate amount of genetic
material must be passed on to the new, or so-called daughter, cells. In somatic
(non reproductive) cells, the new cells are identical copies of the parent cells. This
is achieved by a doubling of the chromosomes prior to division. It is useful in the
growth and repair of our bodies.
Zygote - correct answer-the cell created by the union of a sperm and egg contains
a full set of chromosomes, half from each parent.
, Meiosis - correct answer-Another type of division takes place in the production of
gametes. It contains half of the normal number of chromosomes. It consists first
of doubling of chromosomes and then two subsequent divisions. Thus the
products are four daughter cells, each with half the normal number of
chromosomes.
Muscle tissue - correct answer-skeletal, cardiac, and smooth
Epithelial tissue - correct answer-skin, the lining of organs
Nervous tissue - correct answer-neurons
Connective tissue - correct answer-cartilage, blood, fat, bone
Organ - correct answer-performs a specialized function in the body.
Organ system - correct answer-made up of a number of organs working together
to carry out a major function.
Organism - correct answer-the highest level of organization such as the human
body
Evolution - correct answer-is a theory regarding the processes that have
produced the biological diversity we see today.
