Ohio Grade 8 Achievement Test for Science – May 2007
Annotated Item 29
Standard and Benchmark Assessed:
Standard:
Benchmark:
Life Sciences
A. Explain that the basic functions of organisms are carried out in cells and
groups of specialized cells form tissues and organs; the combination of these
cells make up multicellular organisms that have a variety of body plans and
internal structures.
Multiple Choice Question:
Use the information below to answer questions 27-29.
The diagram below represents a cross section of a lagoon and some of its aquatic organisms. A
magnified view (400X magnification) of each organism is shown.
Lagoon
Source: Ohio Department of Education
August 07
Ohio Grade 8 Achievement Test for Science – May 2007
Annotated Item 29
29.
Structure Z serves the same function in each of the organisms.
What is the function of structure Z in the water lily, fish and paramecium cells?
A.
B.
C.
D.
to move the cells
to control cellular activities
to carry out photosynthesis
to allow nutrients to enter and exit the cells
Commentary:
This multiple choice question asks students to identify the function of an identified structure, the
cell nucleus, in three different organisms. Students must recall that cells carry out life functions
through the work of their organelles (e.g., nucleus, mitochondria, vacuoles, cell wall, and cell
membrane). Students should recall the similarities and differences between plant and animal
cells. Students should observe that the arrow in the diagram points to Structure Z, the cell’s
nucleus in all three organisms. Students must recall that the cell nucleus contains the cell's
hereditary material and controls its metabolism, growth, and reproduction. Answer choice B is
correct because the cell nucleus controls cellular activities for all three organisms. Answer
choice A is incorrect because the job of the nucleus is not to move entire cells. Cell motility is
the function of flagella or cilia. Answer choice C is incorrect because the nucleus of the cell is
not responsible for carrying out photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is the function of chloroplasts in
plant cells but chloroplasts are not found in fish or paramecium. Answer choice D is incorrect
because the nucleus of the cell does not directly control the movement of nutrients into and out
of the cell. The cell membrane serves as a barrier between the cell and its surrounding
environment, controlling the entry and exit of materials.
This question is classified as Recalling/Identifying Accurate Science because the task requires
students to recall some basic cellular organelles and their functions in order to accurately
identify the cell nucleus and its function in a fish, paramecium and plant cell.
Performance Data:
The percent of public school students selecting answer choice B for question 29 on the May
2007 Ohio Grade 8 Achievement Test for Science was 37%.
Keywords:
cell, nucleus
Source: Ohio Department of Education
August 07