Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System

2018, High School Biology

Question 32: Open-Response

Reporting Category: Biochemistry and Cell Biology
Standard: 2.1 - Relate cell parts/organelles (plasma membrane, nuclear envelope, nucleus, nucleolus, cytoplasm, mitochondrion, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, lysosome, ribosome, vacuole, cell wall, chloroplast, cytoskeleton, centriole, cilium, flagellum, pseudopod) to their functions. Explain the role of cell membranes as a highly selective barrier (diffusion, osmosis, facilitated diffusion, and active transport).

Clara made a model of an animal cell for science class. Her model is shown below.

Identify two animal cell structures that are missing from Clara’s model.
Describe the function of each cell structure you identified in part (a).

The model contains a large number of mitochondria.

Identify the main role of mitochondria in animal cells.
Identify one type of animal cell that typically contains large numbers of mitochondria.

Scoring Guide and Sample Student Work

Select a score point in the table below to view the sample student response.

Score	Description
4	The response demonstrates a thorough understanding of cell parts and their functions. The response correctly identifies two missing cell structures and clearly describes the function of each structure. The response also correctly identifies the main role of mitochondria and identifies one type of cell with large numbers of mitochondria.
4
3	The response demonstrates a general understanding of cell parts and their functions.
2	The response demonstrates a limited understanding of cell parts and their functions.
1	The response demonstrates a minimal understanding of cell parts and their functions.
0	The response is incorrect or contains some correct work that is irrelevant to the skill or concept being measured.

Note: There are 2 sample student responses for Score Point 4.

High School Biology

Question 12: Evolution and Biodiversity

Question 23: Anatomy and Physiology

Question 32: Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Question 44: Ecology

Question 45: Genetics

Return to the MCAS 2018 Student Work Directory

Last Updated: March 11, 2024