ACT Science Quiz: Interpreting Data From Tables

PASSAGE VI

BIOLOGY / GENETICS: Research Summary

Introduction

Restriction enzymes are proteins that cut DNA molecules at specific, predictable sequences of base pairs (bp). Gel electrophoresis is a technique used to separate these resulting DNA fragments by size. When an electrical current is applied to the gel, the negatively charged DNA fragments migrate toward the positive electrode. Smaller DNA fragments move through the gel much faster and travel further than larger fragments.

A researcher isolated a circular bacterial plasmid (a ring of DNA) consisting of exactly 5,000 bp. To map the plasmid, the researcher treated identical samples of the plasmid with different restriction enzymes—Enzyme 1 (E1), Enzyme 2 (E2), and Enzyme 3 (E3)—both individually and in combinations.

After allowing the enzymes to cut the DNA, the researcher ran the samples on an electrophoresis gel. A dye was added to make the DNA bands visible. The size of the fragments in each band was recorded in Table 1.

Based on the passage, which of the following fragments from Table 1 would migrate the furthest distance from the starting well during electrophoresis?

PASSAGE VI

Fruit Fly Genetics

Introduction

In the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, eye color is a sex-linked trait determined by a gene on the X chromosome. The allele for the wild-type red eye color ($X^R$) is dominant, while the allele for the mutant white eye color ($X^r$) is recessive.

Females (XX): Inherit one X chromosome from each parent. A female will have white eyes only if she is homozygous recessive ($X^r X^r$).

Males (XY): Inherit an X chromosome from the mother and a Y chromosome from the father. Because the Y chromosome does not carry the eye color gene, a male expresses whichever allele is present on his single X chromosome (X^R Y \= Red; X^r Y \= White).

Students conducted two studies to observe these inheritance patterns.

Study 1

The students crossed a homozygous red-eyed female ($X^R X^R$) with a white-eyed male ($X^r Y$). To predict the genotypes of the offspring, they constructed a Punnett square (Figure 1).

They then collected 100 offspring (the F1 generation) and recorded the results in Table 1.

Study 2

The students performed the reciprocal cross. They crossed a white-eyed female ($X^r X^r$) with a red-eyed male ($X^R Y$). A second Punnett square was constructed to predict the outcome (Figure 2).

They collected 100 offspring and recorded the results in Table 2.

Based on Table 1, what percent of the F1 offspring in Study 1 had white eyes?

A chemistry lab measured the pH of a buffer solution after adding different volumes of acid. Use Table 1 to answer the question.

When 6.0 mL of acid was added, the pH was:

A lab tested how enzyme concentration affects reaction rate. Reaction rate was measured as product formed per minute under constant temperature and pH. Table 1 lists the results.

Based on Table 1, when enzyme concentration increased from 0.20 mg/mL to 0.40 mg/mL, the reaction rate changed by:

Researchers tested how water temperature affects the time needed for a tablet to dissolve in 200 mL of water. Each trial used the same tablet mass and the same stirring rate. The results are shown in Table 1.

According to Table 1, what was the dissolve time when the water temperature was 40 °C?

An environmental lab measured nitrate concentration in river water at different distances downstream from a wastewater outlet. Samples were collected the same day and analyzed with the same instrument. Table 1 reports the results.

At a distance of 5.0 km downstream, the nitrate concentration was:

A nutrition study compared the caffeine content of several beverages. Each value in Table 1 represents the caffeine measured from a 355 mL (12 oz) serving. The same analytical method was used for all beverages.

Based on Table 1, which beverage had the lowest caffeine content per serving?

A microbiology lab incubated bacterial cultures at different temperatures for 12 hours and then measured optical density (OD) at 600 nm as an estimate of cell density. All cultures started with the same initial OD. Table 1 reports the final measurements.

Based on Table 1, at which incubation temperature was the final OD highest?

PASSAGE V

BIOLOGY: Data Representation

Introduction

Photosynthesis is the process by which plants use light energy to synthesize glucose. Plants capture light energy using pigment molecules located in their leaves. Different pigments absorb different wavelengths of visible light. The visible light spectrum ranges from 400 nanometers (nm), which is violet light, to 700 nm, which is red light. Light that is not absorbed is reflected (which determines the color the plant appears to the human eye).

A botanist investigated the light absorption and photosynthetic activity of a specific species of green plant.

Study 1

The botanist extracted the three primary photosynthetic pigments from the plant's leaves: Chlorophyll a, Chlorophyll b, and Carotenoids. Figure 1 shows the absorption spectrum for each pigment, which indicates the relative amount of light absorbed by each pigment at different wavelengths.

Study 2

The botanist then measured the overall action spectrum of the living, intact plant. The action spectrum shows the actual relative rate of photosynthesis (measured by oxygen production) for the whole plant when it is exposed to different wavelengths of light. Findings are shown in Figure 2

Based on Table 2, what is the relationship between blade pitch angle and power output? As the pitch angle increases from 0° to 40°, the power output:

PASSAGE VII

PHYSICS: Data Representation

Introduction

A student investigated the relationship between voltage ($V$), current ($I$), and resistance ($R$) in a simple direct current (DC) electrical circuit.

•Voltage ($V$) is the electrical potential difference provided by a power source, measured in volts (V).

•Current ($I$) is the rate of flow of electrical charge, measured in amperes (A).

•Resistance ($R$) is the opposition to the flow of charge, measured in ohms ($\Omega$).

The student set up a circuit containing a variable voltage power supply, a resistor, and an ammeter (a device used to measure current).

Experiment 1

In the first experiment, the student used a resistor with a constant resistance of $10.0 \ \Omega$. The student varied the voltage supplied to the circuit from 2.0 V to 10.0 V and recorded the resulting current measured by the ammeter. Results are shown in Table 1.

Experiment 2

In the second experiment, the student set the power supply to provide a constant voltage of $12.0 \text{ V}$. The student then swapped out the resistor, testing five different resistors with varying resistance values, and recorded the resulting current for each. Results are shown in Table 2.

Based on Table 2, as the resistance in the circuit increases from 2.0 Ω to 12.0 Ω, the current in the circuit:

PASSAGE II

BIOLOGY: Research Summary

Soil salinity (salt concentration) and pH can significantly affect seed germination. A botanist conducted two studies to determine how these factors influence the germination rate of Medicago sativa (alfalfa) seeds. •Note: Germination rate is the percentage of planted seeds that successfully sprout.

Study 1

The botanist prepared 5 identical planting trays. Each tray was filled with 1 kilogram (kg) of the same potting soil. The botanist adjusted the soil in each tray to have a different concentration of sodium chloride (NaCl), measured in millimoles per kilogram (mM/kg). The soil pH for all trays was kept constant at 6.5.

Fifty M. sativa seeds were planted in each tray. The trays were placed in a greenhouse with a constant temperature of $25^\circ\text{C}$ and watered equally every day for 14 days. On day 14, the germination rate was recorded. Results are shown in Table 1.

Study 2

The botanist prepared 5 new trays with the same potting soil. This time, the NaCl concentration in all trays was kept constant at 40 mM/kg. The botanist adjusted the soil pH in each tray to a different value, ranging from highly acidic to highly basic.

Fifty M. sativa seeds were planted in each tray. The greenhouse conditions, watering schedule, and duration were identical to those in Study 1. Results are shown in Table 2.

According to the results of Study 1, as the NaCl concentration increased from 0 mM/kg to 160 mM/kg, the germination rate of M. sativa seeds:

PASSAGE VI

BIOLOGY / GENETICS: Research Summary

Introduction

Restriction enzymes are proteins that cut DNA molecules at specific, predictable sequences of base pairs (bp). Gel electrophoresis is a technique used to separate these resulting DNA fragments by size. When an electrical current is applied to the gel, the negatively charged DNA fragments migrate toward the positive electrode. Smaller DNA fragments move through the gel much faster and travel further than larger fragments.

A researcher isolated a circular bacterial plasmid (a ring of DNA) consisting of exactly 5,000 bp. To map the plasmid, the researcher treated identical samples of the plasmid with different restriction enzymes—Enzyme 1 (E1), Enzyme 2 (E2), and Enzyme 3 (E3)—both individually and in combinations.

After allowing the enzymes to cut the DNA, the researcher ran the samples on an electrophoresis gel. A dye was added to make the DNA bands visible. The size of the fragments in each band was recorded in Table 1.

According to Table 1, how many distinct DNA bands would be visible in Lane 3 of the electrophoresis gel?

PASSAGE II

BIOLOGY: Research Summary

Introduction

Transpiration is the process by which moisture is carried through plants from roots to small pores on the underside of leaves, where it changes to vapor and is released to the atmosphere. A botanist conducted two studies to investigate how environmental factors affect the transpiration rate of Spathiphyllum (peace lily) plants.

Study 1

The botanist placed 5 identical Spathiphyllum plants into 5 identical environmentally controlled chambers. The relative humidity inside all chambers was kept constant at 40%, and the temperature was kept constant at 22°C. The botanist varied the light intensity—measured in micromoles of photons per square meter per second ($\mu mol/m^2/s$)—in each chamber. After 4 hours, the botanist measured the mass of water lost by each plant to calculate the transpiration rate in milligrams of water per square centimeter of leaf area per hour ($mg/cm^2/hr$). Results are shown in Table 1.

Study 2

The botanist obtained 5 new, identical Spathiphyllum plants and placed them in the chambers. This time, the light intensity in all chambers was kept constant at 400 $\mu mol/m^2/s$ and the temperature at 22°C. The botanist varied the relative humidity in each chamber. The transpiration rates were calculated after 4 hours. Results are shown in Table 2.

Based on Study 2, what is the relationship between relative humidity and transpiration rate?

PASSAGE II

Reaction Rates

Introduction

The rate of a chemical reaction is defined as the speed at which reactants are consumed or products are formed. Students conducted three studies to investigate the factors affecting the rate of the reaction between magnesium ribbon (Mg) and hydrochloric acid (HCl). The reaction produces magnesium chloride (MgCl₂) and hydrogen gas (H₂):

$Mg(s) + 2HCl(aq) \rightarrow MgCl_2(aq) + H_2(g)$

In each trial, the students placed a specific mass of Mg into a flask containing excess HCl. They measured the time required to collect 50 mL of H₂ gas.

Study 1

In Trials 1–3, the students varied the concentration of the HCl solution while keeping the temperature constant at 20°C. In each trial, a 0.5 g strip of Mg ribbon was used. The results are shown in Table 1.

Study 2

In Trials 4–6, the students varied the temperature of the HCl solution while keeping the concentration constant at 1.0 M. In each trial, a 0.5 g strip of Mg ribbon was used. The results are shown in Table 2.

Study 3

The students investigated the effect of surface area on reaction rate. They performed two trials using 1.0 M HCl at 20°C.

• Trial 7: Used a 0.5 g strip of Mg ribbon (Low Surface Area).
• Trial 8: Used 0.5 g of Mg powder (High Surface Area).

In both trials, the total mass of Mg was kept constant at 0.5 g to ensure the same theoretical yield of gas. They measured the volume of gas produced over time. The results are shown in Figure 1.

Based on Table 1, as the concentration of HCl increases from 1.0 M to 3.0 M, the time required to collect 50 mL of gas:

A chemistry class prepared salt solutions with different salt masses dissolved in the same final volume of water (1.00 L). The density of each solution was then measured at 25 °C. Table 1 shows the results.

According to Table 1, what was the density when 100 g of salt was used?

A materials science team measured the electrical resistance of a wire at different lengths while keeping the wire type and temperature constant. Use Table 1 to answer the question.

According to Table 1, what was the resistance when the wire length was 1.5 m?

A public health team recorded the number of new cases of an illness in five neighborhoods during one week and also measured the percent of residents vaccinated. Table 1 shows the data.

Based on Table 1, which neighborhood had the lowest number of new cases?

PASSAGE II

Reaction Rates

Introduction

The rate of a chemical reaction is defined as the speed at which reactants are consumed or products are formed. Students conducted three studies to investigate the factors affecting the rate of the reaction between magnesium ribbon (Mg) and hydrochloric acid (HCl). The reaction produces magnesium chloride (MgCl₂) and hydrogen gas (H₂):

$Mg(s) + 2HCl(aq) \rightarrow MgCl_2(aq) + H_2(g)$

In each trial, the students placed a specific mass of Mg into a flask containing excess HCl. They measured the time required to collect 50 mL of H₂ gas.

Study 1

In Trials 1–3, the students varied the concentration of the HCl solution while keeping the temperature constant at 20°C. In each trial, a 0.5 g strip of Mg ribbon was used. The results are shown in Table 1.

Study 2

In Trials 4–6, the students varied the temperature of the HCl solution while keeping the concentration constant at 1.0 M. In each trial, a 0.5 g strip of Mg ribbon was used. The results are shown in Table 2.

Study 3

The students investigated the effect of surface area on reaction rate. They performed two trials using 1.0 M HCl at 20°C.

• Trial 7: Used a 0.5 g strip of Mg ribbon (Low Surface Area).
• Trial 8: Used 0.5 g of Mg powder (High Surface Area).

In both trials, the total mass of Mg was kept constant at 0.5 g to ensure the same theoretical yield of gas. They measured the volume of gas produced over time. The results are shown in Figure 1.

Suppose the students had conducted a trial in Study 1 using 1.5 M HCl at 20°C. Based on the trend in Table 1, the time required to collect 50 mL of gas would most likely be:

PASSAGE III

Pendulum Motion

Introduction

A simple pendulum consists of a mass (the bob) attached to the end of a thin cord of negligible mass. The period (T) of the pendulum is the time required for the bob to complete one full oscillation (swing back and forth).

Students performed three studies to determine how the length of the cord (L), the mass of the bob (m), and the release angle (θ) affect the period of a pendulum. In all trials, the pendulum was released from rest.

Study 1

To test the effect of mass on the period, the students used a pendulum with a constant length L = 1.0 m and a constant release angle θ = 10°. They attached bobs of various masses to the cord. For each mass, they measured the time for 10 oscillations and calculated the average period. The results are shown in Table 1.

Study 2

To test the effect of length on the period, the students used a constant mass m = 100 g and a constant release angle θ = 10°. They varied the length of the cord from 0.25 m to 2.25 m. The results are graphed in Figure 1.

Study 3

To test the effect of the release angle, the students used a constant mass m = 100 g and a constant length L = 1.0 m. They released the pendulum from various angles. The results are shown in Table 2.

Based on the results of Study 1, which of the following best describes the relationship between the mass of the bob and the period of the pendulum?

PASSAGE IV

CHEMISTRY: Research Summary

Introduction

Colligative properties are properties of a solution that depend on the ratio of the number of solute particles to the number of solvent molecules, and not on the identity of the solute. Two common colligative properties are freezing point depression (a lowering of the freezing point) and boiling point elevation (an increase in the boiling point).

At standard atmospheric pressure (1 atm), pure liquid water ($H_2O$) has a freezing point of $0.00^\circ\text{C}$ and a boiling point of $100.00^\circ\text{C}$. Students conducted two studies to investigate how adding different solutes to 1.00 kilogram (kg) of water affects these points.

Study 1

Sodium chloride (NaCl) is a salt that completely dissociates (breaks apart) into two separate ions ($Na^+$ and $Cl^-$) when dissolved in water. The students added varying amounts of NaCl, measured in moles (mol), to 1.00 kg of water. They measured the resulting freezing point and boiling point of the solutions. Measurements are shown in Table 1.

Study 2

The students wanted to see how the number of particles a molecule dissociates into ($n$) affects the freezing and boiling points. They gathered three different solutes:

•Sucrose ($C_{12}H_{22}O_{11}$): Does not dissociate in water (n \= 1).

•Sodium chloride (NaCl): Dissociates into 2 ions (n \= 2).

•Magnesium chloride ($MgCl_2$): Dissociates into 3 ions ($Mg^{2+}$ and two $Cl^-$ ions) (n \= 3).

They added exactly 1.00 mole of each solute to separate beakers containing 1.00 kg of water and recorded the results. Findings are shown in Table 2.

According to Study 2, how does the dissociation of the solute affect the freezing point of the water?