Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) Secondary Integrated Science Practice test

Which statement about the organization of life is correct?

1. Molecules come before cells

2. Organ systems are the simplest level of organization

3. Cells are made of organelles

4. Organisms are composed solely of tissues

The correct answer is: Cells are made of organelles

The statement that cells are made of organelles is accurate because organelles are specialized structures within cells that perform distinct functions necessary for the cell's life processes. For instance, mitochondria produce energy, the endoplasmic reticulum synthesizes proteins and lipids, and the nucleus houses the cell's genetic material. This level of organization is fundamental, as it illustrates how complex life forms are built from smaller, functional units that work together within the cell. In contrast, the other statements do not accurately reflect the levels of biological organization. For example, molecules are the building blocks of cells, so stating that they come before cells misrepresents their hierarchical relationship. Additionally, organ systems are a higher level of organization than cells and are composed of various tissues working together. Lastly, organisms are comprised of multiple levels of organization, including cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems, rather than being solely made up of tissues. This understanding of organization levels is critical in biology, particularly when discussing the structure and function of living organisms.