Question 1

A student is conducting an experiment to test the effect of a new fertilizer on plant growth. Which of the following best represents the correct sequence of steps in the scientific method?

Accepted Answer

Make observations → Formulate a hypothesis → Conduct experiment → Analyze data → Draw conclusions

Question 2

A solution has a pH of 5. If you dilute it tenfold with pure water, what will be the new pH? (Assume the solution is a strong acid and the dilution is ideal.)

Accepted Answer

$$pH = 6$$

Question 3

Which of the following best explains why buffers are important in biological systems?

Accepted Answer

Buffers prevent drastic changes in pH, allowing enzymes to function properly.

Question 4

You have a solution of unknown pH. You measure its absorbance and use a standard curve to determine its pH. Which of the following best describes the role of the standard curve in this process?

Accepted Answer

It provides a relationship between absorbance and known pH values, enabling you to estimate the unknown pH.

Question 5

Convert 45 millimeters (mm) to centimeters (cm).

Accepted Answer

$$4.5\ \mathrm{cm}$$

Question 6

Which of the following molecules is considered organic?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{C}_6\mathrm{H}_{12}\mathrm{O}_6$$

Question 7

A student performs a Benedict's test on four solutions. Which result indicates the presence of reducing sugars?

Accepted Answer

A brick-red precipitate after heating

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the basic structure of an amino acid?

Accepted Answer

A central carbon atom bonded to a hydrogen atom, an amino group ($$-\mathrm{NH}_2$$), a carboxyl group ($$-\mathrm{COOH}$$), and a variable R group

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT a function of proteins in living organisms?

Accepted Answer

Storing genetic information

Question 10

A student observes a cell under a compound light microscope and notices the presence of a large central vacuole, chloroplasts, and a cell wall. What type of cell is this?

Accepted Answer

Plant cell

Question 11

Which part of the compound light microscope is responsible for focusing light onto the specimen?

Accepted Answer

Condenser

Question 12

Which of the following is a similarity between plant and animal cells?

Accepted Answer

Both have mitochondria.

Question 13

A solution resists changes in pH when small amounts of acid or base are added. This property is due to the presence of:

Accepted Answer

A buffer

Question 14

Which test would you use to detect the presence of starch in a food sample, and what is a positive result?

Accepted Answer

Iodine test; a blue-black color indicates starch is present

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the difference between organic and inorganic molecules?

Accepted Answer

Organic molecules contain carbon-hydrogen bonds, while inorganic molecules generally do not.

Question 16

A student needs to convert $$0.25$$ liters to milliliters. What is the correct conversion?

Accepted Answer

$$250\ \mathrm{mL}$$

Question 17

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the application of the scientific method in a real-world context?

Accepted Answer

A doctor observes that patients recover faster with a new drug, hypothesizes that the drug is effective, conducts a controlled trial, analyzes the results, and concludes the drug works.

Question 18

Which of the following is a correct metric conversion?

Accepted Answer

$$1\ \mathrm{kg} = 1000\ \mathrm{g}$$

Question 19

Which of the following is a unique feature of plant cells that is not found in animal cells?

Accepted Answer

Chloroplasts

Question 20

A student is using a compound light microscope and wants to increase the magnification of the specimen. Which part should they adjust?

Accepted Answer

Objective lens

BIO 121 Lab Midterm Review: Key Concepts and Applications

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards