Biology 101 Exam Study Guide – Step-by-Step Guidance

Q1. Which statement is true regarding cells?

Background

Topic: Cell Theory and Cell Structure

This question tests your understanding of the basic principles of cell theory and the characteristics of cells in living organisms.

Key Terms:

• Cell Theory: The scientific theory describing the properties of cells, the basic unit of life.

• Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic Cells: Prokaryotes (bacteria and archaea) lack a nucleus, while eukaryotes (plants, animals, fungi, protists) have a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles.

• Cell Membrane: The structure that surrounds every cell, controlling the movement of substances in and out.

Step-by-Step Guidance

1. Read each statement (A–D) and recall what you know about cell theory and cell structure.

2. For each statement, ask yourself: Is this a fundamental property of all cells or a specific group?

3. Consider whether any of the statements are exceptions or only apply to certain types of cells.

4. Check if one answer choice (E) suggests that all the previous statements are correct.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q2. What is not a difference between eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells?

Background

Topic: Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic Cells

This question tests your ability to distinguish between features unique to prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

Key Terms:

• Nucleus: Present in eukaryotes, absent in prokaryotes.

• Endomembrane System: Found in eukaryotes, not in prokaryotes.

• Cell Wall: Present in most prokaryotes and some eukaryotes (like plants and fungi).

• DNA: Present in both cell types.

Step-by-Step Guidance

1. Review the main structural differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

2. For each option, decide if it is a feature that distinguishes the two cell types.

3. Identify which feature is common to both cell types and thus not a difference.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q3. In science, a hypothesis is...

Background

Topic: Scientific Method

This question tests your understanding of what constitutes a scientific hypothesis and how it fits into the process of scientific inquiry.

Key Terms:

• Hypothesis: A tentative explanation that can be tested by experimentation or observation.

• Prediction: A logical outcome based on the hypothesis.

• Testable: Capable of being supported or refuted through experimentation.

Step-by-Step Guidance

1. Recall the definition of a hypothesis in the context of the scientific method.

2. Eliminate any choices that describe a hypothesis as untestable or as a proven fact.

3. Identify the choice that emphasizes testability and the role of predictions.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q4. Both flasks were heated until the broth was boiling. What would one expect to observe in the broth in each of the flasks?

Background

Topic: Experimental Design and Spontaneous Generation

This question is likely referencing classic experiments (such as Pasteur's) testing whether life arises spontaneously or from existing organisms.

Key Terms:

• Sterilization: Boiling kills existing microorganisms.

• Control vs. Experimental Group: One flask may be open to air, the other sealed or with a curved neck.

• Contamination: Growth occurs if new microbes can enter.

Step-by-Step Guidance

1. Recall what happens when broth is boiled (sterilization) and then exposed to air versus kept sealed.

2. Think about which flask would allow microbes from the air to enter and cause growth.

3. Match the expected observations to the answer choices based on your reasoning.

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Q5. What kind of mutation would cause this insect to become more vulnerable to predation?

Background

Topic: Adaptation and Natural Selection

This question tests your understanding of how mutations can affect an organism's survival, particularly in the context of camouflage and predator-prey interactions.

Key Terms:

• Mutation: A change in DNA sequence that can affect phenotype.

• Predation: The act of one organism hunting and consuming another.

• Camouflage: Adaptations that help organisms blend into their environment.

Step-by-Step Guidance

1. Consider which mutation would make the insect stand out more to predators.

2. Eliminate options that would help the insect avoid predation or are unrelated to its vulnerability.

3. Focus on changes in the environment or the insect that would reduce its camouflage.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!