Question 1

Which of the following best describes a scientific hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

A tentative explanation that can be tested and is falsifiable

Question 2

Which of the following is a unifying theme in biology that explains both the diversity and unity of life?

Accepted Answer

Evolution by natural selection

Question 3

A water molecule is held together by which type of bond, and what property does this confer to water?

Accepted Answer

Covalent bond; high surface tension

Question 4

Which property of water allows it to moderate Earth's climate and support life?

Accepted Answer

High specific heat

Question 5

Which of the following biomolecules is correctly matched with its function?

Accepted Answer

Proteins: Catalyze biochemical reactions

Question 6

A cell is observed to have a large number of ribosomes attached to its endoplasmic reticulum. What is the most likely function of this cell?

Accepted Answer

Production of proteins for export

Question 7

Which organelle is responsible for converting the chemical energy of glucose into ATP in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondrion

Question 8

A mutation disrupts the structure of the cytoskeleton in a cell. Which process is most likely to be directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Cell division

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the fluid mosaic model of the cell membrane?

Accepted Answer

A dynamic structure with proteins embedded in a phospholipid bilayer

Question 10

If a cell is placed in a hypertonic solution, what will happen to the cell?

Accepted Answer

It will shrink as water leaves the cell

Question 11

Which equation correctly represents the overall process of cellular respiration?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{C}_6\mathrm{H}_{12}\mathrm{O}_6 + 6\ \mathrm{O}_2 ightarrow 6\ \mathrm{CO}_2 + 6\ \mathrm{H}_2\mathrm{O} + 	ext{ATP}$$

Question 12

During strenuous exercise, muscle cells switch to fermentation. What is the primary reason for this metabolic shift?

Accepted Answer

To regenerate NAD$$^+$$ for glycolysis

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the role of chlorophyll in photosynthesis?

Accepted Answer

It absorbs light energy to drive the synthesis of glucose

Question 14

A plant is exposed to light only in the green wavelength range. What is the most likely outcome for its rate of photosynthesis?

Accepted Answer

It will decrease because chlorophyll reflects green light

Question 15

Which phase of the cell cycle is characterized by DNA replication?

Accepted Answer

S phase

Question 16

A genetic disorder results from nondisjunction during meiosis. Which of the following is a possible outcome?

Accepted Answer

A gamete with an extra or missing chromosome

Question 17

In a classic Mendelian cross between two heterozygous pea plants (Yy x Yy), what is the expected phenotypic ratio of yellow to green seeds?

Accepted Answer

3:1

Question 18

Which of the following best explains why linked genes do not assort independently?

Accepted Answer

They are located close together on the same chromosome

Question 19

Which process is responsible for the synthesis of RNA from a DNA template?

Accepted Answer

Transcription

Question 20

Which of the following is a requirement for evolution by natural selection to occur in a population?

Accepted Answer

There must be heritable variation among individuals

Biology Course Syllabus and Topic Overview

Study Guide - Practice Questions