Q: A scientist wants to prepare 100 mL of a 2% (w/v) agarose solution. How many grams of agarose should be used?

$$2\ \mathrm{g} / 100\ \mathrm{mL} \times 100\ \mathrm{mL} = 2\ \mathrm{g}$$

Question 1

A student is using a spectrophotometer to determine the concentration of a protein solution. After plotting the absorption spectrum, they create a standard curve using known concentrations. What is the primary purpose of the standard curve in this experiment?

Accepted Answer

To find the concentration of an unknown sample by comparing its absorbance to the curve

Question 2

Which of the following best explains why cells are limited in size by their surface area-to-volume ratio?

Accepted Answer

As cells increase in size, their volume increases faster than their surface area, limiting efficient exchange of materials

Question 3

A potato slice is placed in a solution and becomes turgid (firm). Which of the following best describes the tonicity of the solution relative to the potato cells, and the direction of water movement?

Accepted Answer

The solution is hypotonic; water moves into the cells

Question 4

Which of the following equations correctly summarizes aerobic cellular respiration?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 5

During gel electrophoresis, DNA samples are loaded at one end of the gel box. Toward which electrode do DNA fragments migrate, and why?

Accepted Answer

Toward the positive electrode, because DNA is negatively charged

Question 6

A scientist wants to prepare 100 mL of a 2% (w/v) agarose solution. How many grams of agarose should be used?

Accepted Answer

$$2\ \mathrm{g} / 100\ \mathrm{mL} 	imes 100\ \mathrm{mL} = 2\ \mathrm{g}$$

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the function of restriction enzymes in DNA fingerprinting?

Accepted Answer

They cut DNA at specific sequences, generating fragments of varying lengths

Question 8

Which of the following statements about the endosymbiont theory is supported by evidence?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondria and chloroplasts contain their own circular DNA, similar to prokaryotes

Question 9

A student observes onion root tip cells under a microscope and identifies a cell with chromosomes aligned at the center of the cell. Which phase of mitosis is this cell in?

Accepted Answer

Metaphase

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the difference between a monohybrid cross and a dihybrid cross?

Accepted Answer

A monohybrid cross examines one trait, while a dihybrid cross examines two traits simultaneously

Question 11

Which of the following is a correct summary of the law of independent assortment?

Accepted Answer

Alleles for different genes segregate independently during gamete formation

Question 12

A yeast cell undergoes meiosis. What is the ploidy of the resulting cells, and what is the significance for the yeast life cycle?

Accepted Answer

Haploid; these cells can mate to form diploid cells

Question 13

Which of the following best explains why immersion oil is used with the 100x objective lens in light microscopy?

Accepted Answer

It reduces the index of refraction difference between the lens and the slide, improving resolution

Question 14

A solution contains 0.5 moles of glucose in 1 liter of water. What is the molarity of the solution?

Accepted Answer

$$0.5\ \mathrm{M}$$

Question 15

Which of the following is a correct equation for photosynthesis?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 16

A student observes that when algae cells are exposed to light, the pH of the surrounding solution increases. What is the most likely explanation for this observation?

Accepted Answer

Photosynthesis consumes $$\mathrm{CO}_2$$, reducing carbonic acid and increasing pH

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Eukaryotic cells have a nucleus; prokaryotic cells do not

Question 18

A student is using a micropipette set to 100 μL. How many milliliters is this?

Accepted Answer

$$0.1\ \mathrm{mL}$$

Question 19

In a dihybrid cross between two heterozygous individuals (AaBb x AaBb), what is the expected phenotypic ratio in the F2 generation, assuming independent assortment?

Accepted Answer

9:3:3:1

BSC2010L Final Review: Laboratory Concepts and Techniques in Biology

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