Question 1

Which of the following best describes the concept of evolution as outlined in the study materials?

Accepted Answer

Evolution is the cumulative change in the heritable characteristics of a population over time due to mutation, selection, and genetic change.

Question 2

A population of beetles is exposed to a pesticide. After several generations, most beetles are resistant to the pesticide. Which mechanism of evolution most directly explains this change?

Accepted Answer

Natural selection

Question 3

Which of the following statements about mutations is CORRECT?

Accepted Answer

Mutations can occur anywhere in the DNA and are the ultimate source of genetic variation.

Question 4

Which equation correctly represents the change in free energy ($$\Delta G) $$for a chemical reaction?

Accepted Answer

$$\Delta G = \Delta H - T\Delta S$$

Question 5

Which of the following best explains why enzymes are able to speed up chemical reactions?

Accepted Answer

Enzymes lower the activation energy ($$E_a) $$required for the reaction to proceed.

Question 6

A population of birds is separated by a newly formed river, preventing them from interbreeding. Over time, the two groups develop distinct characteristics. Which evolutionary mechanism is primarily responsible for this divergence?

Accepted Answer

Allopatric speciation

Question 7

Which of the following is a property of peptide bonds in proteins?

Accepted Answer

They connect the carboxyl group of one amino acid to the amino group of another via a condensation (dehydration) reaction.

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the difference between exergonic and endergonic reactions?

Accepted Answer

Exergonic reactions have a negative $$\Delta G$$ and release energy, while endergonic reactions have a positive $$\Delta G$$ and require energy input.

Question 9

Which of the following statements about protein structure is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Secondary structure is primarily stabilized by hydrogen bonds between backbone atoms.

Question 10

A scientist is studying a protein that has lost its function after being exposed to high heat. Which process has most likely occurred?

Accepted Answer

Denaturation

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the role of ATP in cellular metabolism?

Accepted Answer

ATP acts as a universal energy currency by transferring phosphate groups to drive endergonic reactions.

Question 12

Which of the following is an example of a catabolic reaction?

Accepted Answer

Breakdown of glucose into carbon dioxide and water during cellular respiration

Question 13

Which of the following statements about DNA and RNA is CORRECT?

Accepted Answer

DNA is usually double-stranded, while RNA is usually single-stranded.

Question 14

A mutation changes a codon in a gene from UAU (tyrosine) to UAA. What is the most likely effect of this mutation?

Accepted Answer

Translation will stop prematurely, resulting in a truncated protein.

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why water is important for protein folding?

Accepted Answer

Water promotes hydrophobic interactions that help proteins achieve their tertiary structure.

Question 16

Which of the following is a real-world example of gene flow?

Accepted Answer

Wolves from one pack migrate and breed with wolves from another pack, introducing new alleles.

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the function of an enzyme's active site?

Accepted Answer

It provides a specific shape and chemical environment for substrate binding and catalysis.

Question 18

A researcher adds a competitive inhibitor to an enzyme-catalyzed reaction. What is the most likely effect?

Accepted Answer

The inhibitor competes with the substrate for binding at the active site, reducing the reaction rate.

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why a change in pH can denature a protein?

Accepted Answer

pH changes disrupt ionic and hydrogen bonds stabilizing secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structures.

Evolution, Proteins, Enzymes, & DNA: General Biology Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards