Question 1

Which of the following is NOT considered one of the fundamental characteristics of living organisms?

Accepted Answer

Ability to photosynthesize

Question 2

A scientific theory is best described as:

Accepted Answer

An explanation for a broadly observed phenomenon that is supported by lots of evidence

Question 3

Which statement correctly describes the process of cell division in living organisms?

Accepted Answer

Cells arise only from pre-existing cells

Question 4

In the context of genetic information, which molecule is responsible for encoding hereditary material in most organisms?

Accepted Answer

DNA

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the structure of DNA?

Accepted Answer

A double-stranded helix joined by interactions of base pairs

Question 6

If a DNA molecule contains 20% adenine (A), what percentage of thymine (T) would you expect to find?

Accepted Answer

$$20\%$$

Question 7

Which of the following statements about RNA is correct?

Accepted Answer

RNA is read to determine which building blocks are needed for protein synthesis

Question 8

Which of the following is a correct example of a hypothesis in scientific research?

Accepted Answer

A tentative statement to explain a set of observations

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the concept of adaptation in evolutionary biology?

Accepted Answer

A heritable trait that increases fitness

Question 10

Natural selection acts on ________, while evolutionary changes occur in ________.

Accepted Answer

individuals; populations

Question 11

Which of the following is true regarding speciation?

Accepted Answer

It occurs when natural selection causes one species to divide and form a new species

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a function of proteins in cells?

Accepted Answer

Serving as building blocks for synthesis of DNA

Question 13

Which of the following best describes an isotope?

Accepted Answer

A form of an element with different numbers of neutrons

Question 14

What type of bond involves the complete transfer of electrons from one atom to another?

Accepted Answer

Ionic bond

Question 15

Water is considered an excellent solvent because:

Accepted Answer

It is polar and can dissolve many ionic and polar substances

Question 16

Which of the following best describes a hydrogen bond?

Accepted Answer

An attraction between a hydrogen atom with a partial positive charge and another atom with a partial negative charge

Question 17

Which of the following molecules is hydrophilic?

Accepted Answer

Salt

Question 18

Which of the following statements about ions is correct?

Accepted Answer

A cation is an atom or molecule that carries a full positive charge

Question 19

Which of the following is a real-world example of adhesion?

Accepted Answer

Water droplets sticking to a glass window

Question 20

Which equation correctly represents the sum of protons and neutrons in an atom?

Accepted Answer

$$	ext{Mass number} = 	ext{Number of protons} + 	ext{Number of neutrons}$$

Foundations of General Biology: Key Concepts and Molecular Basis of Life

Study Guide - Practice Questions