Question 1

Which of the following is NOT one of the five fundamental characteristics shared by all living organisms?

Accepted Answer

They all have a nervous system.

Question 2

According to the central dogma of molecular biology, what is the correct flow of genetic information?

Accepted Answer

$DNA \rightarrow RNA \rightarrow Protein$

Question 3

Which of the following best describes an isotope?

Accepted Answer

Atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons.

Question 4

A scientist discovers a new organism that is single-celled, lacks a nucleus, and has a cell wall. To which group does this organism most likely belong?

Accepted Answer

Prokaryotes

Question 5

Which of the following statements about covalent bonds is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Covalent bonds involve the equal or unequal sharing of electrons between atoms.

Question 6

What is the atomic number of an atom with 6 protons, 6 neutrons, and 6 electrons?

Accepted Answer

$6$

Question 7

Which property of water allows it to dissolve many substances, making it a universal solvent?

Accepted Answer

Its polarity and ability to form hydrogen bonds

Question 8

Which of the following best explains why ice floats on liquid water?

Accepted Answer

Ice is less dense than liquid water because its molecules are held further apart by hydrogen bonds.

Question 9

A radioactive isotope has a half-life of 10 years. If you start with 80 grams, how much will remain after 30 years?

Accepted Answer

$10$ grams

Question 10

Which of the following is a correct pairing of a subatomic particle with its charge and location?

Accepted Answer

Electron: $-1$, orbiting nucleus

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the difference between an ion and an isotope?

Accepted Answer

An ion has a different number of electrons, while an isotope has a different number of neutrons.

Question 12

Which of the following is an example of a noncovalent interaction?

Accepted Answer

An ionic bond between sodium and chloride ions

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the role of hydrogen bonds in water?

Accepted Answer

They are responsible for water's high specific heat and cohesion.

Question 14

Which of the following is the correct order of the hierarchy of biological organization from smallest to largest?

Accepted Answer

Molecule, organelle, cell, tissue, organ, organ system, organism, population, community, ecosystem, biosphere

Question 15

Which of the following statements about acids and bases in water is correct?

Accepted Answer

Acids donate protons ($H^+$) and bases accept protons ($H^+$).

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the function of valence electrons?

Accepted Answer

They are responsible for the chemical bonding properties of an atom.

Question 17

Which of the following is a property of water that helps regulate temperature in living organisms?

Accepted Answer

High specific heat

Question 18

Which of the following best explains why sodium chloride (NaCl) dissolves easily in water?

Accepted Answer

Water forms hydrogen bonds with sodium and chloride ions, stabilizing them in solution.

Question 19

Which of the following is an example of an adaptation?

Accepted Answer

A polar bear's thick fur that helps it survive in cold climates.

Question 20

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

Accepted Answer

Eukaryotic cells have membrane-bound organelles, while prokaryotic cells do not.

Foundations of General Biology: Structure, Function, and Chemistry of Life

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