Question 1

Which of the following is NOT considered a characteristic that defines life?

Accepted Answer

Ability to photosynthesize

Question 2

Which theme in biology explains why the properties of water, such as cohesion and high heat capacity, arise from the arrangement and interactions of its molecules?

Accepted Answer

Emergent Properties

Question 3

A scientist wants to test the effect of a new fertilizer on plant growth. She sets up two groups: one receives the fertilizer, the other does not. What is the independent variable in this experiment?

Accepted Answer

Application of fertilizer

Question 4

Which of the following best describes a scientific theory?

Accepted Answer

A well-supported explanation that unifies a broad range of observations

Question 5

Which of the following elements is most abundant in living organisms?

Accepted Answer

Carbon (C)

Question 6

An atom has 6 protons, 6 neutrons, and 6 electrons. What is its atomic number and what element is it?

Accepted Answer

Atomic number 6, Carbon

Question 7

Which type of chemical bond involves the sharing of electron pairs between atoms?

Accepted Answer

Covalent bond

Question 8

Water has a high specific heat capacity. What does this mean in terms of its ability to moderate temperature?

Accepted Answer

Water resists changes in temperature when it absorbs or releases heat

Question 9

Which equation correctly relates the concentration of hydrogen ions to pH?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{pH} = -\log_{10}[\mathrm{H}^+]$$

Question 10

A buffer solution is important in biological systems because it:

Accepted Answer

Maintains a stable pH when acids or bases are added

Question 11

Which functional group is present in all amino acids and is responsible for their basic properties?

Accepted Answer

Amino group ($$-\mathrm{NH}_2)$$

Question 12

Which property of water allows insects to walk on its surface?

Accepted Answer

Surface tension due to hydrogen bonding

Question 13

Which of the following best illustrates the concept of reductionism in biology?

Accepted Answer

Analyzing the function of a single protein to understand cell behavior

Question 14

Which experiment provided evidence that organic molecules could be formed from inorganic precursors under early Earth conditions?

Accepted Answer

Miller-Urey experiment

Question 15

Which of the following is an example of an enantiomer?

Accepted Answer

L-dopa and D-dopa

Question 16

Which of the following statements about the cell theory is correct?

Accepted Answer

All living things are made of cells

Question 17

A solution has a hydrogen ion concentration of $$1 	imes 10$$^{-4}$$ M. What is its pH?

Accepted Answer

$$4$$

Question 18

Which functional group is most likely to act as an acid by donating a proton in aqueous solution?

Accepted Answer

Carboxyl group ($$-\mathrm{COOH})$$

Question 19

Which property of carbon allows it to form large, complex molecules necessary for life?

Accepted Answer

Ability to form up to four covalent bonds

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the difference between qualitative and quantitative data in scientific experiments?

Accepted Answer

Qualitative data is descriptive, quantitative data is numerical

Foundations of General Biology: Themes, Chemistry of Life, and Carbon Compounds

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