Question 1

Which of the following is a major reason why life is carbon-based, rather than silicon-based?

Accepted Answer

Carbon can form four stable covalent bonds, allowing for complex and diverse molecular structures.

Question 2

Which chemical group is represented by the formula $$\mathrm{PO_4$^{3-}}$$?

Accepted Answer

Phosphate

Question 3

A molecule with both hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Amphipathic

Question 4

Which of the following best describes the function of the phospholipid bilayer in the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

It forms a selective barrier with hydrophilic heads facing outward and hydrophobic tails facing inward.

Question 5

Which process involves the cell engulfing substances from its external environment by forming a vesicle from the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

Endocytosis

Question 6

A red blood cell placed in a hypotonic solution will:

Accepted Answer

Lyse (burst) due to excessive water intake.

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic shared by all living organisms?

Accepted Answer

Ability to photosynthesize

Question 8

Which of the following statements correctly distinguishes eukaryotic cells from prokaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 9

Which blood type system determines the presence of A, B, AB, and O types based on antigens?

Accepted Answer

ABO System

Question 10

Which of the following molecules is a six-carbon monosaccharide used for energy and to synthesize larger carbohydrates?

Accepted Answer

Glucose

Question 11

A dehydration reaction is best described as:

Accepted Answer

A chemical reaction that joins two molecules by removing a water molecule.

Question 12

Which of the following is a polymer?

Accepted Answer

Starch

Question 13

Which of the following is a function of peripheral proteins in the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

Cell adhesion and signaling

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the function of plant cell walls?

Accepted Answer

They provide structural support and protection.

Question 15

Which of the following is a five-carbon monosaccharide found in nucleic acids?

Accepted Answer

Ribose

Question 16

Which of the following is true about the DNA in prokaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

It is typically circular and not enclosed in a nucleus.

Question 17

Which of the following is a function of the Golgi apparatus?

Accepted Answer

It sorts, modifies, and packages proteins for transport.

Question 18

Which of the following best describes a hydrolysis reaction?

Accepted Answer

A chemical reaction that breaks a polymer into monomers by adding water.

Question 19

Which of the following is a function of carbohydrates attached to proteins or lipids on the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

Cell recognition and adhesion

Question 20

A cell placed in a hypertonic solution will most likely:

Accepted Answer

Shrink due to water loss

Fundamental Concepts in General Biology: Cell Structure, Biomolecules, and Cellular Processes

Study Guide - Practice Questions