Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Eukaryotic cells contain membrane-enclosed organelles, whereas prokaryotic cells do not.

Question 2

An atom of carbon has 6 protons and 8 neutrons. What is its mass number?

Accepted Answer

$14$

Question 3

Which of the following best describes an isotope?

Accepted Answer

Atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons.

Question 4

Which of the following is true about covalent bonds?

Accepted Answer

They are formed when two atoms share a pair of valence electrons.

Question 5

A sodium atom transfers an electron to a chlorine atom, resulting in the formation of NaCl. What type of bond is formed between sodium and chlorine?

Accepted Answer

Ionic bond

Question 6

Which of the following best explains why water is a polar molecule?

Accepted Answer

The oxygen atom is more electronegative, causing unequal sharing of electrons.

Question 7

Which of the following substances is most likely to dissolve in water?

Accepted Answer

A hydrophilic molecule

Question 8

A solution has a pH of 4. Which of the following statements is true about this solution?

Accepted Answer

It has a high concentration of H$^+$ ions.

Question 9

Which of the following best describes an amphipathic molecule?

Accepted Answer

It contains both hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions.

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 11

Which of the following statements about saturated and unsaturated fatty acids is correct?

Accepted Answer

Saturated fatty acids are solid at room temperature.

Question 12

What is the main difference between starch and cellulose?

Accepted Answer

Starch is a storage polysaccharide, while cellulose is a structural polysaccharide.

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the process of dehydration synthesis?

Accepted Answer

Joining two monomers together by removing a water molecule.

Question 14

A protein is denatured when:

Accepted Answer

Its shape is changed due to environmental factors, causing loss of function.

Question 15

Which of the following is a correct statement about DNA and RNA?

Accepted Answer

RNA carries genetic information from DNA to the ribosome for protein synthesis.

Question 16

If an atom has an atomic number of 9 and a mass number of 19, how many neutrons does it have?

Accepted Answer

$10$

Question 17

Which of the following best explains why oil does not mix with water?

Accepted Answer

Oil is nonpolar and hydrophobic, so it does not interact with polar water molecules.

Question 18

Which of the following is true about the valence shell of an atom?

Accepted Answer

The first shell can hold no more than 2 electrons.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes a hydrogen bond?

Accepted Answer

A weak attraction between a hydrogen atom covalently bonded to an electronegative atom and another electronegative atom.

Question 20

Which of the following is a property of water that results from its ability to form hydrogen bonds?

Accepted Answer

Water molecules have high cohesion and surface tension.

Fundamental Concepts in General Biology: Cell Structure, Chemical Bonds, and Biological Molecules

Study Guide - Practice Questions