Question 1

Which of the following best illustrates the concept of 'emergent properties' in biological systems?

Accepted Answer

A functioning heart pumping blood, which cannot be predicted by studying individual heart cells alone.

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT one of the seven attributes of life?

Accepted Answer

Ability to photosynthesize.

Question 3

A scientist is studying a newly discovered organism. It is unicellular, lacks a nucleus, and its cell wall does not contain peptidoglycan. To which domain does this organism most likely belong?

Accepted Answer

Archaea

Question 4

Which of the following best describes the flow of energy and matter in an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Energy flows one way through the ecosystem, while matter cycles.

Question 5

Which of the following scenarios best demonstrates natural selection?

Accepted Answer

A population of bacteria is exposed to an antibiotic, and only those with a resistance gene survive and reproduce.

Question 6

Which of the following correctly lists the three subatomic particles found in atoms and their respective charges?

Accepted Answer

Proton (positive), neutron (neutral), electron (negative)

Question 7

Given the atomic number of carbon is 6 and its atomic mass is 12, how many neutrons are present in a typical carbon atom?

Accepted Answer

$6$

Question 8

Which of the following best explains why water is an excellent solvent for ionic compounds?

Accepted Answer

Water molecules are polar and can surround and separate ions due to their partial charges.

Question 9

A solution has a pH of 4. How many times more acidic is it than a solution with a pH of 7?

Accepted Answer

$1000$ times

Question 10

Which of the following statements about hydrogen bonds is correct?

Accepted Answer

Hydrogen bonds are responsible for many of water's unique properties, such as high specific heat.

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the difference between a polar covalent bond and a non-polar covalent bond?

Accepted Answer

Polar covalent bonds involve unequal sharing of electrons, while non-polar covalent bonds involve equal sharing.

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

Carboxyl group ($-COOH$)

Question 13

Which of the following best explains why carbon is able to form such a diversity of organic molecules?

Accepted Answer

Carbon can form up to four covalent bonds with other atoms.

Question 14

Which of the following is an example of a dehydration reaction in biological systems?

Accepted Answer

Combining two monosaccharides to form a disaccharide and water.

Question 15

Which macromolecule class includes enzymes, and what is the primary function of enzymes?

Accepted Answer

Proteins; they speed up chemical reactions.

Question 16

A patient is found to have a mutation that changes the primary structure of a protein. Which of the following is the most likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

The protein's three-dimensional structure may be altered, affecting its function.

Question 17

Which of the following best explains why some human populations can digest lactose as adults while others cannot?

Accepted Answer

A genetic mutation allows continued production of lactase in some populations.

Question 18

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

Accepted Answer

Isotopes have different numbers of neutrons, ions have different numbers of electrons.

Question 19

Which of the following is a correct comparison between covalent and hydrogen bonds?

Accepted Answer

Covalent bonds involve sharing electrons, hydrogen bonds are attractions between partial charges.

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why buffers are important in biological systems?

Accepted Answer

Buffers maintain a stable pH by accepting or donating $H^+$ ions.

General Biology: Core Concepts and Study Guide

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards