Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference between a scientific hypothesis and a scientific theory?

Accepted Answer

A hypothesis is a tentative explanation for a specific observation, while a theory is a well-substantiated explanation for a general phenomenon.

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT one of the seven characteristics shared by all living things?

Accepted Answer

Ability to photosynthesize

Question 3

A researcher wants to test the effect of soil pH on earthworm population density. Which of the following is the dependent variable in this experiment?

Accepted Answer

Earthworm population density

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Covalent bond

Question 5

Water has a high specific heat compared to other substances. Which property of water is primarily responsible for this?

Accepted Answer

Its hydrogen bonding between molecules

Question 6

Which equation correctly represents the dissociation of water into hydronium and hydroxide ions?

Accepted Answer

$$2H_2O \rightarrow H_3O^+ + OH^-$$

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

The solution is acidic and has a high concentration of $$H^+$$ ions.

Question 8

Which functional group is represented by the following structural formula: $$-COOH$$?

Accepted Answer

Carboxyl group

Question 9

Which type of isomer has the same molecular formula but differs in the spatial arrangement around a double bond?

Accepted Answer

Geometric (cis-trans) isomer

Question 10

During the synthesis of a polymer, which reaction occurs and what is released?

Accepted Answer

Dehydration; water is released

Question 11

Which of the following macromolecules is NOT a polymer?

Accepted Answer

Lipid

Question 12

Which covalent bond unites the monomeric components of proteins?

Accepted Answer

Peptide bond

Question 13

A starch molecule is formed by joining 18 glucose units together. How many water molecules are released during this polymerization process?

Accepted Answer

$$17$$

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

Unsaturated fatty acids have fewer hydrogen atoms and one or more double bonds.

Question 15

Phospholipids are critical for forming plasma membranes because of their amphipathic nature. What would happen if a phospholipid had two polar phosphate groups instead of one?

Accepted Answer

It would never form a bilayer, because the molecule would be too hydrophilic.

Question 16

Which of the following best explains why water has a higher boiling point than ethanol?

Accepted Answer

Water has stronger hydrogen bonds between molecules, requiring more energy to break.

Question 17

Which of the following is the correct formula for glucose, the most common monosaccharide?

Accepted Answer

$$C_6H_{12}O_6$

Question 18

Which of the following statements about protein structure is correct?

Accepted Answer

Secondary structure is determined by hydrogen bonds between backbone atoms.

Question 19

A mutation changes the amino acid sequence of hemoglobin, resulting in sickle-cell disease. Which level of protein structure is directly affected by this mutation?

Accepted Answer

Primary structure

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the role of buffers in biological systems?

Accepted Answer

Buffers minimize changes in pH by reversibly binding $$H^+$$ ions.

General Biology Exam 1 Review: Core Concepts and Study Guide

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