Question 1

Which of the following best describes the scientific method as it applies to biology?

Accepted Answer

A process where observations lead to hypotheses, which are then tested through experiments.

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT one of the five major themes of life discussed in Chapter 1?

Accepted Answer

Gravity and magnetism

Question 3

A neutral atom of sulfur ($$S) $$has an atomic number of 16. How many electrons are in its first, second, and third electron shells, respectively?

Accepted Answer

$$2 in $$the first shell, $$8 in $$the second shell, $$6 in $$the third shell

Question 4

Which of the following statements about covalent bonds is correct?

Accepted Answer

Covalent bonds involve the sharing of electron pairs between atoms.

Question 5

A solution has a pH of $$3. $$Which of the following statements is true?

Accepted Answer

The solution is acidic and has a higher concentration of $$H^+$$ ions than a solution with pH $$7.$$

Question 6

Which of the following best explains why water is an excellent solvent for many biological molecules?

Accepted Answer

Water is polar, allowing it to dissolve both ionic and other polar substances.

Question 7

Which of the following correctly matches a macromolecule with its monomer?

Accepted Answer

Proteins: Amino acids

Question 8

Which type of bond is responsible for the secondary structure (alpha-helix and beta-sheet) of proteins?

Accepted Answer

Hydrogen bonds between backbone atoms

Question 9

A phospholipid molecule has which of the following properties?

Accepted Answer

A hydrophilic (polar) head and two hydrophobic (nonpolar) tails

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the function of ribosomes in a cell?

Accepted Answer

They synthesize proteins by translating mRNA.

Question 11

Which organelle is primarily responsible for ATP generation in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondrion

Question 12

Which of the following statements about DNA and RNA is correct?

Accepted Answer

DNA contains deoxyribose sugar, while RNA contains ribose sugar.

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the central dogma of molecular biology?

Accepted Answer

$$DNA \rightarrow RNA \rightarrow Protein$$

Question 14

A mutation causes a change in the shape of an enzyme's active site. Which of the following is the most likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

The enzyme may lose its ability to bind its substrate and catalyze reactions.

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why phospholipids form bilayers in water?

Accepted Answer

Their hydrophilic heads interact with water while their hydrophobic tails avoid water.

Question 16

Which of the following is a function of the Golgi apparatus in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins for secretion or delivery to other organelles.

Question 17

Which of the following statements about the endosymbiotic theory is supported by evidence from mitochondria and chloroplasts?

Accepted Answer

Both organelles contain their own DNA and can reproduce independently within the cell.

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the difference between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids?

Accepted Answer

Saturated fatty acids have no double bonds between carbon atoms; unsaturated fatty acids have one or more double bonds.

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why ATP is considered the energy currency of the cell?

Accepted Answer

ATP stores energy in its phosphate bonds, which can be released to power cellular processes.

Question 20

A scientist is studying a cell and observes that it contains ribosomes attached to a membrane system. Which organelle is she most likely observing?

Accepted Answer

Rough endoplasmic reticulum

General Biology Exam 1 Review: Core Concepts and Cellular Foundations

Study Guide - Practice Questions