Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

A hypothesis is a specific, testable prediction, while a theory is a broad explanation supported by extensive evidence.

Question 2

A scientist is testing the effect of a new fertilizer on plant growth. She grows 10 plants with the fertilizer and 10 without. What is the controlled experiment in this scenario?

Accepted Answer

Both groups of plants, since only one variable (fertilizer) is changed between them.

Question 3

Which of the following correctly lists the hierarchy of biological organization from smallest to largest?

Accepted Answer

Molecule → Cell → Organism → Ecosystem

Question 4

Sulfur has an atomic number of 16. How many electrons are in the second electron shell of a neutral sulfur atom?

Accepted Answer

8

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Water is polar and can form hydrogen bonds with charged or polar molecules.

Question 6

A solution has a pH of 3. Compared to a solution with a pH of 6, how much higher is the hydrogen ion concentration $$[H^+] in $$the pH 3 solution?

Accepted Answer

$$1000$$ times higher

Question 7

Which of the following is a correct pairing of a macromolecule and its monomer?

Accepted Answer

Nucleic Acid: Nucleotide

Question 8

Which type of bond is primarily responsible for the secondary structure (alpha helices and beta sheets) of proteins?

Accepted Answer

Hydrogen bonds

Question 9

A phospholipid molecule has both hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions. What is the term for such a molecule?

Accepted Answer

Amphipathic

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

Protein synthesis from mRNA templates

Question 11

A mutation causes a cell to lack functional lysosomes. Which of the following would most likely result?

Accepted Answer

The cell would accumulate undigested waste and damaged organelles.

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

DNA is usually double-stranded, while RNA is usually single-stranded.

Question 13

Which of the following best explains why hydrocarbons are hydrophobic?

Accepted Answer

They lack charged or polar groups, so they do not form hydrogen bonds with water.

Question 14

Which organelle is responsible for generating most of the ATP in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondrion

Question 15

A patient is diagnosed with a genetic disorder that affects the structure of their phospholipid bilayers. Which cellular process is most likely to be directly impaired?

Accepted Answer

Membrane transport

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the process by which monomers are joined to form polymers?

Accepted Answer

Dehydration synthesis reactions, which remove water to join monomers.

Question 17

Which of the following is a function of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum (ER)?

Accepted Answer

Lipid synthesis and detoxification

Question 18

A cell is observed to have both DNA and ribosomes but lacks a nucleus. Which type of cell is this most likely to be?

Accepted Answer

Prokaryotic cell

Question 19

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

Accepted Answer

ATP stores energy in the bonds between its phosphate groups.

Question 20

A researcher discovers a new drug that binds to the active site of an enzyme, preventing substrate binding. What type of molecule is this drug most likely to be?

Accepted Answer

Competitive inhibitor

General Biology Exam 1 Review: Foundations, Chemistry of Life, and Cell Structure

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