Question 1

Which of the following best describes a scientific theory in biology?

Accepted Answer

A broad explanation supported by extensive evidence and able to generate testable predictions.

Question 2

Darwin’s theory of natural selection is based on which two key observations?

Accepted Answer

Populations have greater reproductive potential than the environment can support, and individuals vary in inherited traits.

Question 3

A controlled experiment is designed to:

Accepted Answer

Compare an experimental group with a control group, ideally differing only in the variable of interest.

Question 4

Which property of water is primarily responsible for the formation of ice that floats on liquid water?

Accepted Answer

Hydrogen bonds cause water molecules to be spaced farther apart in ice than in liquid water.

Question 5

Which equation correctly represents the photosynthesis reaction?

Accepted Answer

$6CO_2 + 6H_2O \rightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2$

Question 6

Why are radioactive isotopes useful in medicine and biological research?

Accepted Answer

They can be used as tracers to detect metabolic activity due to their radioactive decay.

Question 7

Which of the following is a consequence of water’s high specific heat for living organisms?

Accepted Answer

It helps maintain stable temperatures in aquatic environments and within organisms.

Question 8

A buffer in a biological system functions to:

Accepted Answer

Minimize changes in pH by picking up or releasing $H^+$ ions.

Question 9

Which of the following statements about carbon is correct?

Accepted Answer

Carbon can form four covalent bonds, allowing for complex macromolecules.

Question 10

Which functional group is responsible for the acidic properties of amino acids?

Accepted Answer

Carboxyl group ($-COOH$)

Question 11

Which of the following best explains why starch can be digested by humans but cellulose cannot?

Accepted Answer

Humans have enzymes that digest the specific 1-4 linkage of $\alpha$ glucose in starch, but not the $\beta$ linkage in cellulose.

Question 12

Which of the following is a correct statement about protein structure?

Accepted Answer

The sequence of amino acids determines the protein’s three-dimensional shape and function.

Question 13

A mutation changes a serine (polar) to threonine (polar) in a protein. What is the most likely effect?

Accepted Answer

Minimal effect, since both amino acids are polar and similar in structure.

Question 14

Which property is shared by all lipids?

Accepted Answer

They do not dissolve well in water due to their hydrophobic nature.

Question 15

Which of the following is a real-world example of emergent properties in biology?

Accepted Answer

A living cell exhibits functions that individual molecules alone cannot perform.

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the role of cholesterol in animal cells?

Accepted Answer

It is a structural component of cell membranes and a precursor for steroid hormones.

Question 17

Which of the following is a correct statement about the pH scale?

Accepted Answer

pH is defined as $-\log [H^+]$ and measures the concentration of hydrogen ions in solution.

Question 18

Which of the following is an example of Batesian mimicry as described in the study materials?

Accepted Answer

A nonvenomous scarlet kingsnake mimics the coloration of the venomous eastern coral snake.

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why water is an effective solvent for polar molecules?

Accepted Answer

Water molecules form hydrogen bonds with charged and polar substances, allowing them to dissolve.

General Biology Exam 1 Study Guide: Evolution, Scientific Method, and the Chemistry of Life

Study Guide - Practice Questions