Question 1

Which of the following best describes what it means for something to be considered 'alive'?

Accepted Answer

It is made of cells, can reproduce, responds to stimuli, and maintains homeostasis.

Question 2

Which of the following correctly lists the steps of the scientific process in order?

Accepted Answer

Observation, hypothesis, experiment, analysis, conclusion

Question 3

Which statement best differentiates a hypothesis from a prediction?

Accepted Answer

A hypothesis is a testable explanation; a prediction is a specific expected outcome.

Question 4

Which of the following is NOT an attribute of a well-designed experiment?

Accepted Answer

It tests multiple variables at once.

Question 5

Why can carbon atoms form covalent bonds with many other elements?

Accepted Answer

Because carbon has four valence electrons.

Question 6

Why are electrons important in chemical bonding?

Accepted Answer

They determine the types of bonds atoms can form.

Question 7

Which of the following best defines electronegativity?

Accepted Answer

The ability of an atom to attract electrons in a covalent bond.

Question 8

Which equation correctly represents the change in potential energy ($$\Delta E) of a $$chemical bond?

Accepted Answer

$$\Delta E = E_{products} - E_{reactants}$$

Question 9

Which of the following is an emergent property of water that is critical for life?

Accepted Answer

High specific heat capacity

Question 10

Which type of bond forms between the hydrogen of one water molecule and the oxygen of another?

Accepted Answer

Hydrogen bond

Question 11

Polymers are formed by ________ reactions and broken down by ________ reactions.

Accepted Answer

dehydration synthesis; hydrolysis

Question 12

Which two functional groups are always found in amino acids?

Accepted Answer

Amino group ($$-\mathrm{NH}_2) $$and carboxyl group ($$-\mathrm{COOH})$$

Question 13

What type of bond holds the two strands of DNA together?

Accepted Answer

Hydrogen bonds

Question 14

Why is RNA generally more reactive than DNA?

Accepted Answer

RNA has a hydroxyl group at the 2' carbon of ribose.

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why phospholipids are amphipathic molecules?

Accepted Answer

They have both hydrophilic heads and hydrophobic tails.

Question 16

What is the main difference between saturated and unsaturated fats?

Accepted Answer

Saturated fats have no double bonds; unsaturated fats have one or more double bonds.

Question 17

Which of the following best describes a concentration gradient?

Accepted Answer

A difference in the concentration of a substance across a space or membrane.

Question 18

Which process requires energy input from the cell?

Accepted Answer

Active transport

Question 19

What is the difference between a channel protein, a carrier protein, and a pump?

Accepted Answer

A channel protein forms a pore for passive transport, a carrier protein changes shape to move molecules, and a pump uses energy to move substances against a gradient.

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why the plasma membrane is described as 'semi-permeable'?

Accepted Answer

It allows some substances to cross more easily than others.

General Biology Exam I Study Guide: Foundations, Chemistry of Life, and Biological Molecules

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