Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 2

During an experiment to test the effect of fertilizer on plant growth, which group serves as the control?

Accepted Answer

The group of plants that receives no fertilizer.

Question 3

Which property of water allows insects like water striders to walk on its surface?

Accepted Answer

Cohesion due to hydrogen bonding

Question 4

Which of the following best explains why noble gases are chemically inert?

Accepted Answer

They have a full complement of electrons in their outermost shell, satisfying the octet rule.

Question 5

A patient is diagnosed with sickle cell anemia. Which change at the molecular level is responsible for this disease?

Accepted Answer

A substitution of a hydrophobic amino acid for a hydrophilic one in hemoglobin.

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

Water's high specific heat, which moderates Earth's climate

Question 7

Which equation correctly relates the atomic number ($$Z$$), number of protons ($$p^+$$), and number of neutrons ($$n^0) in an $$atom?

Accepted Answer

$$Z = p^+$$

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the Miller-Urey experiment and its significance?

Accepted Answer

It showed that organic molecules could be synthesized from inorganic precursors under early Earth conditions.

Question 9

Which type of chemical bond is responsible for the secondary structure of proteins?

Accepted Answer

Hydrogen bonds

Question 10

Which of the following statements about prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells is correct?

Accepted Answer

Eukaryotic cells have a nucleus, while prokaryotic cells do not.

Question 11

Which of the following is true regarding the central dogma of molecular biology?

Accepted Answer

DNA is transcribed into RNA, which is translated into protein.

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the difference between dehydration synthesis and hydrolysis?

Accepted Answer

Dehydration synthesis joins monomers to form polymers by removing water, while hydrolysis breaks polymers into monomers by adding water.

Question 13

Which of the following molecules is a polysaccharide used for energy storage in animals?

Accepted Answer

Glycogen

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

Unsaturated fatty acids have at least one double bond, causing a kink in the hydrocarbon chain.

Question 15

Which of the following cell structures is found in plant cells but not in animal cells?

Accepted Answer

Cell wall

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the function of tight junctions in animal cells?

Accepted Answer

They prevent the leakage of extracellular fluid across a layer of epithelial cells.

Question 17

Which of the following is true about isotopes?

Accepted Answer

Isotopes of an element have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.

Question 18

Which of the following is a function of proteins in living organisms?

Accepted Answer

Catalyzing biochemical reactions as enzymes

Question 19

Which of the following best explains the endosymbiotic theory?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondria and chloroplasts originated as free-living prokaryotes that were engulfed by ancestral eukaryotic cells.

General Biology: Foundational Concepts and Molecular Basis of Life

Study Guide - Practice Questions