Question 1

Which of the following is NOT considered a property of life?

Accepted Answer

Ability to photosynthesize

Question 2

A scientist observes that a plant bends toward light. Which property of life does this demonstrate?

Accepted Answer

Response to the environment

Question 3

Which of the following correctly describes the difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Prokaryotic cells lack membrane-bound organelles; eukaryotic cells possess them.

Question 4

Which level of biological organization is directly above 'organelles' and below 'organs'?

Accepted Answer

Cells

Question 5

Darwin’s theory of natural selection explains which of the following?

Accepted Answer

The unity and diversity of life

Question 6

Which domain includes organisms that absorb nutrients from their environment and have eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Domain Eukarya

Question 7

A controlled experiment is designed to test the effect of a new drug on blood pressure. What is the independent variable?

Accepted Answer

The group receiving the drug

Question 8

Which statement best describes a scientific theory?

Accepted Answer

A theory is broader in scope than a hypothesis and supported by a large body of evidence.

Question 9

Which of the following is a compound?

Accepted Answer

Water ($$H_2O)$$

Question 10

An atom of carbon has 6 protons, 6 neutrons, and 6 electrons. What is its atomic number and mass number?

Accepted Answer

Atomic number: 6, Mass number: 12

Question 11

Which type of chemical bond involves the sharing of electron pairs between atoms?

Accepted Answer

Covalent bond

Question 12

What is the main difference between a polar covalent bond and a nonpolar covalent bond?

Accepted Answer

Polar covalent bonds share electrons unequally due to differences in electronegativity; nonpolar covalent bonds share electrons equally.

Question 13

Which of the following best explains why water is an excellent solvent?

Accepted Answer

Water molecules are polar and can form hydrogen bonds with many substances.

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

High surface tension due to cohesion

Question 15

If the pH of a solution changes from 6 to 4, how does the hydrogen ion concentration change?

Accepted Answer

It increases by 100 times

Question 16

Which of the following best describes a buffer in biological systems?

Accepted Answer

A buffer minimizes changes in pH by accepting or donating $$H^+$$ ions.

Question 17

Which emergent property of water is most important for the transport of water from roots to leaves in plants?

Accepted Answer

Cohesive behavior

Question 18

A radioactive isotope of carbon ($$^{14}C) is $$used in medical imaging. What property makes it useful for this purpose?

Accepted Answer

It emits particles and energy that can be detected.

Question 19

Which of the following molecules would be classified as hydrophobic?

Accepted Answer

Olive oil

Question 20

A solution has a pH of 8. What is its $$[H^+]$$ concentration in moles per liter?

Accepted Answer

$$1 	imes 10$$^{-8}$$

General Biology: Foundations, Chemical Context, and Water

Study Guide - Practice Questions