Question 1

Which of the following best describes the concept of 'emergent properties' in biological systems?

Accepted Answer

Properties that arise from the interaction of simpler components, resulting in new characteristics at higher levels of organization.

Question 2

A scientist observes that a certain enzyme speeds up a chemical reaction in cells. Which step of the scientific method is the scientist performing?

Accepted Answer

Making an observation.

Question 3

Which of the following statements correctly distinguishes a scientific theory from a hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

A scientific theory is a well-supported explanation based on a body of evidence, while a hypothesis is a testable prediction.

Question 4

Which equation correctly relates atomic number ($$Z$$), mass number ($$A$$), and the number of neutrons ($$N) in an $$atom?

Accepted Answer

$$A = Z + N$$

Question 5

A water molecule is described as polar because:

Accepted Answer

The oxygen atom is more electronegative than hydrogen, creating a partial negative charge on oxygen and a partial positive charge on hydrogen.

Question 6

Which of the following best explains why ice floats on water?

Accepted Answer

Hydrogen bonds stabilize the structure of ice, making it less dense than liquid water.

Question 7

If the pH of a solution changes from 6 to 4, what happens to the concentration of hydrogen ions $$[H^+]$$?

Accepted Answer

$$[H^+]$$ increases by 100 times.

Question 8

Which functional group is present in all amino acids and is responsible for their acidic properties?

Accepted Answer

Carboxyl group ($$-COOH)$$

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the difference between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids?

Accepted Answer

Saturated fatty acids have no double bonds between carbon atoms, while unsaturated fatty acids have one or more double bonds.

Question 10

Which of the following is a correct description of dehydration synthesis?

Accepted Answer

It is a chemical reaction that joins two monomers by removing a molecule of water.

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT a function of proteins in cells?

Accepted Answer

Energy storage

Question 12

Which statement correctly describes the structure of a nucleotide?

Accepted Answer

A nucleotide consists of a phosphate group, a five-carbon sugar, and a nitrogenous base.

Question 13

Which of the following best explains why cells are limited in size?

Accepted Answer

As cell size increases, the surface area-to-volume ratio decreases, limiting the rate of exchange with the environment.

Question 14

Which organelle is responsible for converting food energy into ATP in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondrion

Question 15

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

Accepted Answer

DNA contains deoxyribose sugar, while RNA contains ribose sugar.

Question 16

Which of the following cell junctions allows for the direct passage of ions and small molecules between animal cells?

Accepted Answer

Gap junctions

Question 17

A protein is found to have a mutation that changes a non-polar amino acid to a charged amino acid in its active site. What is the most likely effect?

Accepted Answer

The protein's function may be altered due to changes in its structure and interactions with substrates.

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the role of phospholipids in biological membranes?

Accepted Answer

They form a bilayer with hydrophilic heads facing outward and hydrophobic tails facing inward, creating a selective barrier.

Question 19

Which equation correctly represents the relationship between pH and hydrogen ion concentration $$[H^+]$$?

Accepted Answer

$$pH = -\log_{10}[H^+]$$

Question 20

Which of the following is a correct example of a chemical reaction at equilibrium?

Accepted Answer

The rate of the forward reaction equals the rate of the reverse reaction, and the concentrations of reactants and products remain constant.

General Biology I: Core Concepts and Study Guide

Study Guide - Practice Questions