Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference between discovery-based science and hypothesis-driven science?

Accepted Answer

Discovery-based science involves making observations and collecting data without a specific hypothesis, while hypothesis-driven science starts with a specific question and a testable hypothesis.

Question 2

A radioactive isotope of iodine ($$^{131}I) is $$commonly used in medicine to diagnose thyroid disorders. What property of isotopes makes them useful for such medical applications?

Accepted Answer

Isotopes have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons, allowing some to be radioactive and traceable in the body.

Question 3

Which property of water is primarily responsible for its ability to moderate temperature in living organisms?

Accepted Answer

Water has a high specific heat capacity, meaning it can absorb or release large amounts of heat with only a slight change in its own temperature.

Question 4

A solution has a hydrogen ion concentration of $$[H^+] = 1 	imes 10$$^{-5}$$ M. What is the pH of this solution?

Accepted Answer

$$5$$

Question 5

Which of the following best explains why phospholipids form a bilayer when placed in water?

Accepted Answer

Their hydrophilic heads interact with water while their hydrophobic tails avoid water, resulting in a bilayer structure.

Question 6

Which of the following statements about protein structure is correct?

Accepted Answer

The tertiary structure of a protein is stabilized by interactions between R groups of amino acids, including hydrogen bonds, ionic bonds, and disulfide bridges.

Question 7

Which of the following is a correct comparison between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids?

Accepted Answer

Saturated fatty acids have no double bonds between carbon atoms, making them solid at room temperature, while unsaturated fatty acids have one or more double bonds, making them liquid at room temperature.

Question 8

A scientist is studying a newly discovered molecule that contains carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen. It is made of long chains of amino acids. Which class of biological macromolecule does this molecule most likely belong to?

Accepted Answer

Protein

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the role of buffers in biological systems?

Accepted Answer

Buffers help maintain a stable pH by accepting or donating hydrogen ions ($$H^+) $$when acids or bases are added.

Question 10

Which of the following functional groups is found in all amino acids?

Accepted Answer

Amino group ($$-NH_2$)

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

DNA contains deoxyribose sugar, while RNA contains ribose sugar.

Question 12

A cell is observed to have a nucleus, mitochondria, and endoplasmic reticulum. Which type of cell is this?

Accepted Answer

Eukaryotic cell

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

A small cell size increases the surface area-to-volume ratio, allowing for more efficient exchange of materials with the environment.

Question 14

Which organelle is primarily responsible for the synthesis of proteins that are exported from the cell?

Accepted Answer

Rough endoplasmic reticulum

Question 15

A patient is diagnosed with a disease that affects the function of lysosomes. Which of the following cellular processes is most likely to be impaired?

Accepted Answer

Breakdown of macromolecules and cellular waste

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the difference between a polypeptide and a protein?

Accepted Answer

A polypeptide is a linear chain of amino acids, while a protein is a functional molecule that may consist of one or more polypeptides folded into a specific shape.

Question 17

Which of the following is a property of water that is critical for the survival of living organisms?

Accepted Answer

Water's ability to form hydrogen bonds allows it to act as an excellent solvent for polar and ionic substances.

Question 18

Which of the following best explains why carbon is the chemical basis of all life?

Accepted Answer

Carbon can form four covalent bonds, allowing it to create a variety of stable and complex organic molecules.

Question 19

A researcher adds a drop of hydrochloric acid ($$HCl) to a $$beaker of pure water, causing the pH to drop from 7 to 3. If the same amount of $$HCl is $$added to a beaker containing a buffer, what is the most likely outcome?

Accepted Answer

The pH will decrease only slightly, remaining close to neutral.

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the function of the Golgi apparatus in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

It modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for secretion or delivery to other organelles.

General Biology I: Core Concepts and Foundations (Chapters 1–4 Study Guide)

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