Question 1

Which of the following best describes the concept of emergent properties in biology?

Accepted Answer

Properties that arise at each level of biological organization that are not present at the preceding level.

Question 2

A scientist is testing the effect of sunlight on plant growth. She uses the same type of plant, soil, and water, but varies the amount of sunlight each plant receives. In this experiment, what is the independent variable?

Accepted Answer

The amount of sunlight each plant receives.

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT one of the four elements that make up approximately 96% of living matter?

Accepted Answer

Calcium

Question 4

Which of the following best explains why water is considered a polar molecule?

Accepted Answer

It has a partial negative charge near the oxygen atom and a partial positive charge near the hydrogen atoms.

Question 5

A solution is made by dissolving 10 grams of NaCl in enough water to make 1 liter of solution. What is the molarity of the solution? (Molar mass of NaCl = 58.44 g/mol)

Accepted Answer

$$0.171\ 	ext{M}$$

Question 6

Which of the following statements about covalent bonds is correct?

Accepted Answer

Covalent bonds involve the sharing of electron pairs between atoms.

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the role of ATP in the cell?

Accepted Answer

ATP stores and transfers energy for cellular processes.

Question 8

During Stanley Miller's experiment, which of the following was demonstrated?

Accepted Answer

Organic molecules could be synthesized abiotically under conditions thought to resemble those of early Earth.

Question 9

Which of the following functional groups is correctly matched with its structure?

Accepted Answer

Amino group: $$-\mathrm{NH}_2$$

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

Hydrogen bonds stabilize and keep the molecules of ice farther apart than in liquid water.

Question 11

A radioactive isotope of carbon ($$^{14}\mathrm{C}) $$has an atomic number of 6 and a mass number of 14. How many neutrons does it have?

Accepted Answer

$$8$$

Question 12

Which of the following is an example of a hypothesis in the scientific method?

Accepted Answer

"If fertilizer is added to soil, then plant growth will increase."

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the difference between ionic and covalent bonds?

Accepted Answer

Ionic bonds involve the transfer of electrons, while covalent bonds involve the sharing of electrons.

Question 14

Which of the following is a correct statement about chemical equilibrium?

Accepted Answer

At equilibrium, the rates of the forward and reverse reactions are equal.

Question 15

Which property of water allows it to moderate Earth's climate by absorbing and releasing heat with only slight temperature change?

Accepted Answer

High specific heat

Question 16

A carbon atom can form four covalent bonds. What is the significance of this property for organic molecules?

Accepted Answer

It allows carbon to form a wide variety of complex and diverse molecules.

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the relationship between structure and function in biological molecules?

Accepted Answer

The specific shape and chemical properties of a molecule determine its function.

Question 18

Which of the following is an example of a real-life application of hydrogen bonding?

Accepted Answer

The cohesion of water molecules that allows insects to walk on water.

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why oil does not dissolve in water?

Accepted Answer

Oil is hydrophobic and nonpolar, so it does not interact favorably with polar water molecules.

Question 20

Which of the following is the correct definition of atomic mass?

Accepted Answer

The sum of the number of protons and neutrons in an atom.

General Biology I: Foundational Concepts and Chemistry of Life

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