Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

A hypothesis is a tentative explanation that can be tested, while a theory is a broad explanation supported by a large body of evidence.

Question 2

Which of the following statements about electrons and energy levels is correct?

Accepted Answer

Electrons fill the innermost energy levels first because these have the lowest energy.

Question 3

Which property of water allows it to move upward through the stem of a plant against gravity?

Accepted Answer

Cohesion and adhesion

Question 4

A molecule of methane ($$CH_4) is $$considered nonpolar because:

Accepted Answer

The electrons are shared equally between the carbon and hydrogen atoms.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Ice is less dense than liquid water because hydrogen bonds hold water molecules in a lattice that is farther apart.

Question 6

Which of the following is a correct statement about the structure of DNA compared to RNA?

Accepted Answer

DNA is usually double-stranded, while RNA is usually single-stranded.

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the role of enzymes in biological reactions?

Accepted Answer

Enzymes decrease the activation energy required for reactions.

Question 8

Which of the following is a real-world example of the importance of water's high specific heat?

Accepted Answer

Water's high specific heat helps moderate Earth's climate by absorbing and releasing large amounts of heat with little temperature change.

Question 9

Which of the following best explains why carbon is so important in biological molecules?

Accepted Answer

Carbon can form up to four covalent bonds, allowing for a diversity of stable organic molecules.

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

A reaction that joins two monomers together by removing a molecule of water.

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the relationship between water temperature and climate patterns?

Accepted Answer

Water's high specific heat helps stabilize climate by moderating temperature changes.

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

Providing immediate energy for cellular processes

Question 13

Which of the following statements about hydrogen bonds is correct?

Accepted Answer

Hydrogen bonds form between a hydrogen atom and an electronegative atom like oxygen or nitrogen.

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

Oil molecules are nonpolar and cannot form hydrogen bonds with water.

Question 15

Which of the following is a correct statement about the pH scale?

Accepted Answer

A solution with a pH of 7 is neutral.

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the role of functional groups in organic molecules?

Accepted Answer

Functional groups determine the chemical reactivity and properties of organic molecules.

Question 17

Which of the following is a correct statement about the structure of proteins?

Accepted Answer

Proteins are made of amino acids joined by peptide bonds.

Question 18

Which of the following best explains why enzymes are specific to their substrates?

Accepted Answer

Enzymes have active sites with specific shapes that fit only certain substrates.

Question 19

Which of the following is a correct statement about the central role of carbon in biological molecules?

Accepted Answer

Carbon can form single, double, and triple bonds, allowing for a variety of molecular structures.

Question 20

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

Accepted Answer

The structure of a macromolecule determines its function in the cell.

General Biology I: Study Guide 1 – Foundations of Life, Chemistry, and Biological Molecules

Study Guide - Practice Questions