Question 1

Which of the following best describes the hierarchy of biological organization from smallest to largest?

Accepted Answer

Atom, molecule, organelle, cell, tissue, organ, organism, population, community, ecosystem

Question 2

A scientist wants to test the effect of sunlight on plant growth. She sets up two groups: one exposed to sunlight and one kept in darkness. What is the independent variable in this experiment?

Accepted Answer

Amount of sunlight

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a property attributed to living organisms?

Accepted Answer

Ability to photosynthesize

Question 4

Given an atom with atomic number $Z = 8$ and atomic mass $A = 16$, how many neutrons does it have?

Accepted Answer

$8$ (since $A - Z = 16 - 8 = 8$ neutrons)

Question 5

Which of the following best explains why water has a high surface tension?

Accepted Answer

Hydrogen bonds between water molecules

Question 6

What is the difference between a polar and a non-polar covalent bond?

Accepted Answer

Polar covalent bonds have unequal sharing of electrons; non-polar covalent bonds have equal sharing of electrons.

Question 7

If the concentration of $[H^+]$ in a solution is $1 	imes 10^{-5}$ M, what is the pH of the solution?

Accepted Answer

$5$

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

Hydroxyl group: $-OH$

Question 9

A solution with pH $5.0$ has how many times higher $[H^+]$ concentration than a solution with pH $7.0$?

Accepted Answer

$100$ times higher

Question 10

Which type of chemical bond is responsible for holding the atoms together in a water molecule?

Accepted Answer

Polar covalent bond

Question 11

Which of the following statements about isotopes is correct?

Accepted Answer

Isotopes have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.

Question 12

Which of the following is a buffer's primary function in biological systems?

Accepted Answer

To maintain a stable pH by neutralizing excess acids or bases

Question 13

Which of the following bonds must be broken to raise the temperature of water for it to evaporate?

Accepted Answer

Hydrogen bonds

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT a major element found in the living body?

Accepted Answer

Sodium (Na)

Question 15

Which property of water allows it to dissolve many substances, making it an excellent solvent?

Accepted Answer

Its polarity

Question 16

Which of the following is a correct definition of a hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

A testable explanation for an observation or scientific question

Question 17

Which of the following is a trace element essential for human health?

Accepted Answer

Iron (Fe)

Question 18

Which of the following statements about organic chemistry is correct?

Accepted Answer

Organic chemistry studies compounds containing carbon

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why carbon is such a versatile molecule in organic chemistry?

Accepted Answer

Carbon can form four covalent bonds with other atoms

Question 20

A scientist is studying the effect of a new drug on heart rate. She measures heart rate before and after administering the drug. What is the dependent variable in this experiment?

Accepted Answer

Heart rate

General Biology I: Study Guide for Exam 1 (Chapters 1–4)

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards