Question 1

Which of the following best describes a monophyletic group in a phylogenetic tree?

Accepted Answer

A group that includes an ancestor and all of its descendants.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

$$C_6H_{12}O_6$ + C_6H_{12}O_6$ \rightarrow C$$_{12}$$H_{22}O$$_{11} + H_2O$

Question 3

A scientist discovers a new molecule with the formula $$C_{16}H$$_{32}$$O_2. $$Which class of biological macromolecule does this most likely belong to?

Accepted Answer

Lipid

Question 4

Which of the following statements about hydrogen bonds is correct?

Accepted Answer

They are responsible for the unique properties of water, such as high specific heat.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Hydrogen bonds stabilize and keep water molecules further apart in ice than in liquid water.

Question 6

Which of the following is an example of a hydrolysis reaction?

Accepted Answer

$$C_{12}H$$_{22}$$O_{11} + H_2O \rightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6$ + C_6H_{12}O_6$

Question 7

A mutation causes a change in the primary structure of a protein. Which level(s) of protein structure could be affected as a result?

Accepted Answer

All levels: primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

Amino group ($$-NH_2$)

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; unsaturated fatty acids have one or more double bonds.

Question 10

Which of the following is a real-world example of the importance of protein structure?

Accepted Answer

Sickle cell anemia results from a single amino acid substitution in hemoglobin.

Question 11

Which of the following best explains why water is an excellent solvent for ionic compounds?

Accepted Answer

Water is polar, allowing it to surround and separate ions.

Question 12

Which of the following molecules is most likely to pass directly through a phospholipid bilayer?

Accepted Answer

Oxygen ($$O_2)$$

Question 13

Which of the following is a correct pairing of a macromolecule and its monomer?

Accepted Answer

Protein – Amino acid

Question 14

A researcher adds a drop of acid to a solution and observes that the pH changes very little. What property of the solution explains this observation?

Accepted Answer

The presence of a buffer

Question 15

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

Accepted Answer

They lower the activation energy of reactions.

Question 16

Which of the following is a correct statement about the central dogma of molecular biology?

Accepted Answer

DNA is transcribed to RNA, which is translated to protein.

Question 17

Which of the following best explains why phospholipids form bilayers in water?

Accepted Answer

Their hydrophilic heads interact with water, while hydrophobic tails avoid water.

Question 18

Which of the following is a real-world application of understanding osmosis in medicine?

Accepted Answer

Administering intravenous fluids with the correct solute concentration to prevent cell lysis or shrinkage.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the difference between DNA and RNA?

Accepted Answer

DNA contains deoxyribose sugar; RNA contains ribose sugar.

Question 20

Which of the following is a correct chemical formula for a disaccharide formed from two glucose molecules?

Accepted Answer

$$C_{12}H$$_{22}$$O_{11}$

General Biology: Key Concepts and Practice Questions

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