Question 1

Which of the following best describes the process by which scientific investigations are conducted in biology?

Accepted Answer

They involve ongoing cycles of observation, hypothesis formation, testing, and revision based on evidence.

Question 2

Which statement correctly describes the structure of an atom?

Accepted Answer

An atom consists of protons and neutrons in the nucleus, with electrons orbiting in defined shells.

Question 3

Which of the following is a covalent bond?

Accepted Answer

A bond formed by the sharing of electron pairs between atoms.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Its ability to form hydrogen bonds due to its polarity.

Question 5

A protein loses its function after being exposed to high heat. Which process is most likely responsible for this loss?

Accepted Answer

Denaturation, which disrupts the protein's tertiary and secondary structure.

Question 6

Which of the following best explains why saturated fatty acids are solid at room temperature?

Accepted Answer

They have straight hydrocarbon chains that pack tightly together.

Question 7

Which equation represents the formation of a peptide bond between two amino acids?

Accepted Answer

$\mathrm{Amino\ acid}_1 + \mathrm{Amino\ acid}_2 \rightarrow \mathrm{Dipeptide} + \mathrm{H}_2\mathrm{O}$

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

They serve as a primary source of energy for cells.

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the difference between simple and facilitated diffusion?

Accepted Answer

Simple diffusion does not require membrane proteins, while facilitated diffusion does.

Question 10

A sodium-potassium pump uses energy from ATP to move ions across the membrane. Which equation best represents this process?

Accepted Answer

$3\ \mathrm{Na}^+_{\mathrm{in}} + 2\ \mathrm{K}^+_{\mathrm{out}} + \mathrm{ATP} \rightarrow 3\ \mathrm{Na}^+_{\mathrm{out}} + 2\ \mathrm{K}^+_{\mathrm{in}} + \mathrm{ADP} + \mathrm{P}_i$

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the relationship between protein folding and function?

Accepted Answer

Proper folding is essential for a protein's biological activity; misfolding can lead to loss of function and disease.

Question 12

Which of the following is a structural difference between starch and cellulose?

Accepted Answer

Starch is composed of $\alpha$-glucose monomers, while cellulose is composed of $\beta$-glucose monomers.

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a property of lipids?

Accepted Answer

They are polymers made of repeating monomers.

Question 14

Which of the following molecules is most likely to diffuse freely across a phospholipid bilayer?

Accepted Answer

Oxygen ($\mathrm{O}_2$)

Question 15

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 16

Which of the following is a correct comparison between active and passive transport?

Accepted Answer

Active transport requires energy input, while passive transport does not.

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the tertiary structure of a protein?

Accepted Answer

The overall three-dimensional shape formed by interactions among side chains (R groups).

Question 18

Which of the following is a function of membrane proteins?

Accepted Answer

They act as channels and carriers to facilitate transport of substances across the membrane.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the difference between monosaccharides and polysaccharides?

Accepted Answer

Monosaccharides are single sugar units, while polysaccharides are long chains of sugar units.

Question 20

Which of the following is a correct statement about hydrogen bonds?

Accepted Answer

They are weak interactions between a hydrogen atom and an electronegative atom such as oxygen or nitrogen.

General Biology: Key Concepts and Study Guide

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