Question 1

Which of the following best describes the monomers of nucleic acids and their key structural components?

Accepted Answer

Nucleotides, each consisting of a phosphate group, a five-carbon sugar, and a nitrogenous base.

Question 2

Which of the following statements correctly distinguishes between ribonucleotides and deoxyribonucleotides?

Accepted Answer

Ribonucleotides have a hydroxyl group at the 2' carbon of the sugar, while deoxyribonucleotides have a hydrogen at the same position.

Question 3

During DNA replication, which property of DNA allows for the accurate copying of genetic information?

Accepted Answer

The antiparallel and complementary base pairing of the two DNA strands.

Question 4

Which of the following best explains why RNA, rather than DNA, is hypothesized to have been the first self-replicating molecule?

Accepted Answer

RNA can act as both a genetic material and as a catalyst (ribozyme), while DNA cannot catalyze reactions.

Question 5

Which of the following is a correct statement about the role of polysaccharides in energy storage?

Accepted Answer

Glycogen in animals and starch in plants serve as major energy storage polysaccharides.

Question 6

A patient is diagnosed with a disorder affecting the structure of membrane lipids. Which of the following cellular processes is most likely to be directly impacted?

Accepted Answer

Selective permeability and transport across the plasma membrane.

Question 7

Which of the following statements about phospholipids is correct?

Accepted Answer

Phospholipids have two hydrophobic tails and a hydrophilic head, allowing them to form bilayers in water.

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Eukaryotic cells have a nucleus containing their genetic material, while prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus.

Question 9

A scientist is studying the transport of glucose into cells and finds that a specific protein, Glut-1, is involved. What type of transport is Glut-1 most likely facilitating?

Accepted Answer

Facilitated diffusion down a concentration gradient.

Question 10

Which of the following is a unique feature of mitochondria and chloroplasts compared to other organelles?

Accepted Answer

They contain their own DNA and ribosomes, supporting the endosymbiotic theory.

Question 11

A mutation disrupts the function of actin filaments in a eukaryotic cell. Which cellular process is most likely to be directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Cell movement and changes in cell shape.

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the endomembrane system in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

A group of interconnected organelles including the endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, and vesicles.

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

Steroids are composed of four fused carbon rings with various functional groups attached.

Question 14

A cell is observed to have a high concentration of rough endoplasmic reticulum. Which function is this cell most likely specialized for?

Accepted Answer

Protein synthesis and secretion.

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why polysaccharides such as cellulose are not used for energy storage in animals?

Accepted Answer

Animals lack the enzymes to hydrolyze the β-1,4-glycosidic bonds in cellulose.

Question 16

Which of the following equations correctly represents the hydrolysis of a disaccharide into two monosaccharides?

Accepted Answer

$C_{12}H_{22}O_{11} + H_2O \rightarrow 2C_6H_{12}O_6$

Question 17

A researcher observes that a certain protein is transported from the cytoplasm into the nucleus. Which of the following best describes the process involved?

Accepted Answer

The protein is actively transported through nuclear pores using specific signal sequences.

Question 18

Which of the following cytoskeletal elements is primarily responsible for the movement of cilia and flagella?

Accepted Answer

Microtubules.

Question 19

A cell is exposed to a toxin that inhibits the formation of glycosidic bonds. Which of the following macromolecules will be most directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Polysaccharides.

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the function of the Golgi apparatus in the endomembrane system?

Accepted Answer

It modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for secretion or delivery to other organelles.

General Biology Study Guide: Chapters 4-7 (Nucleic Acids, Carbohydrates, Lipids, Cell Structure)

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards