Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference between covalent and ionic bonds?

Accepted Answer

Covalent bonds involve the sharing of electrons, while ionic bonds involve the transfer of electrons.

Question 2

Which functional group is most likely to act as a base in a biological molecule?

Accepted Answer

Amino group ($\mathrm{–NH_2}$)

Question 3

A red blood cell is placed in a hypotonic solution. What will most likely happen to the cell?

Accepted Answer

It will swell and possibly burst due to water entering the cell.

Question 4

Which of the following is a property of water that makes it essential for life?

Accepted Answer

It has a high specific heat, allowing it to moderate temperature changes.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Hydrogen bonding causes water molecules in ice to be spaced farther apart than in liquid water.

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT a function of the Golgi apparatus?

Accepted Answer

Synthesizing ATP for cellular energy

Question 7

Which of the following statements about facilitated diffusion is correct?

Accepted Answer

It requires a membrane protein but does not require energy input.

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the role of mitochondria in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

They convert chemical energy from food into ATP through cellular respiration.

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

DNA contains deoxyribose sugar, while RNA contains ribose sugar.

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the Fluid Mosaic Model of the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

A dynamic structure with proteins embedded in or attached to a phospholipid bilayer.

Question 11

Which of the following is an example of active transport in cells?

Accepted Answer

The sodium-potassium pump moving $\mathrm{Na^+}$ and $\mathrm{K^+}$ ions against their concentration gradients.

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

The specific sequence of amino acids determines the protein's three-dimensional shape, which determines its function.

Question 13

Which of the following is a polysaccharide used for energy storage in animals?

Accepted Answer

Glycogen

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 15

Which of the following is a function of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)?

Accepted Answer

Synthesis of proteins and lipids

Question 16

Which of the following best describes osmosis?

Accepted Answer

The movement of water across a semipermeable membrane from an area of low solute concentration to high solute concentration.

Question 17

Which of the following is a unique property of water that supports life on Earth?

Accepted Answer

It is an excellent solvent due to its polarity.

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the role of ATP in cellular metabolism?

Accepted Answer

ATP provides energy for endergonic reactions by hydrolysis of its terminal phosphate bond.

Question 19

Which of the following is a difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Eukaryotic cells have membrane-bound organelles, while prokaryotic cells do not.

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the function of lysosomes?

Accepted Answer

They contain hydrolytic enzymes that digest macromolecules and worn-out organelles.

General Biology Study Guide: Chemical Context, Water, Biological Molecules, and Cell Structure

Study Guide - Practice Questions