Question 1

Which type of chemical bond is responsible for the backbone structure of DNA, connecting the 5' phosphate group of one nucleotide to the 3' hydroxyl group of the next?

Accepted Answer

phosphodiester bond

Question 2

If two atoms have identical electronegativities and form a covalent bond, what type of bond is produced?

Accepted Answer

nonpolar covalent bond

Question 3

During the formation of a peptide bond between two amino acids, which molecule is released as a byproduct?

Accepted Answer

water

Question 4

Which of the following molecules contains polar covalent bonds?

Accepted Answer

water ($H_2O$)

Question 5

Which biological polymer exhibits the least diversity in physicochemical properties and structure?

Accepted Answer

DNA

Question 6

A mutation changes a hydrophilic amino acid in a protein to a hydrophobic one. How would this most likely affect the protein's structure?

Accepted Answer

It could cause the protein to fold differently, possibly burying the hydrophobic residue in the interior.

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

Hydrogen bonds in ice create a lattice that is less dense than liquid water.

Question 8

Which property of water is most important for the transport of water from roots to leaves in tall trees?

Accepted Answer

Cohesion due to hydrogen bonding

Question 9

A scientist adds acid to a solution containing dissolved calcium carbonate. What is the most likely effect on the calcium carbonate?

Accepted Answer

It will dissolve more readily.

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the relationship between genotype and phenotype?

Accepted Answer

Genotype provides the genetic instructions that, together with environmental influences, determine phenotype.

Question 11

A cell is observed to have a nucleus, mitochondria, and endoplasmic reticulum. Which type of cell is this?

Accepted Answer

Eukaryotic cell

Question 12

Which process is responsible for the synthesis of polymers from monomers in living cells?

Accepted Answer

Dehydration reaction

Question 13

A DNA molecule is analyzed and found to have 30% adenine. According to Chargaff's rules, what percentage of guanine would you expect?

Accepted Answer

20%

Question 14

Which of the following is a function of the plasma membrane in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Regulating the movement of substances into and out of the cell

Question 15

Which statement best describes the difference between mitosis and meiosis?

Accepted Answer

Mitosis produces two identical daughter cells, while meiosis produces four genetically unique cells.

Question 16

A population of giraffes is observed to have longer necks over several generations. Which evolutionary mechanism is most likely responsible for this change?

Accepted Answer

Natural selection

Question 17

Which of the following best explains why sickle cell anemia persists in certain populations?

Accepted Answer

It provides a selective advantage against malaria.

Question 18

Which of the following is true about the structure of a DNA double helix?

Accepted Answer

The two strands are antiparallel.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes codominance in genetics?

Accepted Answer

Both alleles are expressed equally in the phenotype.

Question 20

A cell is observed in a microscope to have condensed chromosomes aligned at the center of the cell. Which stage of mitosis is this?

Accepted Answer

Metaphase

General Biology Study Guide: Evolution, Macromolecules, Cell Structure, and Division

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