Question 1

Which of the following best describes the cell theory?

Accepted Answer

All living things are made of cells, and all cells arise from pre-existing cells.

Question 2

Pasteur’s experiment with straight-necked and swan-necked flasks demonstrated which principle?

Accepted Answer

Cells arise only from pre-existing cells, not from spontaneous generation.

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT one of the five fundamental traits shared by all living things?

Accepted Answer

Ability to photosynthesize

Question 4

Which of the following best explains why water is an efficient solvent?

Accepted Answer

Water is polar and forms hydrogen bonds with other polar molecules and ions.

Question 5

A scientist is studying a molecule with the formula $C_{6}H_{12}O_{6}$. Which class of biological macromolecule does this molecule most likely belong to?

Accepted Answer

Carbohydrates

Question 6

Which of the following statements about amino acids is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Amino acids are linked together by peptide bonds during protein synthesis.

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the directionality of DNA strands?

Accepted Answer

DNA strands run antiparallel, with one strand running 5' to 3' and the other 3' to 5'.

Question 8

Which of the following is a function of the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

It regulates the movement of substances into and out of the cell.

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

Phospholipids have hydrophilic heads and hydrophobic tails, causing them to arrange with heads facing water and tails facing inward.

Question 10

Which of the following statements about diffusion is correct?

Accepted Answer

Diffusion is the movement of molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.

Question 11

Which of the following best describes a spontaneous chemical reaction?

Accepted Answer

A reaction that occurs without the input of external energy, often increasing entropy.

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

Water has a high specific heat, allowing it to buffer temperature changes.

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

Enzymes lower the activation energy required for chemical reactions.

Question 14

Which of the following statements about nucleic acids is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Nucleic acids are polymers made of nucleotide monomers linked by phosphodiester bonds.

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the central dogma of molecular biology?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 16

Which of the following is a difference between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids?

Accepted Answer

Saturated fatty acids have no double bonds between carbon atoms, while unsaturated fatty acids have one or more double bonds.

Question 17

Which of the following best explains why carbon is important in biological molecules?

Accepted Answer

Carbon can form four covalent bonds, allowing for a diversity of stable structures.

Question 18

Which of the following statements about osmosis is correct?

Accepted Answer

Osmosis is the movement of water across a selectively permeable membrane from low solute concentration to high solute concentration.

Question 19

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

Accepted Answer

Buffers help maintain homeostasis by minimizing changes in pH.

Question 20

Which of the following is a property of phospholipids that is critical for membrane function?

Accepted Answer

They are amphipathic, having both hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions.

General Biology Study Guide: Foundations, Chemistry of Life, Macromolecules, and Membranes

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