Question 1

Which of the following statements best describes a scientific hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

A possible explanation for an observation that must be testable and falsifiable.

Question 2

A researcher wants to test if a new drug reduces blood pressure. She gives the drug to one group and a placebo to another, ensuring neither the participants nor the researchers know who receives which. What type of experimental design is this?

Accepted Answer

Double blind controlled experiment

Question 3

Which of the following is an example of a prediction derived from a hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

If vitamin C decreases colds, then people taking supplements will get fewer colds than those who do not.

Question 4

Which property is NOT a characteristic of living things?

Accepted Answer

Ability to dissolve in water

Question 5

Which of the following best explains the difference between correlation and causation?

Accepted Answer

Correlation is a relationship between variables, but does not prove that one causes the other.

Question 6

Which of the following is an organic molecule?

Accepted Answer

C\_6H\_{12}O\_6

Question 7

A molecule of water (H\_2O) is held together by which type of bond?

Accepted Answer

Covalent bond

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

They speed up chemical reactions by lowering the activation energy.

Question 9

A cell is placed in a solution and swells until it bursts. What type of solution is the cell in, and what process is occurring?

Accepted Answer

Hypotonic solution; water enters the cell by osmosis

Question 10

Which of the following statements about prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells is correct?

Accepted Answer

Eukaryotic cells have a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles; prokaryotic cells do not.

Question 11

Which of the following best explains why water is considered a universal solvent?

Accepted Answer

Its polarity allows it to dissolve many different substances.

Question 12

A scientist finds a new molecule with a long chain of carbon atoms and many hydrogen atoms. Which class of macromolecule is this most likely to be?

Accepted Answer

Lipid

Question 13

Which organelle is responsible for producing ATP through aerobic respiration in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondrion

Question 14

Which of the following factors would most likely cause an enzyme to denature?

Accepted Answer

A temperature significantly above the enzyme's optimal range

Question 15

Which of the following best describes facilitated diffusion?

Accepted Answer

Transport of molecules down their concentration gradient via a protein channel, without energy input

Question 16

A patient is diagnosed with a disease caused by the accumulation of damaged organelles and waste in cells. Which organelle is most likely malfunctioning?

Accepted Answer

Lysosome

Question 17

Which of the following is a function of nucleic acids in cells?

Accepted Answer

Storing genetic information

Question 18

A scientist observes that people who eat more ice cream have a higher rate of drowning deaths. What is the most likely explanation for this observation?

Accepted Answer

There is a correlation, but not causation; both may be related to a third factor such as hot weather.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the structure of a phospholipid in a cell membrane?

Accepted Answer

A hydrophilic head and two hydrophobic tails

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why antioxidants such as vitamin C are important in biological systems?

Accepted Answer

They donate electrons to neutralize free radicals, preventing cell damage.

General Biology Study Guide: Foundations, Chemistry of Life, Cells, and Enzymes

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