Question 1

Which of the following best illustrates an emergent property in biological systems?

Accepted Answer

The coordinated contraction of heart muscle cells resulting in a heartbeat.

Question 2

Which statement correctly distinguishes between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Eukaryotic cells have a nucleus, while prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus.

Question 3

A scientist wants to test the effect of light intensity on plant growth. Which is the independent variable in this experiment?

Accepted Answer

The intensity of light provided to the plants.

Question 4

Which of the following is the correct sequence for gene expression?

Accepted Answer

DNA → RNA → protein

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the difference between a theory and a hypothesis in science?

Accepted Answer

A theory is supported by a large body of evidence, while a hypothesis is a testable statement.

Question 6

Which of the following is an example of deductive reasoning in biology?

Accepted Answer

Predicting that if all mammals have lungs, then a whale (a mammal) must have lungs.

Question 7

Which chemical bond is responsible for the unique properties of water, such as high surface tension and cohesion?

Accepted Answer

Hydrogen bonds

Question 8

What is the pH of a solution with a hydrogen ion concentration $[H^+] = 1 	imes 10^{-5}$ M?

Accepted Answer

$pH = 5$

Question 9

Which statement about buffers in biological systems is correct?

Accepted Answer

Buffers maintain a stable pH by neutralizing added acids and bases.

Question 10

Which of the following is a correct description of a dehydration synthesis reaction?

Accepted Answer

A reaction that forms polymers from monomers by removing water.

Question 11

Which level of protein structure is stabilized primarily by hydrogen bonds between backbone atoms?

Accepted Answer

Secondary structure

Question 12

Which of the following best explains why saturated fatty acids are solid at room temperature?

Accepted Answer

Their straight chains allow tight packing.

Question 13

Which statement correctly compares DNA and RNA?

Accepted Answer

DNA is usually double-stranded, while RNA is usually single-stranded.

Question 14

Which of the following is a real-world example of natural selection?

Accepted Answer

A population of moths changing color to blend in with polluted tree bark.

Question 15

Which domain of life includes organisms with membrane-bound nuclei?

Accepted Answer

Eukarya

Question 16

Which of the following is a correct complementary DNA sequence for the strand 5'-ATCGGTA-3'?

Accepted Answer

3'-TAGCCAT-5'

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the endosymbiotic theory for the origin of mitochondria?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondria originated from a symbiotic relationship between an ancestral eukaryote and a prokaryote.

Question 18

Which of the following is a property of water that helps regulate temperature in living organisms?

Accepted Answer

High specific heat

Question 19

Which of the following molecules is most likely to be the first hereditary molecule in the RNA world hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

RNA

Question 20

A solution has a hydroxide ion concentration $[OH^-] = 1 	imes 10^{-7}$ M. What is the pH of this solution?

Accepted Answer

$pH = 7$

General Biology Study Guide: Foundations, Chemistry, Biological Molecules, and the Origin of Life

Study Guide - Practice Questions