Question 1

Which of the following best describes why smaller cells are generally more efficient than larger cells?

Accepted Answer

Smaller cells have a larger surface area to volume ratio, allowing for more efficient exchange of materials.

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic shared by all living organisms?

Accepted Answer

Ability to photosynthesize

Question 3

A scientist observes that a certain species of bacteria can survive in extremely hot environments. Which characteristic of life does this best illustrate?

Accepted Answer

Adaptation

Question 4

Which of the following statements about water is correct?

Accepted Answer

Water has a high heat capacity due to hydrogen bonding.

Question 5

Which of the following best explains why oil does not mix with water?

Accepted Answer

Oil molecules are nonpolar and do not form hydrogen bonds with water.

Question 6

Which of the following is a function of proteins in living organisms?

Accepted Answer

Speeding up chemical reactions as enzymes

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the difference between DNA and RNA?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 8

Which of the following is an example of active transport across a cell membrane?

Accepted Answer

Sodium-potassium pump moving ions against their concentration gradient

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

ATP provides energy for cellular reactions.

Question 10

Which of the following is a correct statement about enzymes?

Accepted Answer

Enzymes lower the activation energy required for a reaction.

Question 11

Which of the following best explains why humans are classified as mammals?

Accepted Answer

Humans have hair, mammary glands, and three middle ear bones.

Question 12

Which of the following is a property of water that is important for life?

Accepted Answer

Water has a high heat of vaporization, helping organisms maintain temperature.

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the function of carbohydrates in living organisms?

Accepted Answer

Carbohydrates are the main source of energy.

Question 14

Which of the following is true about the scientific method?

Accepted Answer

A hypothesis is a testable explanation for an observation.

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 16

Which of the following is an example of a hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

If fertilizer is added to soil, then plant growth will increase.

Question 17

Which of the following best explains why enzymes are specific to their substrates?

Accepted Answer

Enzymes have active sites with specific shapes that fit only certain substrates.

Question 18

Which of the following is a correct statement about facilitated diffusion?

Accepted Answer

Facilitated diffusion moves molecules down their concentration gradient.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the role of the plasma membrane in cells?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 20

Which of the following is a correct statement about acids and bases?

Accepted Answer

Acids release hydrogen ions in solution.

General Biology Study Guide: Foundations of Life, Biomolecules, and Cell Structure

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